Question 2, Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Obviously, never trying is worse that failing.  However, the fear of failure is a difficult hurdle to get over.  Nobody wears their failures as an honor, only success is celebrated.

What is the real risk of trying?  For me, judgement is powerful.  I have a deep seeded need to be perceived as successful, I don't know why I care what others perceive me to be, I just do.  The real question for me is...

Is revealing your vulnerability worth the risk of trying?

The logical me would tell you that failure is the stepping stone to success.  I would tell you to go out and try new things, you can only learn from your mistakes, failure makes success sweeter, you will learn from every experience and always being successful makes for a dull and uninteresting person.  Failure is the great equalizer, nobody can be successful all the time.  At the very least, failure makes for an interesting story.

The difference between "try" and "triumph" is a little UMPH.  Thanks Suzanne Brown for the nudge.

Today I will try something new and if I fail, so what...at least I tried.  Cheers.

First of 50 Questions

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

I would be the age of discovery, the age when time has no real relevance and you can be and do anything.  The age when there are no limits, only possibility.  The time immediately before you became aware of  the looming realty known as life's ultimate deadline.  A time when you were still the most viable, still coming up and and knowing that reinventing the world was still possible.  That fleeting sweet spot where you believe you can and are needed to assist mankind.  The moment when you knew that people were depending on you to make a difference and you inherently knew anything is possible.

Wishing I had taken the time and had the wisdom to embrace the fleeting moment thinly sandwiched between "I have all the time in the word" to the place of "what's the point".

 Is it ever to late to make a difference?

My son is in college and my daughter is now a senior in high school and I am officially beginning the year of letting go.  Let's be clear, I have consciously understood from the day my children were born that the process of letting go began.   I was warned how fast children grow up, I just didn't believe it would happen so quickly.   And somehow as I was nurturing and loving these amazing beings, I forgot to plan the "what's next" for me.

Why do I feel so lost?  I would adamantly deny, and did so on many occasions, that I was someone who defined myself by my children.  I have spent a lifetime preparing to have children, and the last 18+ years raising them.  Almost every decision I have made has included what is best for and/or how will it affect the children.  How will I define myself now?  What is my purpose?

Being all about me is a fearful place and I have to say it feels somewhat selfish.  Why do I have so many negative thoughts swirling through my head?  This should be a time of growth, opportunity and freedom, not the time for fear and uncertainty.  I am Seeking the joy and opportunity I know is waiting for me, I just can't see it yet.

I don't believe I was meant to be an accountant...

This is from my journal, I believe there is a clue to what I am supposed to be doing...

I Love the IDEA of being an Author.

I have written a book...in my head.  I know the story, I have lived with the characters for a decade, I know the message and I know the book layout.  I welcome talking to my editor about content and wording, I even embrace the deadlines involved.

So why haven't I written it?

I love the IDEA of Christmas.

The house is decorated, cookies are baking, friends are stopping by to chat, and all my Christmas cards are written and they are creative and beautiful without being boastful.  We spend all our evenings sitting by the beautifully decorated tree, the lights are twinkling and Christmas music is softly playing in the background, and my family is communicating and connecting in a deep an meaningful way.  You can feel the warmth and love in everything.

I like the IDEA of a new baby, not for me, please I'm  not crazy!

Baby powder, first words, smiles, first teeth, standing and walking.  OH!, the possibilities a new life has to offer.  Taking the time to read stories, playing games, going for walks, talking, just basking in the pure joy of connection.

I love the IDEA of cooking.

I love cookbooks and I admit  I dwell in the possibility of creation.  Food is beautiful, smells good, tastes amazing and it nurtures.  Food literally touches all of the senses.    I am all about the IDEA of food.  I spend hours looking at cookbooks, I am always on the quest for a new one and I admit, I take pictures of food.  I am a foodie.  I read menus to see all the innovative combinations.  I can pick up a cookbook and analyze it in minutes.  I am a self professed cookbook expert.  Try earning a living with this skill...

I love the IDEA of all that can be Created.

Pens, paper, ribbons, glue...OH MY~  Art and Craft Stores are bursting with possibility.

As I walk down the aisles the ideas flow, flow, flow, almost to the point of being overwhelming.  I call this free flow, it happens when I am not looking for a specific item and I allow my mind to be open to all the possibilities of what can be created.

I love the IDEA of quilting.

Again with the warmth and nurturing (could this be a pattern emerging...?).  Quilts have beauty, they have purpose and the surround you with love.  I have taken classes, I have purchased yards of fabric and I have all the tools to make a quilt.  SURPRISE!  I have never made a quilt.

I am an idea person.  I can describe IDEAS with clarity and delegate the steps necessary to achieve the BIG picture.  That is excitement and flow for me.

Direction?  Anyone?

What is your dream today, write it down and make the choice to work towards it!

While life doesn't come together perfectly, it is still perfectly beautiful.

A New Perspective

I read a really interesting article this morning stating that a disproportionate number of people in creative vocations are left handed.

Today, I am attempting to complete everyday tasks using my left hand.  I will let you know if any life changing, astonishingly creative ideas come my way.  I must admit, running the computer mouse with my left hand is extremely challenging, slightly frustrating and very humorous.  You think I'm exaggerating?  Try it!  :)