Friday, March 12, 2010

Adjusting my perspective

First things first - thank you for the kind, insightful, thoughtful comments you left yesterday. I plan on printing them out & keeping them in my desk for inspiration. It was hard to put my thoughts/feelings into writing - I like to keep a stiff upper lip and pretend that everything is ok, but sometimes it's harder to pretend everything is fine. I am thankful that I feel safe sharing how I feel with you.

So bottom line - I need to shut down that inner dialogue. A little bit of self criticism is ok, but I have clearly taken it too far. I did get a high five and a 'great job' comment from one of my clients today - exchanges like that make me realize that I can excel at this job.

Moving on - I was over at The Many Thoughts of a Reader's blog yesterday, sharing my thoughts on an advanced reader's copy of Scary Little Girl. It was my first time reading an ARC. It was pretty fun to read something that no one else could go out & buy! So hop on over there to see what I thought - and to see a picture of where I do much of my reading! The book is going on a little blog tour - I can't wait to see what others thought of the book. And PS - next month's blogger book club book is Middesex - you should read along with us!!

To close out the week, I'm going to leave you with yet another poem by the lovely Mary Anne Radmacher. As I've mentioned before, I am quite a fan of her work. I keep the book "Lean Forward into Your Life" on my bedside stand and frequently re-read the sections I have marked. Here is one I read this week when I was feeling down and need inspiration to adjust my perspective on life.

most of the things which seem so significant aren't.
don't take it personally - it's not usually about you.
pay attention. know when to leave.
curiosity takes courage.
the most important promises are the ones you make to yourself.
appreciation lasts longer than complaint.
being nice isn't always best.
surprise is as powerful as consistency.
listen to your inclination.
there's a difference between protecting yourself and defending yourself.
your eyes must not determine what you see.
play more.
stand tall.
imagine.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear readers.

13 comments:

Lisa-Marie said...

I am really glad you are feeling more positive, and glad that someone has commented on your great work! Sometimes those kids of comments are what we need!

Your reading chair looks so cosy. Have a very good weekend lovely!

Becky said...

I don't know why I haven't bought that book yet - every time you share a poem or thought from it I'm blown away!

Cheers to feeling better, knowing you're awesome, and a great weekend!

Charbelle said...

I know you run so do you read, Runners World? There is an article about Kara Goucher a world champion marathoner. It was super inspiring to me to read this story. I'm attaching the link just in case you wanted to check it out.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297--13431-0,00.html

I thought of this yesterday but forgot to go find it.
Have a great weekend!

I'maNolaGirl said...

I love this! What a powerful way to start the day!

Mandy said...

What great words. I should get a copy of that book too. I am glad that you are feeling more positive. I know you can excel at anything but it always helps to get some positive feedback (and a high five, is always fun).

Here's to conquering Friday and having an aweseome weekend.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Over the past decade plus, I have learned to loosen that stiff lip of mine. Everything doesn't have to be fine all the time (and pretending doesn't make it go away). But, knowing that things will get better is just as important as letting your guard down.

And Middlesex? I read it years ago and was one of the few people who hated it. Well, hate is a strong word. I really didn't like it, though.

Abby said...

What a neat poem! I am considering purchasing that book - because every time you post a poem from it..I love it!

Just looking at all the great comments you received is proof of how blessed you are, Lisa. You truly are an accomplished and great person. And on top of it all -- you are VERY loved!!

Enjoy your weekend! Try to get some relax-time in! I love you!! In 2 months you'll be in Tucson getting some hiking, sunshine, and sister-time! :)

Amber said...

Beautiful poem, this line really stands out to me:

"don't take it personally - it's not usually about you."

SO true. In my experience, when people lash out or are overly critical it's a problem with THEM not YOU.

I'm glad you're feeling better and I just KNOW that you can and WILL excel at your job! Have a great weekend love! XO

Sarah said...

Thank you so much for sharing that poem - it's so beautiful and so true.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit more positive about your work - that's really great!

Kelly said...

Yay for the high five and good job! I think adults need praise sometimes too not just kids :)That is one thing I think my job is pretty good for. I get a lot of positive feedback when I work hard and do a good job.

I love the thoughts you listed at the end. I should probably get that book.

Nora said...

thanks for posting that; we always need reminders like this in our lives. i hope you have a lovely, restful weekend. Can't wait until we can finally meet-up!

Marlys said...

I was so happy to read your blog today - and especially to hear that a client gave you that compliment! I'm sure it was very well deserved! Have a great weekend!

Oh said...

Aha! You see? You got a high five and a "great job" just when you needed it. That's how it is out there. Hang in, hang on. And remember, too, you don't have to LOVE your job, not all the time. (I always raise an eyebrow at people who gush, "I love my job." Hmmm...) Egads, the self doubt thing goes along all the time with people who care about their work. But when you leave work, leave it behind, detox on your way home in the car with good music (or good silence).

As for discovering ARC, cool, huh? Good for you and all the reading you manage to squeez in! How do you do it? I haven't read Middlesex but maybe I will...and will stop in to see what you all think of it.

and now to attack a ms that needs to be finished today! (yikes, wrestling with self doubt on writing this one. See? it always pops up. Sigh.) OK, back to "work."