Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain

September 29, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

There is an old gospel song called “Rough Side of the Mountain.” The song is older than I am and has been sung by many artists. At odd times, the song comes to me (the Mahalia Jackson version) and I sing the chorus (I’m coming up on the rough side of the mountain) like a funeral dirge. It was not until this Saturday, however that I saw the song and the rough side of the mountain in a completely new light.

I was 4 miles into a treadmill walk. My shoulders slumped and my spirit was dampened. An injury had forced me to walk rather than run which in my mind completed my humiliation. All week my body had betrayed me. Weird, scary things had happened that made me begin to think of big, scary things like mortality. Up until last week I had felt like I was only 44 and suddenly I felt like the oldest 44 year old on the planet.

As I walked, I could feel my thoughts growing darker and I was sliding fast into a deep dark pit. I could feel the hole growing larger, swallowing me bit my bit when something snapped in my head. I realized I could choose whether I was on the descent or the ascent. (Don’t ask me what caused the snap, not sure but the mental image of a cane was perhaps the thing that freaked me out). I could see myself as getting older and deteriorating or I could use this as my base and get better.

So, I mentally slid to the base of the mountain. If I took myself down to level ground, I reasoned, I would no longer be sliding down but climbing back up. (Take that dark and twisty thoughts!). I stood up straighter and began to feel the fire slowly returning to my belly. Now it was time to climb the mountain. Mahalia Jackson’s song began to play in my head (no singing out loud this time) and that’s when I got the epiphany.

If you have to climb a mountain, the rough side is actually much better than the smooth side. Now, I’m no mountain climbing expert but the times I have found myself trying to climb up or down one, the task has been far easier on the rough side. The smooth side is slippery with no way to control your movement. You have to create spaces for your feet and it’s hard to control your movements. The rough side, however, has nubby little patches and craggy spots that allow you to grab hold as you climb up or down. The big craggy spots even allow a resting place should you need to catch your breath.

All those years, the song that seemed so sad and depressing became bright and shiny. Oh yea, I was choosing the rough side. After all, it was the smooth side that had allowed me to fall so quickly into the pit. I need those rough patches of grass and rocks to help me climb to the top. I need a little grit under my boots to help propel me to the summit. Yes, on the rough side, your hands may get a little scratched and your body will need to work hard but when you get to the top you will be stronger for the journey.

I left the big scary things at the base of that mountain, and began to climb slowly but steadily up the rough side humming a happy little tune along the way.

Now it’s your turn. Have you ever reevaluated a long held belief or assumption? What impact did it have on you?

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights, Inspiration | 23 Comments

Thankful Thursday

September 25, 2008

Thanks to all of you I am definitely not having the Worst Week Ever! This week has been one of the most invigorating, and thought provoking at Words For Hire. Wow! I could not have asked for a better party this week! I sat cross legged as I raptly listened to the thoughtful discussions and friendly debates. All week I have replayed conversations in my head and your words have fortified, educated and inspired me.

Who needs BlogWorld or Conferences when you can gather everyone in your own living room? Evelyn Lim, Rebecca Smith, Melissa Donovan, Jaden, Janice Cartier, Alex Fayle, Steph Vandermeulen, Alina Popescu, Karen Putz, and my new friend Seamus Anthony all popped in this week. Even Amy who has been buried in thesis writing had time to stop in for tea.

You recalled past world events and examined them in the context of the present with comments like this:

“And I think of this: the Aryans were an actual group of people (Indo Europeans) who thought themselves superior to others – it is interesting Hitler used this term for his ideas of the “supreme Aryan nation.” Some archeologist/anthropologists believe they may have started the whole light/dark, male/female polarity thinking in human thought.”–Ellen Wilson

Ulla Hennig shared her thoughts and personal insights on the travesty of World War II and asked the hard hitting question: “And I? What would I have done if I lived through that time? I know what I would have liked to do – I hate fascism – but would I have done it?”

After derailing Wendi Kelly’s thought, Robert Hruzek had this to say: “There’s a great little principle the Apostle Paul wrote once that really says it all, and is applicable to anyone, anywhere. I’ll summarize it this way: Do not blindly accept what you hear; test it for its inherent truth.”

Wendi then offered a wonderful comment which included this bit of wisdom: “This is why I say- and I have pounded this in to my children-you must examine your OWN beliefs and truths and carefully study and examine, never blindly follow no matter how bright or shiny the glitter may glow.”

There was talk of Science from the always Deep Friar mixed with his own unique brand of humor. Kelly who is directly responsible for motivating Nick Cernis‘ new blog, 44 Forks may very well rack up a second credit if Friar takes the bait. Kelly also added a thoughtful take on leadership.

I think that (mad, evil, etc.) leaders with blind followers are neither revealing nor teaching, but bullying, preying on fears and insecurities, and obscuring. By the end of that, the followers beliefs and self-concept have been warped, but they’ve been taught not a thing.–Kelly Erickson

For me, “blind faith” is an oxymoron. I’ve found that to believe – really believe – I must look deeply into an idea, and then into my own heart. I think it’s a lack of faith and an unwillingness to test one’s convictions that lead people to do the unspeakable.–Brad Shorr

For me it’s something to do with taking time, and what happens in it, as it is, rather than trying to impose my will on it. Letting things unfold in their own way, and in their own time. –Joanna Young

Back from his hiatus, Jamie Grove offered this wonderful reminder: “It’s hard to get too tied up in the universe when you laugh at the absurdity of it all.”

Life is beautiful, absurd and wonderful. I hope that you live and laugh well today! I’m off to visit with many of you today. Have an awesome Thursday!

Karen

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Wild and Wacky | 15 Comments

Mid-Week Musings

September 24, 2008

Image by Wolfgang Staudt via Flickr

Time is a funny thing. We have it in abundance everday but only appreciate it as it wanes. It becomes more precious in scarcity. We sit up and take notice ready to savor each moment as it wanes.

So many start the day on a mission to make every moment count. They speak of maximum productivity, goal oriented days and accomplishment. They want to squeeze the most out of their day but still somehow fail to truly savor the moments. In their world, the crackberry keeps them ever connected as they move purposefully through their days, multi-tasking when necessary to gain the most from the precious hours in a day. They use time to make money so that they have more time to make more money. I wonder where is the time for just living?

I read a funny post called 10 Reasons Why Being a Lazy Dude is Actually a Good Thing over at Rebel Zen this week. The irony was a nice contrast to the hyper-caffeinated, results oriented Type A people that often populate my world. While I can’t fully endorse the slacker world I do think it’s nice to vacation there once in awhile.

It takes one event, a suspicious lump, bump or bruise; an accident; a natural disaster to shake up your definition of “wasting time.” In those moments we realize we cannot regain what is past and we do not control how much is left. Suddenly when faced with losing a moment of time we want to embrace it tightly and beg it to slow down. We vow to be different, to stop and smell the roses, take time to spend with our families or simply gaze at the sunset…until we gain more time and we squander that too chasing “that thing” that will give us more time to live.

Alex Fayle calls it the Someday Syndrome. His blog provides insight on how to stop putting life on hold for some day and instead living today. Alex is a wise man. As I ponder this I know have today, this moment, right now. I am not certain how many more of these moments I have but I intend to balance this one with a healthy amount of work and play and loads of enjoyment doing both.

How about you? How do you make the most out of time? Share your thoughts in the comment box. The mic is on and it’s your turn.

Bye (for now),

Karen

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights | 18 Comments

Timeless Tuesday

September 23, 2008

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Written by Karen D. Swim

There are some things that are timeless, like wisdom, manners and the little black dress. I was reminded of this as I read the following passage today from The Prophet, written by Kahlil Gibran. Gibran died in 1931 yet his words are relevant more than 70 years later.

“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge. The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”

Wise teachers encourage you to think, analyze, question. They sow the ground that fertilizes self discovery allowing you to unlock your own wisdom. This is also the mark of a great leader, one who leads not rules, who inspires rather than dominates. A great leader does not require followers for he or she follows their own wisdom.

In our modern age we have access to vast amounts of information, knowledge and advice. We can reach across the miles and seek help from experts and leaders. Yet, the answers are not out there. The information and advice provide pieces of the puzzle, a blueprint if you will but it all leads back to the threshold of your own mind. Only you can define how to apply (or not) the advice to your life. Only you can determine if it aligns with your purpose, passion and values. Today, I hope you have the courage to step up to that threshold and follow your own internal compass.

What do you think of Gibran’s words? Do you have any timeless advice or tips to share? Y It’s fun to learn from one another, so please join in by adding your thoughts in the comment box. Your opinions are welcomed here.

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration | 38 Comments

Truth or Madness Monday

September 22, 2008

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Written by Karen D. Swim or was it?

Disclaimer: All characters are fictional and in no way based on any persons living or dead. Any resemblance to any person is completely unintentional. Please only read if you have had sufficient amounts of coffee or tea and your funny bone is in good working condition.

Once upon a time in a far away land people learned that, the earth was flat and it was good. With a digital connection, innovative entrepreneurs could create global networks with the click of a mouse. No longer confined to domestic borders, start-up companies became overnight international sensations. It was the digital age and life was good.

In this era of prosperity, there arose a group more powerful than all the others in the land. They were the Extraordinarians and they were known throughout the interwebs. They were best selling authors, speakers and consultants. Hundreds of thousands stood in digital lines trying to get their attention hoping for a return tweet or response to a comment in the vastness of the interwebs. The Extraordinarians did not care about celebrity for they loved their craft. They continued to study, discover, analyze and share their knowledge.

The Extraodinarians were good but soon a new group arose that lusted after their power, and they were called the Charlatans. The Charlatans modeled themselves after the Extraordinarians. They mirrored their language and style even as they deceived the people about their knowledge. They looked and sounded like the Extraordinarians and for many years no one knew of their deception. The Charlatans led the people to the Parting Place with their magic flutes that played no sound. They drew big signs with pretty colors and the people were transfixed as they danced to the Parting Place. Word spread and everyone believed, for how could so many be wrong.

At the Parting Place the Charlatans traded brightly colored boxes of air for currency from every nation. The followers oohed and aahed about their purchase and declared it as The Answer. Everyone believed because how could so many people be wrong. The Charlatans made boxes of every size and even gave away free bonuses and as word spread the valley filled with people eager to buy air.

Across the Valley another group arose and they were known as the Anti-arians. The Anti’s scowled and frowned and believed nothing they heard. They were opposed to everything and believed in nothing. The Anti’s debated the color of the sky and whether it really should be called the sky. They condemned everyone for it was their nature to live in opposition. Word of their movement spread and their ranks swelled. The Anti’s soon created anti-air in opposition to the Charlatans. Yet they did not move as one for everyone was opposed to everyone and for every anti product, there was an opposing anti, and the people were confused.

Chaos soon ruled the land and a cosmic explosion ripped through the interwebs. The circuits were destroyed and mankind was left without digital giants. The people emerged from their dark holes and explored the world around them. They asked questions as they explored and began to form opinions that were all their own. Independent, free thought ruled the land and it was good.

So dear readers, truth or madness? You decide. Please share your comments in the box below. All are welcome to join the conversation. You do not need a blog or website to comment, simply enter your name. If you are a new commenter your comment will not be immediately visible but don’t worry it will post. If you like this post please tell a friend. Thanks!

Flat Earth? Really?

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights | 25 Comments

I’m Still Standing! I’m Still Strong!

September 19, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

“It don’t matter what you tried to do, you couldn’t destroy me! I’m still standing! I’m still strong! And I always will be. “– Antwone Fisher, 2002

I saw Antwone Fisher in 2002, when it was first released. I was drawn to the story line about a young man who enlists in the Navy, and is helped by a Naval psychiatrist to finally confront the demons of his past. It was a powerful movie that dealt with family, friendship and finding inner peace. In one particularly moving scene the main character, Antwone Fisher (played by Derek Luke) spoke the lines above. When I heard them something awakened in my own heart, as these words seemed to echo in my spirit. At the time I was facing no particular challenge but I tucked the words away knowing that somehow they belonged to me.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgewaRT_ow&feature=related]

Over the years, these lines have become my personal mantra when facing adversity. I sometimes modify it to “I’m still standing. I”m still here,” but every iteration strengthens me and renews my determination to fight through the obstacles. As I speak them out loud, they seem to plant my feet on solid ground and enclose me in an impenetrable fortress. Though life may swirl around me I am reminded that I am indeed still standing.

I thought of this line this week as I received word from friends in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Friends like Robert Hruzek and Mrs. MZM who thankfully made it through the storm. As reports and pictures came in, I was glad that they too were still standing, all the more poignant as in so many instances the Hurricane had leveled so many homes.

Life may have dealt you a few setbacks but you are still standing. Your legs may shake from the effort but as long as you can proclaim that you are standing there is hope. I have been painfully aware in my own life that often it is not the movement that matters but the ability to simply stand. To stand in the face of adversity, to stand when everything seems to conspire to knock you down, to stand when the ground shakes and the skies rumble, to stand when then the torrential rains beat at your door, to stand when others are pushing you to move.

Today as I face the business and personal challenges in my own life, I am so very thankful to report that I’m still standing. I’m still strong. And I always will be.

Do you have a favorite line from a movie or book that gives you strength or uplifts your spirit? Share your favorites in the comment box below. All of your comments are welcome.

You do not need a website or blog to join the conversation, simply type your name in the comment box. If you’re a first time commenter, your comment will not appear right away as it emails me to ask for permission to post. Don’t worry it will show up! If you enjoy Words For Hire, I’d sure appreciate it if you shared it with a friend. Thanks!

First Photo from Spike Lee’s ‘Miracle at St. Anna’

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Fierce Friday, Inspiration for Life | 28 Comments

Customer Responsibility – The Other Side of Service

September 18, 2008

Image by markolson via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

The other day I had an inexplicable craving for a muffin. Out of my trusty Vitalicious VitaMuffins I decided to drive to the local Tim Horton’s coffee shop where they sell muffins that do not resemble a giant burger. I found myself standing in line with the morning commute crowd. It was not even 8:30 am and most of the people were unsmiling and clearly in a rush.

The cashier was a young girl who looked no older than 20 (Confession: these days anyone younger than 30 looks like a 12 year old to me). She was helping the gentleman in front of me and it was clear the transaction was not going well. The man was in his late 40s with graying hair. He was wearing dress slacks, a freshly pressed white shirt with thin blue stripes and a dashing blue tie wih red accents. He barked orders at the poor girl as though she were Cinderella, you know before Prince Charming whisked her off with her glass slipper.

She completed his order and sat his coffee down on as she rang him up. She handed him his change and he grabbed the bag. With a half frightened smile she then asked, “Would you like a sleeve for your coffee?” “I don’t even know why you have to ask!,” he bellowed in response. Looking as if she had been slapped in the face, she stammered something about paper conservation as the red faced man took his coffee and donuts and left in a huff.

As I watched the exchange, I felt sorry for the poor girl who was simply doing her job. I knew that she had not deserved the treatment she received.

We often speak of customer service from the perspective of the one providing service. Conversely, we spend little time on our responsibilities as a customer. Many believe that their money buys them a servant rather than service. This attitude can be very dangerous.

We all have bad days and a sour mood can seep out and poison those around us. Perhaps the man was having an incredibly bad day. Maybe he had a fight with his wife, his dog had an accident on his shoe and his kid threw up at the breakfast table. That could certainly set the stage for a less than pleasant morning. More than likely, he has little respect for the minimum wage worker in his local coffee shop. I have seen that type of arrogance and on good days the result is still the same.

The size of a person’s paycheck should not determine the level of respect they receive from other human beings. If we operate this way on both sides of the service equation, we will enjoy much more pleasant exchanges. Shouldn’t that be our goal anyway?

As a teenager and later a college student, I worked in a doctor’s office. The doctor was often late, sometimes due to surgery and at other times because he had a craving for a Falafel on the other side of town! I was the one who got to calm down irate patients. I was poked with canes, yelled at, given dirty looks and generally held responsible for the doctor’s tardiness. However, the moment the patient saw the doctor they were all smiles and kindness. Why? Well, they respected him and I was just a “worker.”

The bonus to being a good customer is that you also make it nicer for the people who follow you. Good cheer is infectious. Have you ever left a pleasant exchange with a little bounce in your step and a smile on your face? I know that good service has that impact on me and I have watched my good mood rub off on others. It’s nice when you can leave someone with a good feeling when you exit.

Good customers also sometimes receive perks. The person who serves you appreciates being treated with kindness. They will often go out of their way to make your experience pleasant. You may receive little extras or advance information about new products or services.

Even if the initial service exchange begins a little shaky, you can often turn it around with your good attitude. This is always preferable than allowing the exchange to proceed on a negative note. Being a good customer is not a guarantee for excellent service everytime but it goes a long way to creating a good service environment.

Do you have a service story that you’d like to share – good or bad? How do you ensure that you give and receive good service?

Rants fuel Tim Hortons Facebook groups

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights | 23 Comments

Hurricane Life

September 16, 2008

NOAA aerial photo of Hurricane Isidore taken T...

Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

The past week has been a tense weather week for coastal regions in the U.S. As hurricane watches turned into warnings, many had to evacuate their homes. An evacuation forces you into quick thinking and even quicker action. You must decide what is essential and what gets left behind. As you close the doors on your home, there is no guarantee that any remnant will remain when the hurricane has passed. Yet there is no time for sentimental musing just a prayer that your life will remain intact.

Life hurricanes are not unlike those that are weather related. You do your best to prepare “just in case” even when the weather is good. You develop an emergency plan and tuck it away as you go on with life. A convergence of conditions causes hurricanes but like those that are weather related, the presence of those conditions alone do not guarantee a hurricane. A suspicious blur on an x-ray, a lump, a cough, an economic downturn - all conditions that could drop a little rain or when combined with just the right conditions turn into a named storm, a hurricane.

Sometimes you can see Hurricane Life on the horizon. You can watch it on a radar but you are powerless to direct its path. You may get a short warning that allows you to choose to evacuate or ride it out. Sometimes evacuation is mandatory. You must grab the essentials for there is not room or time to carry everything in your life. As you close the door, you know that you may never return to life just as it was. If your house survives the storm, there may be damage or items lost. You may lose your house entirely and have to rebuild or move on to another location.

I have never been in a hurricane or tropical storm but have seen the eye of Hurricane Life many times. I watched it level my proverbial house and I could only stand in the place that had once held the familiar unable to identify the debris that lay around me. Other times, Hurricane Life has ripped off the roof and blown out the windows but the structure though damaged remained standing. Each time I have grabbed only what was necessary for immediate survival, thankful for life and the really important things that were safely tucked away in my heart, mind and spirit. It was never easy but always I survived.

My heart goes out to those who have had to face down Gustav, Ike or Life. I know it is not easy and I wrap my arms around you today and offer you support and comfort. I also give thanks that you survived and that is the most important thing.

If you had to evacuate, what would you take? Have you ever been in an hurricane the weather or life kind? Share your stories, comments or whatever is on your mind. You are always welcome to join the conversation.

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration | 11 Comments

What I Learned About Life from My Friends

September 13, 2008

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Written by Karen D. Swim

There are people who have been blessed with great beauty, others with inredible talent, still others with an abundance of wealth but I have been blessed with awesome friends! I could write an encyclopedia extolling the virtues of my friends but will limit my gushing to just a few in the space of one blog post.

From the first day her heels quickly clicked across the parking lot for our very first field travel I knew we would be friends. Her shoes tapped out a happy energy that matched her radiant smile. Sonya is one of my best friends and taught me that the bond of sisterhood does not require shared DNA. We are the sister each never had, so close in temparement and spirit that even her Dad recognizes me as a daughter. We have weathered the storms of life together growing closer with each challenge.

When she opted for a double mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, we flew to Arizona for a Spa Day to celebrate saying good-bye to her breasts. We found the joy in living and taking control. When the surgery was over we giggled as we decorated the drains with a lei and marveled that she would be bra free for life.

Sonya shares my joy for life and has taught me that life is not always easy but always better when shared with a friend.

My friend Gina has shown me that becoming a young widow is not the end but a new beginning. We were friends before our husbands got sick and after my husband’s death and then hers our bond was further strengthened. Her boxing, dancing, motorcycle riding zest for life have taught me to seize the day and to not be limited by my age or marital status. She also taught me that you can look good and throw a mean punch!

Joanna Young and Amy Palko have shown me that words have a color and rhythm. They have taught me to both respect the art of writing and enjoy the freedom it brings. Through them my lens on the world has widened and my curiosity has found room to roam and grow. They have also taught me that no matter how old you are, giggling with girlfriends on a Saturday gives your spirit a much needed lift, even when it is shared across the miles.

Ellen Wilson has shown me that wearing your heart on your sleeve is a symbol of strength and beauty. Her sensitivity to the world around her, compassion for others and intelligent mind add to her natural beauty. She has taught me the importance of honoring those with whom we share the planet and the joy in dancing around a good bonfire.

I have learned from all of my friends that joy does not not come from “stuff” but from those who share the journey with you. Each person that I call friend has enriched my life and deepened my experience.

This post was written as part of the Middle Zone Musings Group Writing Project, What I Learned From My Friends.

Well, you know what comes next? Yep! It’s your turn! What have you learned from your friends? Share your stories here and let us laugh, cry, and cheer as you share your life lessons.

What I’ve Learned About Writing From My Friends Online

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration for Life | 14 Comments

A Day of Rememberance

September 11, 2008

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Written by Karen D. Swim

On this day seven years ago I was at home and suprisingly awake at what was 5:30 am in the morning. I had left my Corporate job in July and had planned to take a 6 month break before returning to work. I was enjoying getting up early to prepare breakfast for my hubby, pack his lunch and being a stay at home wife. My husband sat drinking his morning coffee and watching the news, and at 5:46 an event shook up our peaceful morning routine and began a day of horror.

I can remember the shock and disbelief as I watched the false veil of security in which we had cloaked ourselves ripped to shreds. My heart was grieved for my fellow citizens who had been victimized by terrorists. The world seemed to go completely quiet as the horror of it all unfolded on our tv screens. I made frantic calls to friends in NY to make sure that they were safe, and thankfully the news was good. Yet in the days and weeks ahead, I mourned for all that had not survived and the families and friends who were touched by this tragedy.

As I remember the events of 9/11 and pause in honor of citizens who lost their lives, I am also grateful for the many gifts in own life. So, today seems like a proper day to thank all of you. I appreciate everyone who reads this blog, whether or not you comment. Many of you I do not know but I am so very thankful that you read my words. I am especially thankful to my co-bloggers that add to the content and discussions with funny, insightful and wise comments. You enrich the experience of everyone who reads by being a part of this blog.

While my blog roll lists many blogs that I recommend it does not come close to being complete! A huge thank you to the blogs that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain me week after week. Today, however, I’d like to tip my hat to just a few in cyberspace both bloggers and non-bloggers.

Gailen David, The SkySteward. Gailen’s Jetiquette Program won the 2008 Travel Weekly Magellan Award. The man is truly passionate about service and walks the talk in all that he does. He is warm, funny and sincere and on a mission to enhance the travel experience for customers.

Kyle Lacy. I recently discovered Kyle’s blog and he is a genuinely nice guy who blogs about social media. He is currently conducting an experiment to create more genuine connections with social media friends.

Sonia Simone. Sonia is talented, warm, and funny. She has recently re-launched her blog with a new design and her content remains top notch. In addition to her incredible talents, the woman is gracious. She was nominated for Top 10 Writing Blogs and used the opportunity to spotlight other writers. (It’s not to late to vote by the way!)

Finally, Joanna Young is writing on the theme of respect this month. The topic has resonated with me and has me examining my writing, reading and entire style of communication. It seems appropriate to highlight on this day.

The list above does not come close to honoring all that I read, love and respect but I will share with you more often. Again, thank you, all of you for making room for me in your day. Group hug!

Now it is your turn. Is there anyone today that you would like to remember, honor or thank? Please feel free to share in the comment box. We would like to join you in honoring the people that are important in your life.