Farewell 2008

December 31, 2008

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”   -Soren Kierkegaard

As we reflect upon 2008, patterns emerge and the moments meld together to form a collage of life lived.  Mistakes and triumphs march side by side and simply become a unified journey. We are here and for that I am glad.

Thank you for being here this year. Whether you dropped in once or twice or frequently, thank you. To those that read silently and to those that commented, and debated, thank you. I am grateful to each and every one of you for support, friendship, and laughter. I am humbled that you have encouraged me in the face of failure and supported me as I grew.

I wish you all a fitting end to this incredible year of living well.

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” –   Hal Borland

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Blowing in the Wind

December 29, 2008

Yesterday morning I was jarred awake by the sound of rattling windows.  My heart pounded as  I rose slowly listening to the wind howling all around me. I crept to the window and peered out. I struggled to see past the rain bashing against the window.  The wind was blowing with such force the rain appeared to be thrown from the sky with herculean force.  I tried to steady my breath and remember all that I knew about tornadoes (all that came to mind was Dorothy, not a great image).  The sound of the wind was frightening but if I were going to be swept away I wanted to see it coming.

As I stared wide eyed at the gray sky, the house rocked with thunder and the wind gained speed, ripping a tree from the ground and dropping it on its side.  The tree was one of three bordering the west side of our pond.  It had stood in the middle and now it lay like a fallen comrade on the battlefield.

The other two trees bent and swayed but remained firmly rooted in their place. I gasped at the fallen tree and the strength of the wind which had felled it with a mighty blow.

In that moment I realized that no matter how deeply rooted we are, or how strong, we are  all vulnerable to something mightier overtaking us. It was a humbling moment but also one in which I counted my blessings. There have been times in my life that I have been the tree in the middle knocked flat by the ferocity of the winds of life. At other times, I have been the trees on either side, bending but not breaking, swaying with the winds rather than fighting in opposition.

Unlike the fallen tree, my roots are never severed from the earth. The mighty winds have knocked me flat but grace has allowed me to not only rise but flourish. Along the way branches have been broken but the missing spaces allowed the sun to shine brighter illuminating the beauty of the rings or experience.

As I reflect upon the remaining days of 2008, I am truly thankful that I have bent and swayed but my roots have gone deeper and stronger.  Some of you may have been like the middle tree this year, while all around you others were standing you were thrown to the ground wondering if you would ever rise again. From one tree to the other, you can and you will.

How will you remember this year? What are you most looking forward to in 2009? All comments and feedback are welcomed and if you like this post, please share it with a friend.

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Simply the Best?

December 19, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

The gracious Joanna Young invited everyone to reflect upon this past year of blogging and select their best post from 2008. Now I must admit when I saw the title Simply the Best I wondered how Joanna would tie Tina Turner to writing. I still sing the song every time I read the title (ha ha now you will too) but I digress. My first thought was my best post is the one I have not yet written but I can’t link to an empty page so I had to pick from what had already been created.

So without further ado, the post I selected is Truth or Madness Monday. This post is simply the best because the community shaped it with active discussion and insightful comments. It was fun to write but the participation was even better.

Reading through my archives made me realize the wonders of blogging. There are posts that reflect my “best” writing to date, others that have my “best ideas” and still others that are average but have the “best” number of comments.  Most of all it inspired me to  learning, growing and experimenting.

How would you describe your best? The Simply the Best Writing Project is open until December 24. I hope you’ll join in too!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Psssttt…something really BIG is happening over at the Zone. I have been sworn to secrecy but I can give you a hint, the target is 100. I’ve said too much already but stay tuned, all will be revealed on December 21. Uh oh, I think I hear Robert coming, shhh, don’t tell him I told ya!

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Meme Mashup

December 18, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

I was tagged by the uber talented Ann Handley a few weeks ago for a meme.  Ann is the Chief Content Officer of Marketing Profs, a sought after speaker, a masterful storyteller and one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Ann did a twist on the meme and shared journal entries. I was delighted to comply with Ann’s request so I searched for something interesting to share about myself. I came up with…nothing, so l procrastinated. Weeks passed and the meme swept through the blogosphere picking up friends along the way. The delightful Kellye Crane picked it up and sent it my way, and now the task is 7 things.  I can’t ignore two of my most favorite people in the world and as Amy Derby hilariously wrote, “I’m doing it now before someone upgrades the request to 101.”

1. I’ve been tagged twice for this meme, oh right you know that now. I have never broken a bone. I did not steal this from Mack Collier, okay in a way I did because he revealed it in his meme and it’s true for me too. But it’s weird right? Does this mean I’ve played it too safe?
2. I do a wicked impression of Billy Bob Thornton’s grunt in Sling Blade. It is one of my favorite things to do and sends me into a fit of giggles every time. Oh c’mon you make yourself laugh too, admit it.
3. I go through periods of loving and eating the same food everyday. My current addiction is veggie dogs. I eat them daily, lunch or dinner, sometimes both. This has been going on for several months now, my previous addiction was cereal (which I still love). No person or animal is ever harmed in my addiction, so it’s all good.
4. I used Oprah’s list as my anti-reading list. Once I bought a book that didn’t have that Oprah label thingy and I was really upset to discover it was on her list. I felt like I’d been secretly inducted into a club to which I did not want to belong.  I have nothing against Oprah but you know the whole legions of fawning fans thing kind of creeps me out.  Maybe it’s that early encounter with the hippie cult people…
5. I hate shopping. Not a fan of mall browsing, window shopping, even web surfing. My motto for shopping is get in and get out as fast as you can. The last time I visited a mall was two years ago and I think I broke a record for in and out times. There are exceptions though, I could spend all day (well maybe not all day but a whole bunch of hours) in a sporting goods, electronic or book store.
6. I can’t take Jamie Foxx seriously as a sex symbol or singer.  I mean, Hello,  the man did make Booty Call.
7. I watch Everybody Loves Raymond every week night before I go to sleep. I set the timer on the TV because I like to fall asleep laughing. Yes, I’ve probably seen every episode but it still cracks me up.

Well there you have it useless bits of trivia about yours truly. So, now I’m supposed to torture tag someone else. If you want to play along, consider yourself tagged. If you just want to share something strange, funny or you know heartwarming in the comments, feel free.

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The Friendship that Ignited a Blog

December 17, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

This time last year, I was an occasional blogger. I had done a fair amount of ghostblogging for clients and had tackled a few posts for my own blogger blog. I started blogging in 2005 – well kind of, I wrote 7 posts that year and 3 in 2006. In 2007 I wrote a little more but I still had not embraced the full experience of blogging. That all changed on December 17, 2007.

I received Copyblogger in my email, it was at that time my first and only blog subscription. The Copyblogger post was about drawing headline inspiration from Cosmo magazine. It was a writing challenge (at the time I had no clue about group writing projects) and Brian posted the round-up with links to everyone’s post. I dutifully visited each one, eager to learn headline techniques (my weakness). I clicked on Joanna’s link and here is the comment that started a wonderful friendship.

I was inspired and the next day wrote a post with bullet points! I continued to flirt with posting, but became more fascinated.  Joanna hosted a group writing project and I participated with this post. People visited my blog from her link and actually commented.  Blogging is fun but man it gets even better when you’re not talking to yourself! Joanna not only befriended me but selflessly shared her community and writing tips with me.  Her support gave me the confidence to keep blogging. I stumbled, experimented and did my first meme. I won and lost readers as I found my way.

As I look back on these past twelve months, the greatest gift of all are the friendships made along the way.  All the stats in the world can never communicate the value of meeting, connecting and sharing with all of you. I may not have 5000 subscribers (that’s next year’s goal!) but I could not ask for a better group of friends.  So, today is my Joanna Young Anniversary but I truly am celebrating all of you!

Do you remember what it was like to read your first blog? How about writing that first post? Share your own memories or funny moments in the comments.  I would also be pleased as punch if you’d tell a friend about Words For Hire. Introduce a newbie to the awesome gift of blog reading. Remember you don’t have to be a blogger to join the conversation.

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Drunk with Power

December 16, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

Has social media created a culture drunk with power? We pluck our members from relative obscurity and elevate them to the ranks of celebrities. As quickly as we create them we can destroy them with the click of a mouse. Our blogs are a platform, irritate, or anger us and our mighty keyboard will take you down and invite our community to scourge you in the streets.

Some would say that social media is the great equalizer allowing small companies to compete with big box brands and giving on the street reporters the same right of access as Joe or Jane Journalist. We scoff at the dividing lines that once separated Madison Avenue from Everyman for there is a new order and we are burning the symbols of tradition at the stake.

Yet, at what price is this equality? Can the masses handle the power?

We accuse the old guard of being entrenched in outdated ways. However, lately I am beginning to see the battle from another perspective. The old guard suffered the hard knocks and had to play by the rules Journalists could not go on air and call someone an idiot on the strength of personal experience or opinion. Facts had to support suppositions before they could be voiced. Citizen journalists are not beholden to an editor, network, or legal department. There is an up and downside to this disparity.

We live in an age where we can print, photograph, video, record and publish in mere minutes. We have the freedom to exchange ideas and resources across the globe. Yet freedom is never free of consequence. Freedoms are traded, exchanged, and often won at the expense of something lost. Every country has an ugly chapter in their history that demonstrates the dangers of extending freedom to some and not all.

We can use our freedom  to trash a brand until it buckles from the weight of the scorned and acquiesces to our will. We can freely question the decisions of those among our ranks and ignite a debate that would have wearied Patton.

And why not? Nothing enhances visibility and drives traffic like a good old fashioned cat fight. Yet, what about the casualties we don’t see? What about the brands that fear our rules of engagement? What about the individuals that are splattered with the blood of our words as they sit on the sidelines? Are we creating unnecessary barriers between “us” the sage early adopters and “them?” Are we trampling upon the freedoms of the uninitiated to explore our streets of gold unhindered?

Freedom is beautiful but more so when exercised with responsibility. We have the freedom to talk during a movie but to do so detracts from the freedom of fellow movie goers. The opportunity to actively participate in the shaping of culture is heady stuff indeed.  As we exercise that power let us also exercise caution. Let us not commit the sins of generations past but truly forge a new order that embraces and includes not isolates. Let this be the order that does not engage in a gluttonous feast of power as we taunt those without a seat at the table.

In this new day let us air our differences with respect or not at all. Let us exercise the freedom not to engage in battle, especially at the expense of another. Let humanity be our guiding force and our hearts the beacon that guides our choices.  In this season of joy and celebration, perhaps the best gift we can offer is kindness and respect.

Do you have any ideas on how we can improve the way we interact using social media? Are there changes you’d like to see? Please feel free to add your own thoughts on this or any subject in the comments. Your participation is warmly welcomed.

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Help! – Not Just a Beatles Song

December 15, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone, help. *

Last year at Christmas, one of my best friends was going through a rough time. She was going through a divorce, her husband sued her for alimony, she was paying a mortgage and a lease and was recovering from major surgery. Yet, she remained grounded in her faith and characteristically upbeat.

I longed to be there for her but could only offer comfort and friendship by phone. During this time, her family traveled to be with her and her children during the holidays. Her father, stepmother, brother, wife and brand new baby filled the house with love and warmth. I was thankful she was not alone but also knew the financial strain of having guests. She never shared the depth of her problems with her family and while she enjoyed their company she felt horrible for not being able to buy them gifts and prepare a nice holiday meal. Toward the end of their two-week stay she was forced to confess her struggles and her family asked “Why didn’t you ask for help?”

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.*

Last week, James wrote a hard-hitting post about this very subject. It touched a deep chord as I questioned my own prideful determination to handle my problems alone. When my friend shared that she had no money and could not even buy groceries, her family gladly wrote her a check. She was so grateful for the love and help and the reminder that “we have not because we ask not.”

My friend, more sister than friend and is often a mirror of my own weaknesses. We are both tireless cheerleaders happy to lend an ear or hand but seldom asking for one in return. I am here to tell you sometimes the cheerleader needs a rally too. I read James’ post and cried for everyone (including myself) who has suffered in silence too embarrassed or proud to ask for help.

I have gotten better about receiving when offered but asking takes it to a new level that still frankly makes me uncomfortable. I am actively working on change (greatly aided by this big fat public declaration).

I know that right now there may be those reading this with unmet needs. You are not alone. Most people have good hearts and are happy to lend a hand when asked. Yes, there may be those who see you in a different light or a small few who simply will not care. That is their issue and not yours. Many more will gladly step up to the plate with help and solutions, if only you will ask.

But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured,
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors.*

For those who may not have a need today, I encourage you to reach out to someone you believe may need help. That simple kindness can be the best gift you give this holiday season.

Have you ever suffered in silence? What kept you silent? Please feel free to share your own thoughts, observations, stories or song lyrics. All are welcomed.

*”Help”, Lyrics by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Sony /ATV Tunes LLC, Sony Beatles Ltd

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The Gift of Words

December 12, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” –
Garrison Keillor

I awakened to a cold dark morning. Without a trace of daylight, there was no external sign that it was in fact morning. I arose and made my way through darkness to open blinds and curtains in hopeful anticipation of light.  As I peered out my front window I spotted a light from across the pond and silently recited: “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? ” It is a line from Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2) and it’s tortured romance seemed to fit my morning unrest.

As I pondered the line again, I realized that I have not read or thought of this play in several years. My introduction to it was 40 years ago and yet the words effortlessly sprang to mind.  While partly a testament to the beauty of Shakespeare’s writing, the larger truth speaks to the gift of words.

Words have staying power.  The reasons a particular combination of words live on in our minds are as varied as the individuals who recall them. I only know that when we need them words are there.  Words are not the sole domain of the artist but like open source software they are free to everyone. We can tweak them, create new applications, and use them in ways not originally intended.

Our words can be a gift that we freely give each day. A simple note tucked into a child’s backpack can fill a heart with warmth when discovered and read. A favorite movie line spoken to a friend in need can inspire her to get back on track. “I’m sorry” can heal a wound, “I believe” can change a life.  Our words need not be eloquent or lengthy, simple and heartfelt are all that is required of this gift.

This time of year we box up presents in fancy wrap and top it with a bow.  In our rush to give we may miss the opportunity to give and receive a gift that is with us daily.  Words of kindness are in endless supply. There is no line on which to wait for a cheery “Good Morning” or “Have a wonderful day.” Words of gratitude will not be taxed when given to those who stand behind the counter.

I wish for you today a day that is filled with words that bring peace, joy and laughter.

Can you recall a time when words were a gift? Feel free to share your favorite memories, quotes, lines or songs or anything else that’s on your mind. Your comments are always welcomed.

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The Gift of a Good Read

December 11, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

In spite of the craziness of my week, I was able to do some super sleuthing and uncover delectable morsels of writing goodness to share with you.  Below are a few of my finds this week that moved me to tears, made me think or just made me go “ahhhhh.” I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I did.

The subject of self promotion was a hot topic this week.

Amy Derby invited guest poster Tim Brownson to tackle the topic in Learn to Sell Yourself.  The post and discussions were insightful, and true to Amy’s brand, raw and honest.

Mack Collier also tackled the topic in his post Is No Self Promotion the Great Unwritten Rule of Social Media? Mack’s post resonated with many readers. Read the post and comments for shared fears, weaknesses and solutions.

Two posts this week moved me to tears with the beauty of their words and the sentiments expressed. Jamie Grove took my breath away with A Writers Love and Steve Woodruff delivers a divinely inspired piece that will fill your heart with hope in Finding Grace.

Kelly Erickson opens her mailbag and tackles the thorny question of holiday cards in business. Kelly delivers her trademark balanced wisdom. Friar and our most beloved James Chartrand pop in and debate and hilarity ensue. I was enlightened and then tickled to death.

There are also big announcements and great things happening.

Joanna Young has invited us to peek in our archives and pick our best post for her Simply the Best year end group writing project. Contributions are due December 24 or 24 December.

Robert Hruzek has a Texas sized surprise in store that you will not want to miss! Stay tuned for the big reveal.

My buddy and esteemed colleague (seriously the woman is a dynamo), Trish Lambert has rebirthed her Not Just For Writers Creative Writing Hour. These writing sessions helped me unlock my creativity and ignited my own passion for storytelling. They are free and you will be amazed by the results. Trish is also offering a free teleseminar, “Freelancing in a Flat World.” Helping freelancers achieve a six figure income is her passion. The telesiminar is December 17th and you can attain details by emailing trish at trishlambert dot com.

For the ahh moment of the week, this video was shared with me by twitter bud @lizwebpage. In case you’re wondering, it is a totally true story, confirmed by rumor buster, Snopes.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNv2A4Kfx4k]

What moved you this week? Please feel free to share your rants and raves in the comments.

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

I Gave at the Office

December 9, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

Giving during the holidays can become especially tricky in the workplace. Do you give a gift to your boss? What if you have a matrix reporting relationship, do you give to your dotted line boss too? Do you have to participate in Secret Santa? What do you give to colleagues you barely know?

Unfortunately, workplace giving is often more of a political issue than a true spirit of giving issue. Joanna Young, however sums up the nonsense that has colored the season:

“Billions of pounds worth of presents are returned each year, often the day after Christmas. At least people are starting to donate unwanted gifts to charity shops here so they can sell them on but really, you have to ask why we’re all buying so much unneccessary stuff.I’d rather we focus on meaningful thoughtful personal gifts which can’t be done on a mass scale.”

I have felt this way for years and I’m not alone. Re-gifting has risen to an art form.  Gifts become obligations and we give far more than is necessary. Chances are many of your colleagues are feeling the same way. You can lead the way in restoring the joy of the season and win at office politics.

If gift giving is your office tradition, suggest a new tradition this year. As everyone is feeling the pinch from the economy this year, people may be more open to eliminating interoffice gifts.

• Instead of gifts, suggest that everyone bring a canned good or toy to the office. Local food banks are really hurting this year with more families to feed than in past years. Unwrapped toys can be contributed to your local toy drive. In the U.S. fire departments, police departments and hospitals usually have programs.
• Select a community project and adopt them for Christmas. As a group you can pitch in and volunteer time and/or resources.
• Hold a blood drive. There is no greater gift than the gift of life. Blood banks are neglected this time of year and would welcome your efforts.
• Collect warm clothes or blankets. Blankets and warm clothes can be donated to local shelters.
• For a twist on Secret Santa, instead of gifts have recipients trade jobs for an hour or day.  This of course will only work in environments where skill sets can be used in a variety of ways.
• Share the gifts of your traditions. Have an interoffice gathering where everyone brings a dish and story that celebrates their own special traditions for the year.
• Instead of giving individual gifts to the boss, chip in and buy one gift from the group. Keep it simple and choose a neutral professional gift, add monogramming if appropriate for a mores personal touch.  If your relationship with your boss is very friendly, consider a gift certificate (spa gift certificates are one of my favorites).
• Go caroling. Your department / company can go caroling in the local community, at a local school or local children’s hospital.

Use your imagination and you’ll find that there are so many ways to bring colleagues together and rekindle the joy of the season.  To sell your ideas to bottom line managers, remind them that charitable efforts can be publicized. A photo of your team collecting canned goods or giving blood is a great story for your company newsletter, website or local paper.

How does your office celebrate the season? What are your ideas for restoring joy to the season? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

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