I am sad today. Or perhaps more accurately I am in a mood, though sadness is part of what I feel there is also restlessness, discouragement and a bevy of emotions bubbling beneath the surface each fighting to reach the top. But at this moment it is sadness that seems the most tangible. I submitted my blog to AdAge and was rejected for not having enough points. Funny, it’s how I was feeling when I awakened, not enough points to win the prize, to take my business to the next level to have a good hair day. Some points but not quite enough to finally be “in.” Yet, the rejection was also motivating. I printed it out as a goalpost, something real to work toward. Points I could do, just keep filling the bucket one point at a time until I had enough. So for a moment I was happy to have a problem I could solve.
None of this of course has anything to do with business. Unless you count my brutal honesty that life has those peaks and valleys but there’s always a rainbow, yada yada. I know not very motivational but I warned you I’m in a mood.
I’m sad that I have career marketing clients who have lost their income and are having to make hard financial decisions. I am heartbroken that the Gulf Coast has yet another natural disaster the repercussions of which will ripple for years to come. I’m frustrated that I am not moving fast enough toward the things I want in my business. I’m mad that my hair will never do what I want and my book editing is not yet done.
I wish I could paint like Janice Cartier, for today I would cover a canvas in big broad strokes of red mixed with goldenrod, there would be swirls of green grasping at the pockets of tranquil blue. I would paint until everything within was reflected on that canvas and I would be left spent, clean and ready to replenish my soul. But I cannot paint and today cannot even seem to write. I am left with an uneasiness that comes from having much to say and yet nothing at all that seems worth saying. So I write it down anyway hoping that the act of writing is like an ax that cuts through the thick brush blocking my passage. Yesterday there were gators as I waded through the swampland of my mind, they are gone and though I’ve reached higher ground I am struggling to make my way through the mound of driftwood and broken branches scratching at me as I seek the path once again.
And in the midst of my funk and inner tumult there is business. I must push the muck aside and find the words for others. Inspiration is fleeting and I reach out to grab hold with arms and legs like the Ninja warriors riding the log to the next obstacle in the course.
Thoughts come and taunt me daring me to catch them. I am not fast enough today and must rely on something other than creativity. There is no time to allow myself to simply be until the balance has been restored so within this quagmire I must simply do what must be done. They are counting on me, and I will not let them down.
The business lesson or inspiration in all this “stuff”? Hmmm.Your feelings will not always align with your objectives so you must anchor yourself in the field of commitment and channel the energy beneath the feelings to press on and get the job done. Good that. Pressing on and hitting publish.
How about you any gators snapping at your heels? How do you get it done on the days you just don’t feel like it?
Janice Cartier says
Karen,
Think you can’t paint beautifully? You just did. 🙂
Hm….Ad Age, huh?…..Well, we’ll just have to change their mind won’t we?
🙂
.-= Janice Cartier´s last blog ..Paths of Passion =-.
Karen Swim says
Hi Rhiannon, a change of scenery is an excellent way to clear the mind and get a reboot. Even better when you can take a walk in a place where you are surrounded by natural beauty.
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Brush Stokes of a Crisis Through the Artist’s Eyes =-.
Rhiannon says
This struck a chord as I’ve been battling through the last few days.
I go for a walk outside ( which may ultimately involve a little tea and cake) and then get to work setting a timer for 30 mins…and then 30 mins more….with breaks if needed , until the thing is done or at least underway and no longer so daunting.
Karen Swim says
Fred – LOL! You would make an awesome Confucius! I do like the Ninja Warriors and Worlds Strongest Man. 🙂
Brad – excellent point about bouncing back! The Joyce and Galarraga has so many learning points and you’re right timely advice for me personally. I of course am going to roll up my sleeves and get back in the game!
Brad Shorr says
Karen, I don’t know about points, but AdAge could use some pointers about blog quality discernment. Perhaps the answer to your question can be found in the post you wrote just before this one. How did Joyce and Galarraga bounce back?
.-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..Simple Sentences – When and How to Eliminate Colons, Part 2 =-.
Fred Schlegel says
Wise one once say: While badges can be fun, earning them can be distracting and pinning them on painful.
Also: Careful living by other’s point systems, they often black out the best travel dates.
and finally: When all else fails Ninja Warriors will always make one laugh.
.-= Fred Schlegel´s last blog ..How Do You Value Relationships? How Does Facebook? =-.
Karen Swim says
Joanna, and it is your friendship and these rousing words of encouragement that mean so much more than any old “web badge.” Thank you my friend!
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Gators, Ninjas and Bad Hair Days =-.
Joanna Paterson says
A most excellent business lesson.
As for not enough ‘points’… excuse me while I choke on my cornflakes. You have heart, soul, spirit by the bucket load, and you change people’s lives every day. Every day.
.-= Joanna Paterson´s last blog ..The Only People for Me are the Mad Ones =-.