Your Health and Safety are Your Responsibility

While much of the country has begun to reopen businesses, the American people might not be as quick to run out and start a buying spree. Why? Not only has Covid-19 affected the economy, but it's taken an enormous toll on people's sense of safety. We can watch out for carjackers and thieves, but this virus has sparked primal fears that are hard to combat.

So, how do we move forward?

First, realize that your safety is in your hands. That means that if you want to continue to wear a mask over your face and gloves to go grocery shopping, then DO IT. Pack mentality might make you feel funny, (seeing others without face masks) but your life and peace of mind are worth more than someone else's opinion.

Secondly, your safety is in your hands. Yes, I wrote it again. If you walk into a crowded store, don't feel obligated to stay and shop! There are other places to shop, you don't have to put yourself at risk because you don't want to feel silly walking out. Don't justify risking your life by rubbing shoulders with others, just because others are doing it.

Protect Your Life.

Lastly, realize that this virus will become a part of our lives for quite a while to come. The flu and colds are viruses and we lives with those, so we'll live with this one. That being said, remember it's highly contagious so if you need a mask, gloves, or to shop early hours to feel safer, do so.

The answer is not to give in to fear, but to mitigate your risk. There's a reason most people don't traverse dark alleys when they can take safer routes. Be smart with your safety.

Personally, I have immune-compromised family members and older family members, so likely I'll continue to wear masks and use hand sanitized so that I can continue to help keep them safe by keeping myself safer.

It's all about what is best for you and your life going forward. Taking personal responsibility for your own safety is a uniquely American privilege. While our government works on a vaccine, we each do our part by maintaining cleanliness and staying home if we're sick, or wearing a mask when we go out.

Masking our faces may be a temporary change in our hygienic behaviors, but if it makes you feel safer in the months to come, then continue on as you need. If you want to avoid crowded places, it's okay. If you need to walk away from a crowded store or vacation spot, there is no shame in doing what's best for you.

Stay well and let's get back to living a robust life.  

Mary

American Strength in Adversity

 

There is recently a lot of time at home to think and consider what is currently going on in the country with the COVID-19 Pandemic. It's not that I'm scared or worried, but more it's coming to realize that now is the time to step up as Americans.

 

America is a nation built upon strength in adversity.

 

America is a nation known for conquering every enemy which has ever darkened its doorstep.

Disasters, wars, emergencies…all come and go in one form or another, but the pride and strength of the American heart endures.

It is time we stop behaving as though we're fearful, and start to exercise some self-control and pride in who we are. What do I mean by that?

1)      Stay home, if at all possible. #SocialDistancing is believed to be effective, so let's put it to use.

2)      Donate:  Blood to the American Red Cross; food and essentials to local food banks.

3)      Exercise Mind-control: Your mindset dictates your mental health and attitude. Remember to think positively, enjoy the little things, and relax. This too shall pass.

4)      Remember who you are as an American. We are kind, giving, protective, and strong. Each one of us has a responsibility to take care of each other and conduct ourselves with dignity. (Hoarding is not dignified, its fearmongering foolishness)

Perhaps there are some who would disagree with me, but we all have to live together, so why not behave in a manner which demonstrates our American Values.

 Good health to each of you and your families.

Mary

 

The Empowerment of Online Learning



The current state of affairs in the world has led to more people being home and a sense of cabin fever for those who perhaps can't or shouldn't go out. That doesn't mean that your time at home has to be fruitless.

Online education is a fast growing field that allows for flexibility toward learning and a wealth of knowledge. Often you register for free and find classes for free as well. There are several sites, and I'm going to list some here so that those who are looking to keep busy and feel a sense of accomplishment can build on their current skillset or learn something new.

GOODWILL

Online classes are available for free. Learn basics of technology, work, core skills, reading and math and more. Copy and paste or click on the link: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/

 

ALISON

There are plenty of free online courses available, though not all are free. You need to register with an email address to take classes.

There are a variety of courses within the various topics of Technology, Science, Health, Humanities, Language, Business, Math, Marketing and Lifestyle.

Copy and paste or click on the link to check it out: https://alison.com/

 

EdX.org

EdX gives you access to some of the best schools in the country. There are several free courses to choose from and the topics are wide ranging. Not all classes are free and again you need to register an email address.

 Here you can learn topics including Business and Management, computer science, data science, Engineering, language, and humanities: 

Copy and paste or click on the link:  https://www.edx.org/

Two last ones I'd like to mention which may be of interest are:

Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/

FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/

You can register from free with both of these, but you must do some searching if you're interested in auditing a course. There are some great choices though if you're interested in paying to pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree through them.

Hopefully, this has given those of you reading, ideas in how to move forward in your life, pursuing a path that will lead you to a more prosperous future. This current crisis will pass, and online classes are a great way to feel empowered in your life.

Happy Learning,

Mary

Are you ready for September?

 

 

HELLO SEPTEMBER

 

 

 

It's been quite the summer and I'm ready to see the last of these hot 100 days leave, and a cooler wind sweep through. I've learned to juggle multiple things in life, as well as never wanting to deal with some things again.

Still, I recently had a fun adventure and went to Las Vegas for the first time in my life. The Strip was beautiful, but I think I loved Fremont Street the best. The concert-party atmosphere was just amazing fun. Time went quickly, and I'll have to go back again someday. I'd share pics, but I prefer to keep my Vegas times in Vegas. Lol. *Wink*

Autumn officially begins on September 23^rd and it'll be a welcome change from the hot struggles of the summer. What do I look forward to that has me so optimistic?

Life.

Simply that those I care for, that their lives improve. I know it'll be a busy last few months of the year, but I believe there is always hope with every day. No matter how tired I get, there will be times of rest.

Keep things in perspective is what I can say to you.

Change happens but it's what you carry with you in your heart that matters. Perhaps holidays aren't a filled with as many family members, or the usual agenda of activity changes. None of it matters so long was your heart is in the right place.

Until next time,

may creativity and clarity be your guide…

Mary

Advantages of Adversity in Life

Adversity is never fun but it does have its advantages. There is nothing that is a better teacher than adversity, mainly because it requires that we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. Let's face it, no one wants to be outside their chosen area where they know everything, unless it's by their own design, but life doesn't play that way.

No, especially when we've stayed comfortable for too long, life has a way of shaking us awake and demanding we continue our growth; whether that be emotionally, spiritually, education-wise, or creatively.

Then we venture out and find the path isn't smooth like our backyard, there are pebbles to bruise our feet and boulders blocking our way. We are then forced to improvise and make shoes to protect our feet and learn when to go around, or over the boulders.

When we're on this path of growth every hardship can seem like it will consume us and we can't go forward, but that is when our perseverance kicks into gear. Yes, you could give up, but your heart and soul know you're on the right path, you just need to fight for what you want in life.

Let every challenge, difficulty, and setback make you stronger. Accept them, and then tell yourself that you will not be defeated!

Writing is a hard task. Anyone who tells you differently hasn't stared at that blank page or unfinished chapter and not known what to do. Creativity is a wonderful gift, yet it demands that you push past your own mental/emotional/physical blocks to finish projects.

That is why adversity is such a gift in a way, and should be learned from. Anything that life throws at you, you throw right back. Yes, you'll get bruised along the way as you grow stronger in your perseverance but eventually you will become more powerful in your ability to do more things in your life.

Remember: You are smart enough to figure anything out. You have the strength to persevere. You are never alone in your journey to be stronger.

If you have a creative project you want to do, get after it. If you want to change jobs, start job hunting. Timing will never be perfect, so don't use that as an excuse. The time is now. Your life is yours.

Everything you want to accomplish can be done so long as you're ready to step forward into adversity. Let it guide you, strengthen you and ultimately you will appreciate how much more you accomplish.

Let no one define your limits, because limitations are not for you.

Cheers,

Mary

 

Finding Motivation Again

 

It's funny the way life works. Just when you are catching your stride and making great progress on a project, life intervenes and throws you off track. Sometimes it's family or friend related, other times it's issues at the day job, but it all has the same effect of shutting down your creativity in favor of worry and stress.

So what do we do but put our project away and work on the real life problems. Meanwhile, our creativity fizzles and our project becomes a silly dream.

When things quiet down, as things always do in life, we look back on our project and can't seem to muster up the energy to continue. We see what we've accomplished so far on it, but where to begin again?

No one is there to motivate you, as you were there to motivate others. No, this must be done on your own. The inner strength you carry to fight for others must now be turned inward to fight for your creativity and project. It's time to regain some perspective and conquer our own doubts.

The reason this project idea came to you, is that you possess the ability to create something extraordinary. Though there are millions of romance books out there, I know that no one will ever write quite the same as I do. The characters are my perspective and so even when the theme is familiar, the writing is uniquely mine. Too often in life we question why we're the right person to do a project when there are so many others who might be better.

I'll tell you that you are unique. Your talents, abilities, mindset, and creativity are all the building blocks of a special person who is meant for success. Yes, you will be successful.

Shut down the negativity in your mind. It has no place in your life.

You'd bear down and fight for another, well it's time to put that strength of fortitude to work for yourself. Only you can complete your project. Recently, there was a story of a female astronaut that was told she'd never get to space. She was turned down time and again. Well, decades later she holds the record for the longest time in space. She didn't give up and fought on despite the naysayers who told her she wouldn't make it.

So what if your project is turned down. Offer it to someone else. Revise and resubmit. If you believe you are meant to be a writer, inventor, manager, or anything else then you must journey on.

At times that journey will feel very lonely, and it will seem as if there is no one to help you. Just remember, you're worth the time and work. Reach out or read inspirational quotes that can keep you going. One of the reason I enjoy Twitter is that I follow writers, but I also follow people who tweet out inspirational lines.

So what are we waiting for?

Are you ready?

Yes, so am I when it comes to the project I've been working on. Let's take the steps together, shall we, because I've been where you are.

You must ignore the negative thoughts in your head including those people that tell you something can't be done. Of course, it hasn't been done yet, you hadn't arrived. But you're here now and you can accomplish great things.

You have arrived, and as fate has given you the talent, it's time for you to succeed where others have failed.

I believe in you. Believe in yourself.

Success is waiting for you.

Take your destiny in hand and start/finish that project. Now, I have some writing to do. How about you?

Mary

 

Every #Writer needs some adventure: Good Friends and Golf

I never expected to have such an amazing time at an employer sponsored golf tournament, but with right friends/co-workers 'fun' becomes the word of the day.

So, let me say first off that I've never golfed in my life. In preparation, I've been watching golf on tv in an effort to get a clue, thinking I might as well learn from the best. Funny enough, those 'best' turned out to be the friends on the greens with me that day.

 

So out to the golf course we go and the adventure begins. I did borrow a friend's clubs for this adventure as I didn't want to buy clubs for something that might be a one-time gig.

Anyway, I've gotta say, I hardly expected to hit the ball very much, but then when you get such positive feedback and insight there's no accomplishment out of your grasp. The more holes we played, the little better I got at hitting the ball.

Of course, my first ever shot I hit straight into the water. Note to other; bring lots of balls when you go as they like to run away. Funny part is that even my horrible shots I garnered encouragement on.

At one point on the course I even had friends who were golfing behind us, cheer me on. Lol. The thing about golf is that you have to have fun. The right friends to play with make it all the more possible to enjoy a game that can really make you feel down right klutzy at times.

By the 18^th hole, I actually was the only one on who stayed on the grass. I'm proud of that. Oh, and I showed how to hit the ball out of the sand trap, which I did beautifully with a well learned butt wiggle. Thank you, pro-golfer Phil Mickelson.

Anyway, the laughter we shared, the camaraderie, and memories are something I'll cherish all my life. I couldn't have asked for better golf partners or friends to share the game with. Would I golf again? I have to say yes. I never considered I'd be the type to like golf but yes, its lots of fun and I want to go again.

Thank you to my friends, co-workers, and golf buddies for a great outing. You'll never know how special it was to me, because even a writer like myself can't fully explain the feelings of joy that stayed with me throughout the day. 

So what are some tips I can give you if you've never golfed but want to try?

1)      Get three good friends that know golf but don't take it too seriously.

A)    This keeps the atmosphere relaxed and doesn't put pressure on you.

2)      Clubs:

A)    Rent clubs or borrow a friend's

a)      Don't worry if you don't know what club to use. That's what your friends' expertise is for.

3)      Snacks/Water:

A)    Bring light snacks like beef jerky and plenty of water bottles. It's easy to dehydrate and not notice.

4)      Try the driving range first.

A)    A driving range is a great place to practice swinging and hitting the ball. It isn't as easy is it seems on tv. J

5)      Remember to have fun.

A)    It's really a bonding activity when you're out there so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get a good score.

Finally, learn the etiquette rules of the golf course so as not to offend any other players or management. These places are meticulously taken care of so don't leave trash, and be respectful of the wildlife.

I hope I've inspired someone to try golfing. I'll admit I'd go again, and I never saw myself as the type to like golf. But yes, I've had a taste and want more. Lol.

It's good for writers to experience new things. It broaden our perspectives and gives meaning to the word life. Any adventures you're going to try?

 

Mary