C.R. Richards's Blog, page 12

Sometimes Doing Nothing Is the Right Thing to Do

I’ve been a project manager almost two decades. Every time a problem or new situation arises, my first impulse is to assess and plan. What is the best approach? Are there any risks? What will I need to do? How much will this cost in time, money and other resources.

The project manager’s mindset of asking these very reasonable questions has given me a successful career. Unfortunately, not all choices are quick and easy wins. Sometimes the big life choices take more.

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Quiet Contemplation – What does Nature whisper as you take a peaceful walk in the woods?

Look Inward for the Answers – What do you really want?

Destiny – Are you seeking the path you’re meant to walk?

Sometimes doing nothing is the right thing to do. Remember, however, don’t wander in nothingness for too long. Contemplation leads to decision which finally leads to action.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

Suffering from A Case of the Ruts? Risk Taking May Be the Cure

Fortune Favors the Bold

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We’ve all stood at the precipice. It’s high up here and we have no idea what’s at the bottom. Fear tells us to stay where we are. Why should we take the leap? It’s safe and comfortable here in our rut.

Heart pounding, we hold our breath and jump. Here it comes! This unbridled excitement can only come when we take a risk. Sometimes we hit the target and land like an Olympic gymnast on our feet. Nailed it!

Sometimes we bounce on our backsides, missing the mark completely. Now what? We get back on our feet, brush ourselves off and try again like a boss! Go ask the barista you’re crushing on for a date. Speak to your boss about a promotion. Run that marathon. Okay. Start with the 5K, but don’t be afraid to train for the marathon.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

Why Can’t We Leave Dead Fish Alone?

Dead fish. They are the bane of my existence.

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Every morning, while most folks are still sleeping, the Fabulous Mr. Pooh and I walk by the lake. We enjoy the tranquility of nature. Sometimes the inhabitants of the state park join us in the stillness of a Colorado morning. Deer herds, predator birds and bunnies (Pooh’s favorite) all gather to start the day.

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The Fabulous Mr. Pooh – Part Black Lab, Part Great Dane, 100% Cuddle Monster

There are those times, however, when Pooh disappears for a moment. He spots his favorite indulgence – a dead fish. Why he chooses to roll in the rotting carcass, I’ll never understand. He knows very well there is a bath (with soap and everything) waiting for him the second we get home. Pooh just can’t help himself.

What are the dead fishes in your life? Maybe you have a difficult addiction you’re trying to conquer? Or you have a taste for toxic relationships? Whatever the stinky carcass may be, never forget there is a solution. It just takes time and patience. You can do it! Don’t give up!

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

How Nature Teaches Us About Resilience

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Colorado has seen its fair share of destructive hail storms this summer. My vegetable garden was decimated during a particularly nasty one in which we had several minutes of white hell fire. In some parts of our state, it broke windows, smashed big dings in cars and even killed two animals at a local zoo. Nature can be destructive, but she can also be resilient.

Back to my veggie garden: My poor cucumber plant was stripped of its leaves and flowers. I cut it back to a stub, leaving a few undamaged leaves. Saying a prayer to the cucumber plant gods, I gave it up to Nature. A month has passed. Not only has the plant grown double its pre-storm size, I’m harvesting cucumbers.

What’s the take away (besides delicious veggies of course)? We can model Nature’s resilience in our own lives. Cut away the parts or people who no longer promote growth in your life. Find a new place or situation that encourages positive growth. Then watch yourself bloom!

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

 

Are You Leaving Your Door Open?

Did you know life is anxious to give you what you ask for? Want a good steady job or a nice house? Take positive steps toward your goals and you’ll earn them. Maybe you’re looking for a lasting relationship? Focus on improving your emotional health and soon love will find you.

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Did you know life is anxious to give you what you ask for? Want to blame everyone else for your bad situation? Granted. Life will continue to pile on the despair and disappointment. Self-improvement is too difficult. Not a problem. You’ll continue to attract those toxic relationships.

Throw your door open wide for the positive things headed your way! Slam it shut against the negative things. Your house will only hold so much. Fill it with people and things that honor you.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

What If the Rules Didn’t Apply to You?

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What if you didn’t have to work that 9 to 5 Job?

What Would You Do?

What if you could ignore society’s rebuke to stop day dreaming about writing your novel or performing on stage?

What Would You Do?

What if you refused to believe in limitations?

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What Could You Do?

What if you COULD BE whatever you wanted?

Who Would You Be?

 

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

 

Toxic Is as Toxic Does

Definition of Toxic (Cambridge English Dictionary)

Poisonous
Very unpleasant or unacceptable
Causing you a lot of harm and unhappiness over a long period of time

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What do you usually think of when you hear the term “toxic?” Maybe you think of harmful chemicals or crude oil spills in the ocean. Radioactive material and asbestos come to mind as well. These substances destroy living things. The human body can show signs of toxicity through skin (acne, rashes, eczema), fatigue and even depression.

We have other types of toxins in our lives that can be just as harmful as physical substances. I’m talking about toxic relationships or environments. Have you entered a room and immediately sensed a heaviness to the air? The people inside are merely occupying the space. No one is smiling. If and when they do speak with each other, it is to complain or share snarky comments. Your good mood is ruined. Their combined negativity and unhappiness are stronger than your good thoughts. Behold the toxic environment.

Signs You’re in A Toxic Situation:

People or Person is tearing you down rather than building you up
The situation makes you feel uncomfortable, frustrated, sad or angry
You dread going into work or seeing a specific person
You are unhappy

Suggestions for Escape:

Take a hard look at your excuses for staying in the situation
Make Self Care a priority
Avoid the drama. If you don’t play they won’t include you
Dream Big. Make Plans. Rediscover what makes you happy
GET OUT!

You’ll notice none of my escape bullets involve you trying to change your toxic coworkers, friends or lovers. They won’t change, because they don’t want to change.Rolling around in the toxic swamp is comfortable. Pulling yourself free and starting a new life is hard work. You can do it! You are worthwhile and deserve happiness.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

 

Are You Celebrating The Important Things?

Happy National Tequila Day!

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I celebrate this awesome holiday every year. In 2017, I spent the evening sipping Tequila Blanco on my back patio in the shade. This year, I went for marqaritas at a Latin/South American Cantina. Why do I get so excited about this holiday? First: I enjoy a good tequila with a slice of lime.[image error] Second: Any excuse to eat Mexican/Cuban/South American cuisine is a good excuse. Third: Celebrating the little things is critical to our happiness.

Why not act a little silly? Make a special meal just because its Tuesday. Go out with your friends on a Sunday just because you can. Live your life with the intent to find joy.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

 

Are You Trying to Force a Square Peg in a Round Hole?

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Jorge Pacarro, the last of his tribe and reluctant leader of war torn Valdeon, demands to be heard. Clever statesman and warrior, he’s a pivotal character throughout the entire Heart of the Warrior series. Jorge fascinates me. I suppose this is why I have blinders on sometimes when it comes to his storyline.

I’ve been working on book three of the series for several months now. Every author has that one challenging chapter. Mine is a Jorge scene. Out of place in the flow of the story, Jorge’s chapter just won’t fit anywhere I try to put it. The scene involves critical information to the series. It has to go somewhere.

Then it came to me after taking a week’s vacation in Colorado. I had my light bulb moment. Jorge’s chapter doesn’t belong in book three. It needs to be the opening scene of book four. Problem solved!  I’d be pretty pleased with myself if the same thing hadn’t happened in book one and two.

What is your square peg? Are you struggling with a problem you just can’t seem to lick?

Take a step back. Work on something else for a few days, then come back with fresh eyes
Ask a trusted friend or colleague for advice
If all else fails, move on. Sometimes you have to shelf good ideas. It just isn’t their time

Best wishes and good luck!

 

A Birthday Wish for My Country

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As a Birthday Gift, I wish for you:

BBQs, Fireworks and Cherry Pie

Laughter, Love and Blue Skies

Most of all, I wish for you:

Peace and memories of simpler times

Strength and endurance until we can see

What neighbors are meant to truly be