A brief sigh of relief

I finished another class in my, what seems like an endless pursuit of my MBA. I was well positioned going into my final exam last night with over a 98%. (pats myself on the back). See, hard work pays off!

I spent the majority of yesterday afternoon studying with another student from class however we were incredibly unmotivated to study. I have the desire to just wing it and not study for the exam but my responsible side overruled that notion...for awhile.

After a few hours of studying intermixed in our random conversation and a quick lunch, we both decided that heading to the driving range would be a much better use of our time then studying. So, there we went, off to the driving range about 2 hours before class to hit a bucket of balls, throwing all our cares and concerns of our impending final exam to the wind. It was a gorgeous day to be outdoors and wished I would have taken the day off and played a round a golf. My friend from class was much smarter than I and did just that.

Amazingly, I swung the club with such ease and precision....for about 2 shots...then I began to fall apart. I began to get frustrated, worried that maybe I should be studying. And then I paused, induced a sense of calm over myself. I whispered in my head...(not sure if you can really do that)...and said...be confident in your abilities and knowledge of the material and do your best. Enjoy your short time outdoors, take in the fresh air and relax. Pause for a moment and be content with where you are. I swung the club really good after that.

We headed to class and then found out our final would be done on the computer. The exam was essay and we could then type it out - which is much preferred for me than writing. In the end, I had prepared sufficiently and I felt good with my exam submission. I'm done with another class...for a week. Now I just need to cherish these few days off from class and studying (easier said then done).

Things I'm pondering...
...A friend of mine recently blogged about an attempted mugging event this past week but he and his friends survived....what would I have done in that situation?
...my source of my morning coffee fix was closed this morning...it was odd...I panicked a bit...but then found another coffee shop. Whew...
...How long can you go without getting enough sleep to feel rested?

Breathe

Remember to breathe. We get caught up in the race of life...or sometimes it feels like a marathon. Remember to take time to stop and breathe.

You are only one person and you can only do so much. Remember that. Set forth a plan for yourself. Stick to the plan. Let it guide you to your success. Yes, deviations are OK, but remember the plan and the reason you established it at the beginning.

But, granted, sometimes I feel like throwing the plan out the window. This can be done but be sure you can afford (financially, emotionally, spiritually) it.

Things I'm pondering....
... how do you become naturally wealthy??
... would it be a bad idea to drop everything, just for the sake of change?
... mmm....can I ever live without coffee?

Unseen Purpose

I'll be soon closing out my 7th of 16 graduate classes in my pursuit of my MBA. This class has been by far the most different out of all of my classes. The class, Sales Management, was an elective towards my Marketing MBA and I primarily took this class because a) I don't like sales and b) I'm not good at sales. I identified my weakness and was intentional in taking this class to strengthen those skills.

Well, with only 2 weeks left in the class, I feel like I'm still waiting for that 'ah ha' thing that I'll learn. Honestly, I have almost felt like this class has been too basic and that I haven't fully received the benefits of all that I could learn. Now, this is a bit frustrating considering it is a graduate level course and they don't come cheap.

But, I've realized over the last few days while wrapping up my most recent homework assignment that despite believing this class is not fulfilling the intended purpose that I set out for originally, a new purpose have been realized.

I've learned that I already knew and was utilizing many of the sales skills taught in the class. It comes down to a matter of confidence in myself and utilizing those skills. Secondly, I've realized that despite this class being quite a bit easier than all my prior classes, it was a blessing in disguise. The incredibly busy summer has taken a toll on me and this easier class was actually a break for me. The class, albeit initiated with an intended purpose, has resulted in something far better....a chance to take a break and breathe.

We may each have a purpose through each of our decisions we make and may have a sense of loss or disappointment when our purpose is not fulfilled. Take that moment to look back and find the Unseen Purpose that resulted from your choice. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

Things I'm pondering...
...you can still function when not consuming coffee at every waking moment....a little disappointed by this

... I'm constantly reminding myself to take a moment to breathe...its totally worth it no matter what

... just remember...its always about us...but most often, its about someone else...do something nice for someone and you'll feel pretty darn good!

Worry isn't worth it

So what's the point in worrying? Does it serve any purpose but to create anxiety, confusion, uncertainty? I don't' tend to be one who worries all of the time but more often that I would prefer. I am constantly telling myself to not worry. It is what it is... yeah...simple....

I try my best and that's all I an do. I have to constantly remind myself, I'm not in control. So be it.

Life is a journey....enjoy it.

On a side note...I've neglected my ponderings...so here are three for today...

Things I'm pondering...
... what happens when stress becomes all consuming in your life? Do you burst like something under pressure??

... the smell of coffee is such an invigorating aroma...someone should make coffee potpourri

... is there such a thing as too much coffee?

Stop Searching

A friend told me that if you are always searching for something, when do you enjoy that which you have?

An excellent point mind you. When do you?

Sometimes in life, you just need to stop searching, enjoy life and the simple things....peace...tranquility....the lake breeze....a great cup of coffee.

The worries of life just roll away and I find myself relaxed, and not searching. But instead, I find myself pondering life's simplicities....not thinking about the what if's but about the what I have's.

Contentment. Not easily learned, nor accepted but taking small steps towards it. Contentment in myself, my life and where I am will lead to personal happiness. I won't find that in someone or something else but me. Just me.

So...its time to just be me, spend time with me, focus on the simplicity of me. With me, I will prosper and things that I had once 'searched for' will show up by themselves.

Vacancy

A void of something lost or something not yet found. An empty space, waiting to be filled. Vastness - all consuming - without substance. Seeking, searching, hoping, willing, wondering, pondering. Life's complexities provide hope for simplicity, basic, unchanged and pure. Life's a journey with no end but a constant search of something unknown. A search that is continuous, finding only temporary fulfillment in something, someone or some place. The only difference, between you an me, contentment in that which as been found. My contentment can only be found within myself.

Possibilities

If you want all possibilities to be present...you have to make yourself open and available to all possibilities. Limits will only do what the says...Limit You. Your life goals, experiences and aspirations cannot be achieved with limits. Remove the limitations and truly experience...