Welcome to Life Experienced 2.0!

I’m so proud of the new look of the website and the ease of subscribing. You’ll notice that the Blog and Wise Words now have their own pages. Wise Words are books worth-reading that change us and help us be better. This space also includes my Instagram posts. There’s a new place for videos and today you’ll find six 10-minute videos on resilience focused on rebounding from the coronavirus.

I’ve organized all of the website into three searchable categories:

Cheer You On. These blogs, books, and videos will provide optimism, support, and humor to brighten your day.

Inspire You. These blogs, books and videos motivate and encourage you to be creative and try new things.

Help You Grow. These blogs, books, and videos provide education and skills that are proven to create well-being.

I’m so excited to share new content in all of these areas and am hoping you’ll return often for new content, but also reread and share past posts you find helpful. 

What it’s taken to get here.

The theme of producing this website is: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, the title of a book by Susan Jeffers. Unlike the peace and contentment I had imagined in retirement, my desire to continue helping others has stretched me, tested my resolve, and had me come face-to-face with my fears. And all of this was before the coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter unrest!

I was comfortable in the corporate environment of system goals, business plans and deadlines. I was surrounded by a team of resources including accountants, technology experts, graphic designers and very bright, creative co-workers. Learning how to do these tasks and re-create a team of resources has been very challenging.

But the hardest part of the process is the fear of being vulnerable: “What will others think? Who am I to write about this? Is it worth it?  Hasn’t it all been said?” These questions are just a few that I have to answer daily! Yes, daily! The answers just don’t seem to stick around for very long and have to be repeated to win over the fear of the day.

I’ve learned so much along the way including a whole new vocabulary: EFTPS, EIN, SEO, Mailchimp, Squarespace, pre-sets, etc., are just a few! But the number one lesson I’ve learned is the necessity of having a crystal clear “Why." As long as I know why I’m doing this, I can feel the fear and do it anyway. 

Why feel the fear and do it anyway?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Every day you are placed in some situation that definitely tests you. It requires courage to practice patiently in spite of discouragement until you have acquired proper form in swimming, lifesaving, or some other activity. Almost every step of progress that you make will be in the face of difficulty and discouragement. But don’t let it beat you! Always do what you are afraid to do.”

Do you think that’s true? Does almost every step of progress require facing difficulty and discouragement? I think so. And it’s why while it’s been a year of fear, it’s also been a year of Big Growth. I didn’t clean my closets, organize my photographs or cook more, but I’ve strengthened my courage muscle and my confidence that I can do hard things.

When do you feel the fear and do it anyway?

There are many opportunities right now to feel the fear and take actions that support your personal purpose. Maybe it’s wearing a mask in public or speaking up about Black Lives Matter. It could be learning something you thought you couldn’t do or trying something again that you quit doing.

Don’t settle for the safe and comfortable. Stretch yourself in small ways and big ways. We are built to grow by reaching and stretching. Look for daily opportunities to do the hard things and then raise your hands and shout, “I did it!” 

Thanks

A special thanks to all of you who have subscribed, shared comments, and cheered me on. A special thanks to Tiffany Bloomquist and Abigail Hunter who are the best graphic designers I know. 

For more of my insights regarding the book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway click here.