To start the new year off right, I am posting progressions of my current commission, two studies in chalk pastel accomplished thus far.
The quality of these images is not satisfactory as they were both take with the camera on a cell phone! Someone give me real a camera!
What I also want to share with you is that, I scanned through Oprah's magazine out on the local stands yesterday! Hey! I even look at Martha's stuff occasionally and glean great inspiration there also! These are two women who can put only their first names in google... can you?
Anyway, I found two things in the current issue of "O" Magazine that are pertinent for me, and since I know myself as somewhere in the middle spectrum of humanity in many ways, I know there is stuff in there for you too! Besides in a new year, I want to really put my truth out into the world because I do know the ripple effect this practice has in one's own life! It is time for that effect to be more dominantly positive in my life! I am just the last one to learn how make money from any of those good ideas, which is connected to the second really awesome thing I found in "O" this month! (more on that at the bottom of this post!)
So, the first thing is this survey for all of us outsider job-seekers, focused on the seven most striving skills we all possess in one combination or another! They can also make really good adjective resource material for the résumé, just be discerning in your use of them. Or not, depending on your style! Does that work? Are you successful in this approach?
I am asking because I have no experience with other people enough to know about what I am good at at this point! I know I have a lot to offer in this world!
I also recognize I can no longer do everything alone as I have done for far too long in my life. The fear that an adult survivor of a mentally ill parent carries around with them, is an identity of internalized terror and chaos they hope no one else will notice. Hm-m-m-m... truth is, I am really a sunshiny person temperamentally. I just got buried for a long time_ but you know what they say about finding your way in the dark_ at least I always have, "...in the heart of darkness one finds light." I am that pin prick of light, that mere glimmer and we all know what springs from those faintest of shinings!
So here is what I got back from taking the "Who Am I Meant To BE?" survey on oprah.com: (in case you can relate to my profile, these beautiful survival descriptions are accompanied with employment possibilities too!)
Who Am I Meant to Be?
By Anne Dranitsaris, PhD
http://www.oprah.com
MY SCORES
Many people have two or three strong striving styles, and they can all be important in leading you to the person you are meant to be. If you have a few "highest" scores, read each matching description, and see what rings most true.
Striving to help: 10
Striving to be recognized: 13
Striving to be creative: 18
Striving to be spontaneous: 16
Striving to be knowledgeable: 17
Striving to be secure: 13
Striving to be in control: 14
STRIVING TO BE CREATIVE
You scored: 18
You are an artist: You came out of the womb with a paintbrush in your hand; you're an original, and you know it. Even if you don't have a singular gift, you're drawn to the arts—anything creative, for that matter—and you have a unique way of looking at the world. Your need for depth and authenticity in relationships can lead to both great joy and profound sorrow, depending on whether others reciprocate. You don't care so much about adapting to group or societal expectations; your independence and sharp intuition propel you on your own path.
What to watch out for: When fear of conformity overrides your creativity, you can assume the role of "outsider" or "orphan" and end up feeling alienated. You may even go so far as refusing to vote or pay taxes. This lone-wolf stance might be a defense against feeling vulnerable. Try to be aware that blaming others for your banishment, or pushing away those who want to get close, only makes things worse. Also, dramatizing your emotions can interfere with your creativity.
Looking ahead: As long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be. How you do it is irrelevant. A chef or architect can be as much of an artist as a painter or sculptor. Many advertising and public relations executives are also highly imaginative. Beyond work, there are opportunities everywhere you look to coax out your inner artist: Design your own jewelry line, create an innovative blog, dream up a comic strip. Relationships are another avenue for self-expression.
Striving to be creative: Imagination and personal expression are important to this type, so they enjoy jobs as:
Graphic Designers
Art Directors
Yoga Instructors
Drug Addiction Counselors
Architects
Actors/Musicians/Dancers/Athletes
College Professors
Yoga or Meditation Teachers
STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You scored: 16
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren't afraid to fail. Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you're a born entertainer, and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you're less likely to develop deep, committed relationships.
What to watch out for: When you can't satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won't always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn't mean it's good for you.
Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, exploring the polar ice caps, getting a degree in dance therapy, or becoming an astronaut. It might also mean reading new books, attending workshops, or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur. You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going.
Striving to be spontaneous: These action and adventure lovers are drawn to careers that promise excitement, whether as a:
Coach
Police Officer
Events Promoter
Family Lawyer
Nutritionist
Investigator
Broker
Travel Agent or Tour Operator
STRIVING TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
You scored: 17
You are an intellectual: As a leader, you're often ahead of your time. As an employee, you try to surpass the competence level of peers, even managers. Incisive and curious, you're driven to deeply understand how things work. But that's things, not people. Oh, your family and friends are important; it's just that you don't need to spend hours engaging with them. Social validation isn't your goal—you're secure enough in your cerebral pursuits.
What to watch out for: When you can't find a way to be the expert, you may withdraw or simply withhold information, which can make you seem smug or arrogant. If you feel yourself retreating into your own world, seek a friend's help to pull you back. Also balance your cerebral tendencies through physical activities like jogging, hiking, or dance.
Looking ahead: You discover who you are meant to be through accumulating insight and knowledge. So follow your curiosity. Are you drawn to learning Mandarin? Join-ing a philosophy society? Studying and practicing Buddhist meditation? Delving into the complexities of computer programming? Writing a historical book? Pursuits that place you near the leading edge of technology, science, psychology, academia, or business are good bets. But any situation that allows you to work independently with freedom to investigate and innovate will fuel your drive.
Striving to be knowledgeable: Deep thinking and an inventive spirit help this type excel in fields like:
Biomedical Research
Computer Programming
Law
Education
Engineering
Management
Environmental Planning
Telecomunications
STRIVING TO BE RECOGNIZED
You scored: 13
You are an achiever: Ambitious, competitive, and hardworking: That's you. With a clear image of who you are, you work tirelessly to make sure your accomplishments are recognized. Your drive for success extends to your family, and you invest a lot of energy in helping them live up to your expectations. Thanks to your knack for diplomacy and abundant charisma, you often inspire others.
What to watch out for: You are prone to becoming a workaholic, slaving away toward success while neglecting your personal life. Because you're driven to gain approval, you can find yourself performing for others like an actor; if you become overly concerned with your image, you end up feeling superficial. To keep your ambition under control, get involved in group activities that require cooperation. Also practice listening to those around you and think about sharing the spotlight from time to time.
Looking ahead: Any career that allows you to scale the ranks and gain recognition, status, even material rewards, lights you up. Actress, entrepreneur, salesperson, politician—you get the picture. And consider balancing your professional challenges with personal ones: Run a 10K, train for a triathlon, compete in a tennis tournament, bike from one end of your state to the other; or join a debate team, play in a poker circle, enter your purebred spaniel in a dog show. Whenever you can win at something, you're happy.
Striving to be recognized: An audience and a chance to show off their charm suit this type, which works best in roles such as:
Teacher
Newscaster
Real Estate Agent
Publicist
Talent Agent
Investment Banker
Journalist/Reporter
Literary Agent
STRIVING TO BE IN CONTROL
You scored: 14
You are a leader: You approach everything as though you were born to be in charge. Confident, assertive, and decisive, you know what you want and you go after it. You also look out for family, friends, and community—you feel you know what's best for them—and have no fear of confronting anyone who challenges your ideas. Taking the driver's seat, you also generously donate time and energy to people and neighborhood projects.
What to watch out for: When you feel threatened, or others refuse to go along with your agenda, you can become confrontational and domineering, sometimes to the point of being dictatorial. Practice letting someone else take charge on occasion. Also try meditation; it can help you be-come more aware of your controlling impulses and ease the anxiety that may be provoking them.
Looking ahead: You discover your purpose when you take control of your environment. For you, finding a decision-making role is key. That could mean anything from producing a play to spearheading a global campaign for something you care about. In work, you're suited for leadership positions in education, government, industry, finance, religious institutions, or politics. But you can find satisfaction anytime you're given the autonomy to do things your own way.
Striving to be in control: Decisiveness and authority come easily to this type, so they work best in leadership roles:
Restaurant manager
Healthcare administrator
Sales director
Teacher
Political consultant
Marketing manager
Advertising executive
Politician
STRIVING TO BE SECURE
You scored: 13
You are a stabilizer: You are the rock in a storm, the one others lean on. Loyal and com-mitted in your relationships, you maintain a support system of like-minded people whom you look out for. (So what if you do it behind the scenes and don't get credit?) You're careful with money, cherish the familiar, and defend the traditions you care about.
What to watch out for: Rapidly changing environments (like a shaky economy) are very hard for you. As a result of such instability, you can spiral into a state where everything seems catastrophic and you're sure life will only get worse. You can also become over-controlling, rejecting any suggestion that doesn't conform to your idea of the way things should be. To avoid being too rigid, each month try changing one habit. Experiment with clothes, drive a different way to work, initiate conversations about subjects you wouldn't normally discuss. And when the opportunity arises to do something new, avoid the impulse to immediately say no—this may be nerve-racking, but the more you practice, the less anxious you'll feel.
Looking ahead: You find meaning in pursuing safety and certainty. Focusing on family can give you great satisfaction. Also consider planting a vegetable garden, hosting class reunions, volunteering as a lifeguard, teaching at your church or temple. In the work arena, look for positions where you're responsible for others, and for making sure everyone is following the rules. You work well in any environment that is stable and consistent. Careers in government, finance, the military, law enforcement, and product manufacturing are strong options for you.
Striving to be secure: Stable, accurate, and with an unbending attention to detail, this type does well in jobs that have consistency, such as:
Paralegals
Accountants
Electrical engineers
Dentists
School administrators
Public servants
Computer programmers
STRIVING TO HELP
You scored: 10
You are a nurturer: You are caring and supportive in your personal relationships as well as in your job. Unselfish and altruistic by nature, you often anticipate the needs of those around you before they are aware of them. If there is one thing that brings you satisfaction, it's tending to others.
What to watch out for: When you're doing things for people only to feel valued, you can become resentful. And if you sense that your help is not appreciated, you may end up playing the martyr. So before giving your time to everyone else, make sure to take care of yourself (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). And practice waiting until someone asks for help: While you may be able to perceive what a person needs, that doesn't mean she wants you to attend to it.
Looking ahead: It's important for you to be genuinely of service in acknowledged ways. Whether you foster a child, care for an elderly aunt, rescue animals, or support a rock star's career as her personal assistant, look for opportunities where you can help other people or bigger causes. Volunteer work has your name written on it, as do many careers: nursing, teaching, customer service, healing, social work. Don't feel pressured to run the company or lead the project; you may be even more effective as someone's right hand. And you'll likely find working with other people more meaningful than flying solo.
Striving to help: A need to take care of other people is important to this type, who thrives in professions like:
Career counselor
Psychologist
Massage therapist
Development, or Training Consultant
Paralegal
Wedding Planner
Paramedic
The bottom three are on the lukewarm side for me, though I like being acknowledged as a nurturer, just more along the lines of the artist as nurturer_ hey! I AM a good cook!
Now, for a little philosophical or acerbic humor (depending on how you see life!) I have unabashedly borrowed from Hugh MacLeod.
I am smiling today after such a collective bounty of creative wisdom & wit & I have to say how much I love my facebook network!! I LOVE MY FACEBOOK NETWORK!!!
"Sing in your own voice.
Don't worry about finding inspiration, it comes eventually.
Being poor sucks.
Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put here on this earth to climb.
The choice of media is irrelevant.
Start blogging.
Write from the heart.
The best way to get approval is to not need it.
Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid a crowd altogether.
Savor obscurity while it lasts.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE.
Power is never given. Power is taken.
Nobody cares.
Whatever choice you make, The Devil gets his due eventually.
Do it for yourself.
Beware of turning hobbies into jobs.
Worrying about "Commercial" versus "Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
Merit can be bought. Passion can't."
The mind has lots of questions. The heart has lots of answers.
"When your dreams become reality, they are no longer your dreams.
Allow your work to age with you.
Keep your day job.
IGNORE EVERYBODY.
If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.
Remain frugal.
Dying young is overrated.
If your biz plan depends upon you finally being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.
The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.
Everyone is born creative, everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.
Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity.
The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.
Selling out is harder than it looks.
You have to find your own schtick.
The world is changing avoid the water cooler gang.
Put the hours in.
Meaning scales, people don't.
The more talented somebody is, the less they need props."
And one more, I recently found in a book titled: "Pay Me What I'm Worth, A Guide To Help You Say It, Mean It, Get It" by, Souldancer:
"It is not so much that our friends' help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us." _Epicurus, Ancient Greek philosopher, the founder of Epicureanism (341 BC, Samos - 270 BC, Athens)
Oh! and the second thing I picked up on in my scan of "O" Magazine is this, thank-you Glenn Close: http://bringchange2mind.org/
May this post put a smile on your face in many more ways than one for days to come!
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