Tone

There is so much negative energy out in the world right now. So many people are unable to go to work, meet, socialize or even shop. It’s made me think about communication, especially when it’s not face to face. I’ve been thinking about how I communicate via email. I’ve been messaging my partners and clients and trying to use sincerity and positive words and punctuation. The exclamation mark is something I use often!

I remember working with someone who typed in all CAPS because she didn’t think it would relay a certain tone. Tone, it’s such a delicate thing…relaying tone via written words. Nowadays people communicate with email vs speaking oftentimes. The world has gotten so busy that email just happens to be one of the easiest forms of communication in the workplace. It’s easy to quickly respond to an email and not think about how it comes across.

During this difficult time I’ve been making it a point to actually call people. Whether it be via some form of video chat or just by telephone. I think the human connection is so important and we often forget about that. I feel we are starting to realize the importance of speaking to each other. Not just communicating with an email or a text.

All that being said, I hope everyone is staying safe and strong. Make sure you are communicating with friends and family. Read what you write prior to sending emails or messages. Tone is very powerful at this time.

2020

I was born on a year ending in 0, and that for some reason has a resonance with me. Probably because another decade has passed, but 2020 to me means a lot. I’m 40. This is a milestone, FORTY! I’ve lived a strange life, and because of that I feel immature in a lot of ways. I still struggle with figuring out who I am. Is that ridiculous? Maybe, maybe not. I mean, I know who I am but I don’t know why I sometimes do what I do, or behave how I behave.

Maybe it’s because I just turned 40 that I’m doing an assessment of my life. My life, in all fairness is great! I’m married to the most patient, understanding and caring man I could’ve asked for. I have an incredible job that allows me freedom to work from anywhere. I live in a home that we own. So there’s really nothing to complain about. The things I’m looking at are deeper, like why do I drink to much? Why do I not utilize my time better? I think I’ve been given so many gifts and am not utilizing them, almost like I’m kiboshing my own success because I feel I’m not worth it.

These are all the things that have been going through my head in the last 24 hours.

Making attainable changes

I’ve read a couple blogs recently about resolutions. People set these lofty goals on New Years and most give up by February. I can recommend setting smaller goals, goals that may take time to achieve but will lead up to a huge change over time.

So….

What I’ve been doing over the last month is really focusing on small work outs. I don’t have a time of time to spend hours a day exercising, but what I can do is 30 minutes in the morning and when I have time throughout the day jump down and pound out some crunches or whatever.

I am still working towards my goal of not drinking throughout the week. I don’t know what it is about sales people, we all seem to drink more than most. It could be that our jobs are stressful, or that often when you meet with clients it’s over drinks, dinner etc. So…when I am not meeting with clients I don’t need to have a drink after work.

First post of the year

This is my first post this year and another focus of mine is to be brutally honest with myself and share my struggles and successes. The only way forward is up!

Thanks for reading and I look forward to sharing more!

Persistence

I spent Monday at the dentist which as usual left me feeling anxious and in pain. I have spent a lot of time at the dentist throughout my life and none of it was due to cavities, all due to bone and gum issues. It’s honestly very frustrating. Most of my issues are hereditary but I had some poor behaviours in my 20’s that didn’t help. I have another 5 or so appointments and I should be done! Because of this surgery this week is a recovery week.

The benefit to having a recovery week is I get to study for my new role. I start a new career on Monday and I am thrilled. As I mentioned in my previous post I’ve been struggling with my current job because the market is so difficult to manage. My new role allows me to control where I go and how I approach potential clients. My new title is Western Canada Channel Account Manager. Sounds like a mouthful doesn’t it? I get to work from home for the majority of the time because of technology I can connect with clients remotely. I will have to travel from time to time which is also cool. I won’t be locked into one place just waiting for clients to come to me anymore.

This new beginning is a game changer for my husband and I. He works in the same field and also works remotely. We will be working Monday through Friday, be able to take vacations together easily. Can work from a campsite if we wanted too, as long as we have internet and phone connections.

I’ve never been one to settle, I’ve always pushed towards bettering my life. If a job doesn’t fit I persist until something better comes along. They say your 40’s are the money making years. So let’s go!