Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

I recently went on a trip that I was afraid to go on, because I would have to ride in
an airplane. I knew statistically airplanes were safe, but the thought of falling out
of the sky kept creeping into my mind. I told myself that I needed to get out of my
comfort zone, and I'm glad I did.

I decided that the worst that could happen to me was death, so I had nothing to
lose. I met a lot of interesting people, attended two parties, and visited Washing-
ton, DC.

Every now and then, get out of your comfort zone and you'll probably be glad you
did.

Smithsonian Castle     photo courtesy: Katrina Cureton

Advice for My Former Self

I found some of my old writing the other day --and after reading through it-- I
realized that I had forgotten how extremely insecure I was. 

This is some advice I would've given my former self:

Walk slower and get to know people.
I used to walk really fast, so people wouldn't see me. I'm sure that I appeared as if
I was too busy, or didn't want to socialize. Being afraid to talk to people only hurt
me.

If people are laughing...
it doesn't mean they're laughing at you. 
You probably just came in at the end of a conversation, or maybe someone just 
told a funny joke.

Your hair will grow back.
I had too many chemicals put on my hair and a lot of my hair fell out. At the time,
it was very devastating to me. I could have worn a wig, but I didn't. Hair grows
and if it doesn't... wear a wig. I own 13 wigs and 4 hair pieces.

Don't cover your mouth when you laugh.
No matter what your mouth looks like, people have already seen how it looks.

my wigs

28 "get to know you" Questions

I know some of these questions are weird, but they are actual questions I've
asked people. If any of these questions make you uncomfortable, don't ask the
question.

1. What's your last name?
2. What's your favorite color?
3. Where do you live?
4. How long was your longest relationship?
5. Do you have any pets?
6. When is your birthday?
7. Do you like cats?
8. What's your middle name?
9. How old are you?
10. Are you an only child?
11. What's your favorite TV show?
12. Do you go camping?
13. Are you superstitious? 
14. Do you like sports?
15. Do you believe in ghosts?
16. Do you go to church?
17. Have you been baptized?
18. What's your favorite movie?
19. What's your least favorite movie?
20. Have you ever been in a wreck?
21. What kind of magazines do you read?
22. Do you drink?
23. Do you smoke?
24. Can you swim?
25. Do you want to be cremated or buried?
26. Do you have any tattoos?
27. Do you have a best friend?
28. Do you have any kids?

28 "Get to know you" Questions

Afraid to Make a Mistake?

I was talking to someone yesterday, and he told me that sometimes he doesn't do
something, because he's afraid of making a mistake. Nobody enjoys making a mis-
take, but it's sometimes OK if you're trying something new or positive. Being afraid
to make a mistake could keep you from learning how to drive a car, learning a new
skill, or becoming the person you really want to be.

Not afraid anymore.

3 Self-esteem Destroyers

There was a time when I let jealousy, obsession, and hatred control my life.
Until I got rid of  those three things, my self-esteem suffered.

Jealousy   
I was jealous of my friends, people on TV, and even my sister. I would focus on
what they had and wish I had it. One thing I wished for was to have long hair. I
had to get over it. Now I'm just happy to have hair. I also used to wish that I was
prettier, but I'm over that too. There will always be someone that looks better than
me.

Obsession
When I was in school, I was obsessed with different guys. It not only drove them
away, but it made me look like a fool. I would write their names all over my note-
book and on every chalkboard and every classroom that I had been in. I was
embarrassing those guys and instead of liking me, they disliked me. Now I under-
stand why.

Hatred
It takes a lot of energy to hate. The person that I used to hate the most...that was
me. When I began to love myself, the hate, jealousy, and obsession went away. I
know I have no reason to be jealous of anyone. I have no reason to be obsessed
with anyone either and neither do you.

3 Self-esteem Destroyers...gone!

 

3 Reasons to Love Job Interviews

1. Yeah! You got an interview
That alone should get you excited, so act excited to be there. Even if you're
nervous, don't let that take your enthusiasm away. Treat this interview like gold.

2. You get to promote yourself
Promoting yourself should be easy. Wear something nice,smell good, smile,and
you're on your way to success.

3. You get to talk to a person face to face
Face to face is great because the interviewer can see and  hear how excited you
are about the job. This can't be conveyed on paper or in a text.

3 Reasons to Love Job Interviews

3 Self-esteem Habits

Seek Out Positive People

Jewelry anyone?

You want to be around people that have some-
thing going for themselves. They smile and have
positive things to say. They stay out of trouble
and they want the best for you.

Do Something Nice
Pick up the trash that blew in your neighbor's
yard. Leave a bigger tip for good service. Go
donate some stuff to Goodwill.

Do Something For You
Color your hair. Wear some make-up. Cut
your hair. Buy a new pair of boots. Get an ear-
ring or a nose ring. Get a tattoo. Wear some
jewelry. Try a stronger deodorant or a new
cologne. 

Brand Name Clothing Vs. No-Name Clothing

Personally, I don't care about brand name clothing. As long as I can find the item         
that I'm looking for, it's really unimportant if it's a brand name.

When I was younger, my mother and my Aunt Tini used to make a lot of my
clothes. I never remember wishing they were a brand name. As I got older, they
stopped making me clothes, and I found myself wanting to wear what I liked at
the store regardless of the brand. I noticed that no-name clothing was not only
cheaper, but it looked like the brand name clothing. Being able to buy more, was
more important, than buying an item strictly because I wanted someone to see
what brand I was wearing. When buying clothes, you should always read the tag
to see what it's made of, and how to properly wash and dry the item.

How to Leave a Job You Hate

There are a lot of reasons why people stay at jobs they hate. They are usually fear-
ful of something. I understand it's not easy to imagine just leaving, but you can leave
slowly. You can start your fantasy job part-time, while you're at your current one.

5 Excuses That Keep People At Jobs They Hate

What about health insurance?

You can obtain health insurance from an independent provider.You don't have to get
it through your workplace.

What if I can't find another job?
Go out and look for another job while you're at your current one. Go into businesses
that you believe you may enjoy working at, and drop your resume off.

My 401k is here.
OK, move your 401k to a bank. The people at the bank will tell you how to do it.

But I've been here for so long.
If you're not happy... it's time to go.

I can't do anything else.
Yes you can. Believe in yourself and try something new.

Believe in yourself.

 

3 Ways to Save Your Self-esteem

1. Don't Dodge Compliments
    When someone tells you that they like your hair say "Thank you." Don't say
    "Really, I didn't even wash it today." Don't dodge that compliment! If someone
     likes your shirt don't tell them it's old, just say "Thank you."

2. Don't Point Out Your Flaws
    So you wake up and there's a huge pimple on your face. I know it's hard to
    ignore, but try to. Please don't call more attention to it by asking someone if
    they noticed it. Well... if they didn't see it before, they definitely see it now.

3. Don't Let People Put You Down
    If you have a "friend" that criticizes you, that person is not your friend. A friend
    should lift you up, not bring you down. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend who
    criticizes you, break up with them now.

Self-esteem and Giving

Giving rocks!

Giving can improve your self-esteem. Making  
someone else feel better can make you feel better.                                    
Here's a list of 5 things you can give:                

•   clothes you never wear
•   coupons you won't use
•   attention to someone who wants to talk
•   courtesy to a rude person 
•   your hair to Locks of Love