photo by me

There have been storm clouds on my horizon. I have been ill and I haven’t been motivated. I couldn’t write and I could barely think and even getting up each day has been hard.

The rain has rejuvenated me somewhat. But it has been other people who have really given me a kick in the butt.

Stephanie, one of my co-workers, brought me a some books yesterday. Now Stephanie is an incredibly talented graphic designer and someone I admire and really, truly like. She’s one of those awesome people that you feel good to be around. She brought me a Getty book. While I’m no where near the level of the professionals on Getty, the book is cool. They combine quotes with the images (which is something I love doing). They give me inspiration. They give me hope.

She also gave me a little notebook from Lonely Planet. Now, this is something I probably could do. One of my favorite things to do is to travel, take pictures, and write about it. You can’t go wrong there. And they like artsy photographs.

Erin has been checking on my health and has sent me gentle reminders to get to the doctor and get checked out. In addition, she covered a training for me when I was so sick I could barely stand up. She probably has no idea how grateful I am for both her concern and her willingness to help out.

I have an awesome boss. Lorraine is one of those people who you want to see at work and to hang out with outside of work. She is clever and witty. She is inviting and interesting. She kicked my butt hard yesterday (and I needed it). She let me know that I couldn’t allow stress to get in my way and if that means I have to take less classes to do that, then I should.

Ashley kicked my butt without even knowing it. She’s been told she has to write. She complained that writing is too easy and, therefore, she doesn’t do it. I know that feeling. Writing comes easily to me. But I get bored so I don’t do it. If I’m bored, it’s a bad thing for me. I know this. But, I can’t let a little boredom stop me from doing things that need to be done.

And that’s where Joe comes in. Joe is a new friend who understands the path that I’m on professionally (as someone who has a similar master’s degree and works in the field, he undestands it all too well). Joe, yesterday, kicked my butt hard again. He told me that I have to overcome the boredom and get things done.

And they are all right. I need to take care of myself. I need to get over my mental blocks. I need to take chances and put myself out there.

I can do it.