So, HUBS and I have been getting out and among people a little bit. We joined a Meetup group for sci-fi and fantasy fans and have been to three events, only, since we were late to the last two, we didn't get to actually talk to anybody. But! It got us to the art museum and the science center when there were a lot of people there, some of them dressed like various Doctor Who's.
Also, I've been signed up for a nerdy women's group for months. I kept signing up for events and then chickening out at the last minute and not going because I got too nervous to talk to new people.
Well, this weekend I went.
It was a bit easier, since it wasn't just a random sit around and try to think of things to say to strangers kind of meetup. The meeting was based on The Happiness Project, a book from a few years ago about a woman trying to figure out what would really make her happy. The goal of the group is for each member to pinpoint her values and put together 3 or 4 things we really want to work on that we believe will make us happier.
I, of course, have two huge lists of things to pull from. Two huge lists of goals from the beginning of the year that I've barely worked on as we enter the last half of 2013.
I need this kick in the ass. I'm hoping having a group of ladies who are all trying to get better and improve their lives to go back to and be accountable to will help me make those small moves every day that I know I need in order to feel better and brighter.
Constant, external motivation seems to be what moves me along. Motivation really doesn't come from within with me. I don't know why, and it doesn't actually matter. The important thing is finding what will push me and using it, even if it looks like something that shouldn't move me.
Ahhhhh...Let's relax a little. MUSIC!
What gives you a kick in the ass?
13 comments:
The group of women sounds like a really great idea. All things are easier accomplished and motivated when you have a support system.
That's what they say. It's not like I don't have the support of my husband/mom/phone-friend-from-high school, but it'll be different to have a group of people with the same goals around me.
Great idea for the women's Meetup group! I had signed up for some years ago but they never met.
I think we'd also enjoy the sci-fi one.
That is so awesome that you're doing that with a meet-up group. It really can help get you out there and to meet some like minded and very cool people. Way to go. :-)
I've looked into some meet up groups, but haven't found anything that sounds interesting in my area. A science fiction/fantasy group would be great! I do belong to a book club and I enjoy that (when I actually go!)
That would be awesome to meet up and give each other inspiration or even to set little goals which could eailsy be reached, then it would be like earning Brownie Points.. Would be even better if the brownie points of reaching goals came with cupcakes... Just sayin' lol ;-)
Sounds terrific Adrienne. You've happened into what could evolve into a mastermind group for you. If it's already motivated you into action, that means the next step would be - ready - holding you accountable for your plans.
Cassandra: Sometimes that happens. Two years ago I went to a writer's group that I really liked. I was looking forward to the next meeting, but they never met again!
Susan: That's what we're hoping. So far, so good!
Gracey: My usual issue with book clubs is that I have so many books I'm trying to read on my own, adding a new one monthly that's mandatory seems like too much. At least this way the whole thing is dedicated to one book!
Claire: MMmmmmmm...brownies & cupcakes...
Patricia: You're right. I am hoping they do that somewhat gently, though!
Now that I work from home and we're empty nesters, it is very easy to let myself become isolated because I really don't mind spending time by myself. There is the dog---he's cute, but not a brilliant conversationalist. Then there's my husband who works long hours. When he's home, we don't converse all that much because after 31 years of marriage, it's scary the extent to which we know what the other is thinking. It's almost like there are these little pop up balloons over our heads. Then, there's the fact, that he's trying to find a cure for lung cancer and I'm, I'm, well, that's the problem for 2013 to figure out what I'm doing. I know what I'm not doing anymore (being a lawyer in the crash and burn lane), but I'm not sure if I've exactly figured out what I'm doing or why I'm doing it. So, maybe a group would be a good thing. Just the need to be articulate might help me articulate what I'm trying to accomplish. (This is why people hate trying to learn English!).
Motivation is such a personal thing and I think you are right. It doesn't matter where it comes from. What matters is that you discover what works for you and allow that to guide you.
I love gathering with a group of people that share one or more of my passions! It's a wonderful way to spend some quality time, learn and grow.
In this age of abundant technology, I love to gather with a group of friends or pick up the phone and share a special moment.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networks, through which I have met some phenomenal people I probably would not have met otherwise... but I do love that more intimate sharing that a group of liked minded individuals provides me.
I love Meetup forums but even I as social as I am have chickened out of events that I will have to attend alone (ironic since the point is to go and meet people, I guess).
Great music selections as always, love Ms. Ware!!!
Suzanne: As an only child, I totally get the not minding being alone thing. While it's good that I can enjoy my own company, since I'm also quiet & introspective it does keep me from getting out and talking to people.
I hope you figure out what you want to do soon. But, I also have to say, it's kind of nice to hear someone with more life experience say they have to work out what to do with themselves.
When I was a kid, it seemed like you went to school, got a job, found a place to live & that was it - you were set for life. No one ever tells kids (at least, no one ever told me) about the constant need to reinvent ourselves due to internal or external forces!
Valerie: I've never been a big gather-with-a-group person. As I get more and more isolated, though, I'm seeing the benefits of just getting out there and doing it!
MadSalesWoman: Glad you liked the music! And, again, it's good to hear that even sociable types can have trouble with this kind of thing.
You guys make me feel like I'm not quite as screwed up as I make myself out to be, & I REALLY appreciate that!
Glad you got into the right frame of mind to meet with some new people and it all worked out. It's amazing how many barriers we can create for ourselves.
Great music selections this week, I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, but really liked the last three, "What's Golden", "Believe" and "Your Woman". Just what I needed on a summer Friday evening. Now I have to play them for my husband. :)
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