Just Say No to Being Complacent by Djuanna Brockington
By Djuanna Brockington • Jun 12th, 2009 • Category: Musings of a Mid-Life Diva •
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You worked hard to get where you are. Time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Let someone else worry about the climb. You have earned the right to rest on your laurels.
Except, have you ever noticed that the folks who are considered “successful” are always into something. Even when they don’t need the money, or the accolades, or the name recognition. There are those community mothers who are known by everyone and keep going until they can’t go anymore. The Seth Godins on the Internet who have made a name and a fortune, and yet continue to come up with new ideas and impart wisdom to their many followers along the way. And yep, there is even that group of billionaires who got together to figure out how they can collectively give away even more money than they already do.
A couple of months after I made the break from my full-time gig, I was having a conversation with a trusted friend and she called me adventurous. I had to stop her in mid- sentence and disagree with her. She had a hearty laugh and reminded me that it is often difficult to see yourself the way other people see you. And when she began to layout all the things that I had done since she’s known me, I began to think she was right- about my inability to see myself the way others do, but especially about calling me adventurous. If she had said those exact same things about someone else, I would have agreed wholeheartedly and without hesitation.
But my adventurous spirit is not about “doing” fun, wild, or scary things. It’s more about “being” a better person. I try to challenge myself to get to the next level, and the next, and lately, I have been challenging myself to create new levels and paradigms. Who says I have to do it the regular way? So, if I find myself in a fun, wild, or scary situation on my way to being a better mother, lover, writer, friend then it’s all good.
This writing thing is the scariest thing I’ve done in a while. And the most fulfilling. Funny how that works. If it all goes according to my plan- groovy. If not, the fun was in the doing, and I hope I learned a lot of good lessons. Either way, I feel more alive now than I have in a very long time.
When was the last time you pushed your own personal or professional limits?
Djuanna Brockington is a Southern Diva. Reading, writing, and running (on occasion) are her favorite things. Her short stories and novellas can be found on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. When not ranting on APOOO, she's ruminating on her own website: http://www.divafictionbytes.com
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I can not even remember, but I know that I have recently made the choice to switch majors and persue a career in nursing. Why? I am not really sure. I say I would love to be an editor and work for a publishing company so I was thinking of a totally different career path. With the present state of the economy that scares me and I know I can not afford to work as an intern in my ripe old(ok 36) age until I get a break in the publishing industry.
.-= Lashonda Silver´s last blog ..A Whole New Me =-.
I’m pushing my personal limits now…by eating better and exercising more…funny how a health scare will do that to you.
In the Fall I had planned to take refresher courses so that I could renew my CPA license…but surprise surprise…I’ve been asked to teach a course or two. Of course, I’m interested because I could really use some extra income right about now.
I pushed myself twice. I went back to school after being away for 11 years. I’m going to be a teacher. The second thing was stepping out and creating more of my jewelry and selling them. My next thing I want to push myself to do is become more serious with my writing. I really believe that I can bring different types of stories to readers. I just have to push my fear aside and get to it.
.-= Jennifer C´s last blog ..Stay True to You =-.
I agree Jennifer with the writing thing. My husband always ask me why I don’t work on my stories more. Everyone in my family says they always thought I would have a book published by now.
.-= Lashonda Silver´s last blog ..A Whole New Me =-.
Lashonda, my mother and sister are the ones in my life asking about my stories and poetry. I want to be able to give them that because they believe in me. My husband told me if I write it, he’ll make sure it’s published. Those three besides friends are my dedicated support system.
.-= Jennifer C´s last blog ..Stay True to You =-.
When I ran READ. I’m almost in a depression. I cant seem to get going..anywho..Still I Rise
Linda it’s so sad and depressing that the services our kids need the most are going along the wayside…sigh.
As I’ve said many times before, Djuanna blogs always awaken something inside of me. My friends always call me and tell me that I’m always so supportive, quick to help and thoughtful. I always laugh it off, cause seriously, that’s not me! I complain to my husby, because I always want to pick up the phone and call someone to listen to me, but realize that I can’t. Neverthelss, I answer no matter what time the phone rings, if they need me, I’m going.
I had stopped going to church and neglecting my church duties and reading the bible. I was depressed when I lost my aunt, and since my mom’s diagnosis, I’ve decided that I want to be happy. I want to be a better daughter. For so long I envied the relationship my mother has with my younger siblings. But recently, I’ve discovered, while it’s not a traditional mother and daughter relationship, she is one of my closest friends. Growing up we didn’t talk much. Now we’re on the phone all the time and I’m helping her with dating 101. I’ve known her my entire life, yet, it’s so much I don’t know about her.
Djuanna, I too want to be a better mother. Especially with my oldest son, I was a teen when I had him, and I’m quick to let anger keep my mouth and heart close. Yas, I’ve been on the bake and boiling kick, leaving pop (sodas) alone with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Ya’ll know I say a writer is trapped in my soul! So I say we should all venture out and try to make something of it.
Nothing beats a failure but a try!
.-= Nardsbaby´s last blog ..Nardsbaby gave 5 stars to: Orange Mint and Honey =-.
Why did my pic disappear?
.-= Nardsbaby´s last blog ..Nardsbaby gave 5 stars to: Orange Mint and Honey =-.
@ Crystal let me find out what’s going on with your gravatar…
Hey Ladies,
I am always touched by your responses to my posts. If nothing else, I want us all to remember that we are in this life thing together, regardless of the individual paths we walk. Here’s to a week of peace and love and success on your journeys. And a special blessing for Linda- who manages to keep her head up and trucking every day. That is doing the dayum thing!
.-= Djuanna´s last blog ..APOOO Friday- 12 June 09 =-.
I appreciate this blog post for all kinds of reasons, one is that it points out that even when we push ourselves once or twice that doesn’t give us permission to stop pushing ourselves.