do something that surprises, inspires, and terrifies me

I have mainly been focusing on the surprising and terrifying…I need a little more work with the inspiration but I am going to mark this as done. I want to keep this as something I always do though.

~ I was going to write about asking for – and getting – a raise at work, but although it was kinda gutsy, I don’t think it fits the bounds for this goal ~

So instead, I find myself writing about the past. Last summer I traveled to europe (backpack) by myself, two weeks vacationing, plus two weeks volunteering on a restoration project. I had traveled with both friends and family before, so I had a bit of experience under my belt. But the solo travel thing is a very unique breed.

It was surprising how much I stepped out of my comfort zone. What is it about traveling that frees us? I was so open-minded, curious about everyone, no qualms, no nit-picky. When you’re traveling solo, you’re kind of forced to engage with strangers, and I quickly discovered that it’s really fun!

It was inspiring because of the quiet times, the me times, the fact that I could spend my time however I wanted. I could spend the whole day at a cafe, people-watching, or staring at a painting in a museum, and not be worried about fitting in all the touristy spots or hurrying to the next site. I found this reflection, this ability to slow down and really experience each city very inspiring, and I learned a lot about myself in the process.

It was terrifying because I hit a point, about 3 weeks in, when I felt done. Everything was going wrong. I really began to crave people who know me and understand me, not only because they speak the same language, but because they can read between my lines, and just know what to say. So loneliness is something I had to deal with. It was a bizarre feeling. Luckily, it was temporary, and a great learning experience.

Overall the inspiring and surprising far outweighed the terrifying. And, I will always always recommend solo travel.

I am really doing the surprises and terrifies in spades but I am a bit stumped by inspires. I have never really thought about what inspires me and how that works. I have that feeling like I have been asked to define a word I always assumed I knew the meaning to but when asked I am vague. Not literally but that feeling…I am not sure what inspires me but what fun to find out.

Two of my kids are grown (well, one turns 18 this year), and the other will become a teenager this year. Parenthood has taught me a tremendous amount about life.

I’ve been through a lot, a LOT, of ups and downs in my life. I’ve had experiences with people close to me that includes his or her encounters with alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness and autism. I haven’t experienced a lot of financial difficulty, so some people consider me privileged and that sometimes hurts my credibility with others.

My parents were very successful business people and put their jobs first, which left me in a sort of abandoned situation as a child that I feel I adapted to very well, although it was a bumpy ride to get where I am now.

People are sometimes perplexed by my level of tolerance of others. Because of being close to loved ones with serious life issues, I have developed a deep, heart-felt empathy for most all people, despite his or her situation.

I believe that we all need love and acceptance. At the same time, it is only late in my life that I have become intuitive in regard to setting boundaries and abiding by them. Before I die, I hope to have touched as many people’s lives in a positive way that I possibly can. It is my mission not to judge people, but see the value in each individual, without regard to popular consensus. Each person is carrying around a message and it is my intent to hear that message and validate that person, if possible, or help that person. In turn, what ends up happening, is the person I am trying to validate or help, ends up validating or helping me even more.

This wasn’t intended to be a ramble, but instead an honest attempt to strip away any facade that I may be layering myself with; which can indeed, be terrifying (for me, anyway).

Do you know what’s weird? I honestly feel like I’ve done this probably 80 times in my life, but pin-pointing them is difficult. I have done so so so many things that have petrified me – I’ve forever lived in a world where it’s just me, lending itself .. I’m constantly inspired by my friends and my surroundings, and life, in and of itself, will surprisingly take me by surprise. I am going to have to chalk this up to an “I have done this” if only because I can’t imagine that I haven’t. I hope that for those of you who don’t feel this way, you take into consideration what an uplift doing this something will be. Cheers.

The next time you notice something you are afraid of, don’t just face it—charge. The last time I did that was this summer, jumping in the ocean to swim with some black tip and lemon sharks (bad experience with a great white when I was younger.. sharks paralyze me when I watch them in aquariums – but I do watch them and THAT is the point). It’s a kind of raw emotion and it is worth every sensation of it.

I would feel lifeless if I didn’t fulfill this every time I come across something that makes me feel this way – daily things as well as the spontaneous free rock climbing or jumping out of a plane. It’s passion and it is life.

few weeks ago. i was surprised anyone asked. i was inspired to do my hair and makeup in a very girlie way. and i was terrified i’d commit a social faux pas since it was my first official date with an “available” person since the Clinton administration. No, I’m not exaggerating. Yes, it’s a sad little life I lead.

Implementing my radical self improvement plan will definately inspire and terrify me. Discovering what I needed to do was quite surprising so this covers all three!

This isn’t quite what I had in mind but I’ve been ordered by my Doctor to have a Colonoscopy to rule out Colon Cancer. This would definetly qualify as terrifying. WTF? Really, when I called to make the appointment the receptionist asked me “How old are you because you sound quite young to be getting a colonoscopy.” I replied “32, 33 in two weeks.” Yeah, that made me feel much better. I think I’m in shock, this all seems so unreal. Rule out colon cancer?! Normally I’m a very private person but I’ve been sitting on this for the past week and just needed to vent. I’m staying positive but naturally I’m scared. I’m absolutely thankful for my family who have been so loving and supportive through this.