Wednesday WORD — by Diane, The California Dreamer

STRETCHING YOUR PERCEPTION AND YOURSELF

"As we learn we always change, and so our perception. This changed perception then becomes a new Teacher inside each of us."

--Hyemeyohsts Storm

I personally have had a few changes in the last couple of weeks. The largest one being with my job. I changed teams and clients. Normally, this is stressful enough, but in addition to my client changes, our office also physically changed locations. All things considered, I decided I needed to do something with my attitude and change my focus.

Changes within the work place are normal. Competition often drives changes. In most industries companies have to change to keep up with technology and client demands.

With my client changing, I am learning a whole new set of responsibilities. Until I can review and work on all of my new claims, I will feel like a fish out of water. Again, it’s all very normal.

I am changing my perception of this feeling. It is an opportunity to stretch beyond what I was used to and expanding my professional experience which will be added to my resume.

My new office location is in a different end of the Valley. I am going to learn all about another section of California I might not have even ventured into if not for this move.

There are times when change is forced upon us, and we find ourselves in a situation we might never have imagined. When we stretch out of our comfort zone and do something we may not have done otherwise, we will grow and learn more about what we are made of and what we can really accomplish.

In Southern California, we have gotten quite the taste of summer already. The temps have been in the triple digits. I keep reminding myself that I do live in the desert. Given that fact, and that this is my third summer living here, I decided to focus on what I am going to be doing for the next few months.

Summer offers so many opportunities to learn. The park districts have summer programs which include concerts in the parks.

Just going down to the beach can be a great learning experience. I am ever so amazed at how the beach front can change depending on the time of the month and the tide.

There are moonlit hikes in the area that I have heard have breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean.

Make this the summer to step out of your comfort zone. Do something you have wanted to do for years. Something that might force you to stretch and learn about not only a specific thing, but something you'll learn about yourself.

If fear is holding you back, feel that fear and do it anyway.

Make this summer a real time class room.

Take some time to think about what you would like to learn. If necessary, sign up for a class and do some research on the Internet about what you are interested in. Go to the public library and read the local newspaper for ideas of what is offered in your area.

Make the Summer of 2008 your best summer yet. Do some of those things that you put on your Vision Board. I have already done several of the things on mine. If you didn't finish your Vision Board, do it now.

Here's to a healthy, safe and great summer.

— © Diane, The California Dreamer

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