Guest Post: Finding your Purpose!

I am delighted to be able to have my friend, Mary Martin, as a guest writer today. Mary has written regular blogs for The Mansfield News Journal, Montgomery Advertiser,The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspapers online at Cleveland.com and Bloggers.com.

For awhile, I simply knew her as “hug momma” which was taken from her website, Hug Momma- a Collection of Stories. As our professional relationship grew, I discovered she has a passion to make a difference. Mary is a prolific story writer, strong in her faith, passionate about politics, and a devoted Wife and Mother. Mary has inspired me with her stories, support and friendship.

Mary Martin is an artist. She is currently working on her first book and creating a new website focusing on politics and news. Mary is likely my most loyal follower, judging by her comments and number of visits. She is also the only person brave enough to hit the “follow button” on my website. I am honored to call Mary a friend.

Please give a special warm welcome to Mary Martin and feel free to comment and follow Mary on her website and her journey to success!

Jim Carver

Finding your Purpose

I can’t tell you how many books I have purchased, or motivational tapes I have watched, or sermons I have sat through in the quest to answer the craving question, “What is My Purpose.” I can begin by naming the ones off the top of my head by talented well known speakers, followed by the ones I checked out from the library, the ones I did workbooks for, I can spot those sporadically stashed on the book shelf, and finally, I can check my audio book collection and find a few there, as well. I, my friends, am a well studied purpose seeker.

I’ve held at least three professional licenses, had several full of adrenalin bursts into promising careers each fizzling into unfulfilling monotony. I was like a little girl who had slid down the big slide with hands waving in excitement only to land hard at the bottom with a mouth full of sand. Full of disappointment, I’d ask myself what happened, and why didn’t I see this wipeout coming. I questioned if there was some flaw in me that was keeping me from achieving what most healthy people do. Was I a quitter, or perhaps just not the person I credit myself to be? In utter defeat, I would ask God, “Why?” and reason with Him that if I knew my purpose I could better serve Him.

Over and over people would ask me, “Well, what do you like to do?” and “What do you feel the most fulfilled doing?” I would draw a blank. The pace of raising my family offered little indulgent time, and with my past ventures not panning out, I had no confidence to take further risks. Others would encourage me to, “Keep going, you will find it eventually.” Those words were difficult to swallow, because to me it meant, “Continue to fail.”

Often, the simplest answers are the right ones. For me, this has proven true to the “what is my purpose” question. TRUST GOD. Every failure, every success, every book I read, person I met, every topic I studied has not been wasted. Every experience was forming a foundation of purpose. Like neatly stacked bricks and mortar, every day was part of building who God has created me to be. I couldn’t see it at the time, but with surrender and a determination to trust God and serve Him today, with whatever I have today, has freed me from the burden of needing to achieve greatness.

You have given me today, Lord, what would You like to do? Perhaps write a blog.

 IN His service – Mary Martin  http://hugmomma.com

 

The Mask of Toxicity

Have you ever worked for a toxic workplace? It’s usually apparent by noticing the employees tension upon entering the hallowed halls. Sometimes, an entire industry shares the same atmosphere. It’s a cold vibe that exists when an organization is built upon profit and greed.

Sadly, the style permeated from the top-down is the root of the problem. The Industrial Age was loaded with organizations seeking greater power and control in the workplace. The management style was effective to increase profits for years. In the last few years it has become the downfall of many organizations.

Years ago, employees (and children) revolted by forming Unions. This buffer was needed due to factories hiring cheap child labor. The Unions helped to establish laws to prevent children from being hired and safety regulations. In those days, it was common for children to lose fingers, toes and limbs, resulting in entire family incomes being lost.

We’ve come a long way from those days, but we have so much more work to do!

A majority of toxic workplaces have their own compassionate mission statement, but how they operate has nothing to do with that philosophy. When greed overtakes a business, it’s the beginning of the end- individually and collectively as an organization. The narcissistic style of management sooner or later catches up with organizations bent on sucking the life out of their own companies and employees.

Corruption is a by-product of greed. It undermines the best companies and destroys from within. When leadership focuses solely on profit it usually turns a cheek to everything else. The status quo is all that matters.

Money spent on advertizing is wasted on the snowball of public opinion. Invariably, one bad decision is followed by another. Denial is a powerful and dangerous imposter for those seeking justification. Yet, she is all they have to seek approval.

The tension and stress associated with being trapped in this toxic environment isn’t worth the sacrifice. The headaches, anxiety, ulcers and fear associated with working in this type of situation aren’t worth paying the price for a paycheck. Most experts recommend seeking employment elsewhere. I must agree.

You deserve better. Life is too short to spend in a toxic workplace. Trust me.

 You’ll be glad to remove the mask of toxicity.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Are You an Artist?

My friends, Michael Michalski and Stephen Rager create Art. So does author Jeff Goins. Grant Peelle is also living his dream has an artist.

Some of these folks have been creating their Art or years. Stephen Rager gets up every day at 5:00 a.m. to start his project before going to work. Michael Michalski has been creating his own music for years and loves it. Jeff Goins is an up-and-coming author, speaker and blogger, while Grant Peelle produced an award-winning documentary.

Every day, these folks have a common thread to make a difference through their Art. Whether it’s a part-time or a full-time operation, these artists are on the cutting-edge daily. It’s what motivates them and allows their talent and gifts to shine. While some may take their work for granted, those of us in the trenches understand the vulnerability and risk.

They know out of every 30 people, 29 will say they’re wasting their time. Those folks know rejection and failure will happen. They wear their hearts on their sleeve and brave the pain. Because pain and failure are their friends too! It’s understood the path they chose is tough.

Artists also know it only requires one idea, song, book or movie to breakthrough. Perseverance and shipping a product are what gives them the courage to stand-out. Despite success or failure, they understand tomorrow is a new day. It’s another chance to begin again.

Artists don’t float through life settling for the status quo or approval. That’s not Art, it’s a job. No these gentlemen push the boundaries from their soul. It’s not a choice, it’s a duty.

Artists understand their passion to make a difference and touch someone else’s heart and soul! Deep down inside they’d have it no other way. It’s why they exist and what makes them unique!

Are You an Artist?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Living on the Edge of Freedom?

“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles

For some reason about a week a week ago, I realized by blogging was suffering. Sometimes it was due to rushing to post an article and tossing some ideas out to quickly. I took a few days off from blogging hoping my writing process would become fresh again. After all, attempting to post material daily isn’t as easy as it appears.

After I wrote another blog, I still wasn’t satisfied. Then it hit me. It’s tough to describe, but once you become accustomed to holding back and censoring your own thoughts; it tends to become a habit. It hinders you from your doing best work.

Once I realized the problem (fear), I experimented by writing a blog without fear of retribution. I was stunned by how powerful my posts became instantly. It turns out this stifling style affected my writing for some time. I hadn’t felt this much writing energy since my first book.

Part of the problem was listening to other people’s advice: “You better watch out” or “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” No you wouldn’t, you sell yourself short daily by not taking chances. You’ll complain, cry or through a temper tantrum, but you will never stand-up for yourself or others.

Besides, freedom of speech is a guaranteed right of our Constitution. If we can’t or won’t express ourselves is it any wonder that tyranny has become the norm?

While some people mean well by believing they’re offering “time tested advice” the truth is the advice originated from the Industrial Age mindset of “Don’t rock the boat”, “Keep your mouth shut” and my favorite- “Just do your job.” Those words of wisdom worked for 100 years in a system built upon conformity and compliance. In today’s new connection economy, we need to do the exact opposite of yesteryear.

Following my own advice, I was picked by Bloggers.com as one of the ‘Editors Pick of the Day’ out of thousands of bloggers. That little reward gave me the extra edge and confidence to open up my writing and write more effectively. I was asked to post a guest blog and by allowing my own blogs to resonate without hesitation my audience has increased some days by 25%. Kicking my fears out the door is making a difference.

If you want to find your edge, start dealing with your own state of denial. What holds you back from becoming a warrior and doing your best work? Discover the reason why you hesitate and confront it head-on. Lock that little monkey out of your head.

We only get one life here on earth and it passes quickly. Don’t sell yourself short and spend your time ‘just getting by.’ Life is too precious to waste your strengths, time and energy seeking mediocrity. Worse yet, you may never know your true calling!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Strategic Plan

It’s been an interesting week here in the heart of the Rust Belt.

On Tuesday, I joined my wife as being laid-off from the same employer. Nearly 65 years of loyalty, wiped-out six months apart. With no insurance for either one of us beginning in February it’s been a race to take care of a three-month pharmaceutical supply and look into a surgery I put-off for a year or more.

Good News/Bad News

After visiting a physician (who now practices with a different healthcare system) for what I believed was a meniscus tear, the x-rays and MRI came back normal. The bad news is: I have a rare bone disease that causes my knee to buckle invariably while walking. Which equates to a bigger problem- who will hire a 56-year old male that walks like a crippled person at times?

Watcha’ Gonna’ Do?

The best option all along was to hire myself. I’ve gotten several ideas in mind to generate my own income and no longer be “someone’s cog in the system.” I am amazed in the short time I’ve been unemployed with the ideas I’ve gotten and hopefully a couple of those projects will pay the bills. We are only limited by the constraints- we place upon ourselves.

Being the Best

I was blown away by the accommodations the physician and his staff attempted to arrange after explaining my insurance would expire in a week. My former employer’s orthopedic department nearly laughed at me on the phone when given the same opportunity. Not quite the “expert care” advertized! My co-payment would have been less if the surgery and physician care was done in-house.

Upon explaining our situation to the physician, his jaw dropped and his comment was: “Unbelievable.” It was pleasant to learn his views and thoughts were exactly the same as mine. He truly sympathizes with the employees affected by the Strategic Plan and layoffs. I overheard his nurses say: “I’ve never had to arrange a standard procedure so quickly.”

You and your staff have my loyalty, trust and heart. I knew you would come through on such short notice and I am so grateful for your efforts! I will never forget your integrity, passion and commitment towards your patients.

The Theater of Pain

We were told less than 1% (25 or so) of the employees would be affected by the layoff, but judging from reports I am hearing, it could have been more. The organization did not file a report with Ohio WARN for a mass layoff (of 50 or more employees) so It's possible another layoff could happen. During my travels around town today, I am hearing word on the street of their partnership deal has already been signed and the average citizen can’t  understand why it is being kept secret from the employees.

My thoughts are it makes the partnering party look like the good guy once the deal is announced and the layoffs are already done. I have yet to hear of any management or administration positions being eliminated. My wife believes around 14 LPN’s will be affected after providing advice to that group. Sadly, I learned of another couple who was/is employed and signed mortgage papers for a house the night before her spouse was laid-off, Wednesday.

Many of us had decades of employment and are over the age of 50, some folks affected have spouses or children with disabilities and their former employer was the only source for affordable insurance. Some of those people are single mothers with children. My heart and prayers go out to all of those families.

My Pride and Joy

Last night, I wrote the introduction to my new forthcoming book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This weekend I will focus on laying out the chapters. For me, writing is the most therapeutic exercise possible.

 It shouldn’t take but a month or two to finish this expose. My original idea was to wait until I retired to write the book. Thanks to my former employer that day will likely be February 1^st!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Why Blog?

I started to blog after realizing the power of networking with others through social media. I figured it could benefit my forthcoming book sales and it was fun. I soon discovered blogging was therapeutic and perhaps I could inspire someone, somewhere. I had no idea what it could lead to at the time.

Blogging has given me the confidence to express my thoughts, feelings and life. It has allowed me to enter a theater of new friends and re-unite old friendships. I’ve been fortunate to have established professional relationships with other writers. The short-term benefits have been fantastic and the long-term unknown and exciting.

I didn’t ask permission or wait to be chosen. I took the initiative because I must. It is my destiny, future and the only way to make an impact. It’s what I do best with conviction and passion. My vehicle, voice and decision to be all- I can be.

It’s what I look forward to every day. The opportunity to reach-out to other people and make a difference is special. Whether my blog is a rant, review or interview, it’s something I am proud to share with you. Not everyone will agree with my view, but that’s ok.

I am here to open your eyes to a better way, explore some possibilities and distinguish right from wrong. I explain what makes some things tick and why they’re good or bad. Other times, I build people up or call a duck, a duck. It’s who I am.

My blog is despised by some and a blessing for others. I write about what some only whisper, speak in hushed tones or are too fearful to confront. Writing often inspires me to conquer fear and bring the truth to light. This mission is what I stand for and is responsible for inspiring my audience.

I approach writing stories like a child first seeing the Christmas gifts under the tree. Hopefully, my words, stories and insight will resonate with you as much. At the very least, my wish is to do “something meaningful that matters” for you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Bridge to Becoming an Artist!

 

12 Steps to the Bridge:

 

·        You get a great idea and go to work late because formulating and documenting your idea is more important than a job.

·        The goals you follow aren’t someone else’s.

·        Your family, friends, and co-workers think you’re crazy by doing something radically different.

·        Criticism doesn’t slow you down.

·        You quit attending cubicle nation and forge your own path.

·        The only formal meeting you attend is with your tax accountant.

·        Success or failure is just a speed-bump in the journey.

·        Fear no longer prevents you from doing something meaningful that matters.

·        Decisions you make are no longer based on selfish motives.  

·        You no longer go to battle because you are told too; you do so because you must.

·        You realize you’re an Artist with the ability to change the world.

·        You no longer have a job; you have a Dream to Live.

Once you cross that bridge there's no turning back. You've turned pro and have the duty, responsibility and freedom to do something remarkable. Create your Art and make a difference with the people YOU touch!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.