Focusing on Yourself?

*   I want to thank  Caroline Gavin for graciously allowing me to be a guest on her podcast show- BlogTalk Radio, Purposeful Pathway on February 27th. I  enjoyed our chat and look forward to speaking with you again!
You may replay the show here.

I often write about doing something meaningful that matters. Sometimes it’s about making a connection, rescuing a life or just helping someone out. Many times it’s about treating people with respect and dignity or just providing inspiration. It should be easy to look around and see scores of people in need of help.

But lately I hit a wall. For some reason, I had absolutely nothing to write about. I understand writers block and have always managed to write my way out of the funk. But this time things were different.

Last night it hit me. My life has changed dramatically after being laid-off a month ago. No more days at work witnessing the daily grind of usual nonsense and being instantly inspired by the next blog topic to address. Am I going through some sort-of post work depression or has it just finally hit me I am not going back to that former life of nearly 32 years?

Why do I feel such a deep sense of aloneness? Perhaps I suffered a mini-stroke in my sleep and the writing side of my brain is not functioning properly? Years ago, I gave up alcohol and drugs and attempted to fill the void with a job. Yes sir, I would make something of myself.

People liked me; I was young and thought if I bought into the corporate package it would lead me to where I belonged. Over the years, I slowly saw the corporate dream dissipate. I discovered “doing the right thing” didn’t matter to those people. Never mind your conscience, it’s all about the latest fad, slogan or mantra.

Phooey!

I realized I was just a “cog for the system” which opened the door and led me to think otherwise. That’s the day I became wide-awake. There was no turning back.

Once you realize you are unable to make an impact you’re spinning your wheels and headed nowhere. So I took the supposed “safe” route and laid-low to maintain my job, until one day the system recognized my age, blogging and supporting my wife’s unemployment hearing wasn’t in their best interests. Thus, conveniently my job was eliminated too.

Hugh MacLeod says everyone needs an “evil plan.” Well not really “evil” in the true sense of the word; just to the point of jumping out of the insanity of living paycheck to paycheck to survive into the position of doing something that really matters. My former employer made that dream a reality for me.

So maybe I’ve been feeling sorry for myself. I finally have the freedom to negotiate my own future; to do what I choose to do. How many people get to go live their dream? When you focus on yourself your world shrinks.

I also realized I have the perfect storm for writing, making decisions on what ventures to pursue and certainly the time it requires to make things happen. Creativity is best served with the least amount of distractions. For a writer, the quiet time of peace is a blessing. What more could I ask in order to do something meaningful that matters?

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.be speaking

Dreamer Wanted- Apply Here!

Dreamer Wanted

1.   Creative Artist with a Passion to Succeed.

2.   Someone tired of Fitting-In.

3.   An Individual who Resigned from the Status Quo.

4.   A person who doesn’t require a Map or Manual to function.

5.   Dislikes Meetings as much or more than we do.

6.   Makes Mistakes, while Doing the Work.

7.   Realizes Fear has no role in the Workplace.

8.   Fosters encouragement, excitement, and lives your own Dream.

 

9.   Someone who Stands-up for Truth and Honesty.

   10. Focuses on doing Something Meaningful that Matters!

Dreamer Wanted is my manifesto to create Art and make some noise. It’s what the common man would call a job description, but I call it my dream. It’s why I do my best work alone, by myself; to share with you. It revokes what we gave up to seek employment and gives us the freedom to find our calling and live our dreams!

Each one of us is born with the innate ability to dream and make a difference in the world.  It isn’t until we reach a certain age and others begin to tell us a different story; we begin to believe otherwise. This is why I am writing this blog. Because you no longer have to live someone else’s dream.

The other day my wife was discussing with a friend, my recent award on Bloggers.com as one of the Editor Picks of the Day. I’ve written 128 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles (my blog) on Bloggers.com since June of 2012. Millions of bloggers post on the site, so the recognition is an honor to me and her. The other persons reply was: “Yea, well blogging doesn’t make money.”

In and of itself blogging may not make money right now, but the point is to network and build a tribe of followers. Subsequently, launch a business or movement and the website is this author’s platform. I don’t feel it is my responsibility to educate someone on social media who has no interest and follows the mindset of “yesteryear.” I’d rather focus on helping someone who wants to know and cares.

The other day, I ran across a blog by Terry Hadaway. He definitely gets it. Terry’s writing is top-notch with clarity and eloquence. Who knows maybe Terry and I will end-up on the same stage someday, write a book together or just become friends. Either way, it’s exciting to find someone who understands the pitfalls of the Industrial Age and the trapping of the minds involved.

So tune-out or remove yourself from those attempting to sabotage your dreams. Here’s a secret of being successful: When you are just about to turn the corner and reach a new plateau, the naysayers will jump out of nowhere to bash your work and distinguish your flame- if you allow it.

Every good battle has a moment of uncertainty, the brief question of resolve. It’s the nanosecond that attempts to separate your passion and cause; just keep your eye on the purpose and charge full-steam ahead!

That’s the battle we face every day to live our dreams!

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 Quest of a Writer!

Yesterday, I failed to post a blog. I really didn’t have anything gnawing at my soul to deliver to you, but as the night wore on- I was torn by not producing an article. The inability to create a little magic for a night made me feel like something was missing. Call it guilt or laziness, but it was anything except- a night of relaxation.

For me, it was another moment of realizing I am a writer.

It’s my love, journey and a quiet time to reflect, think or share. The chance to discover what determines how actions, relationships and ideas determine our reactions.

Searching to discover what’s behind the daily messages or noise by dissecting the moment and seeking truth. It’s about the moment of breaking down obstacles, underscoring lessons learned and engaging in tribulations with my readers. Writing is the opportunity to help others by giving back, educating and sharing hope, inspiration and insight.

This is what I love to do and my purpose for being here!

I am a writer, certainly not the best or worse. Better yet, I am a writer who cares and wants to make a difference. Sometimes reaching out where others will fail to venture. This is my calling, my passion to serve by attempting to do something meaningful and hopefully make a difference.

I hope it’s a legacy others follow. The quest to make an impact in people’s lives.

It is simply my gift to 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.

Should We Follow the Leader?

One of the common problems here in the Rust Belt is the lack of leadership. Perhaps it’s due to living in a “small town” mentality or because so few good paying jobs exist. Ducking the obvious questions and failing to recognize problems seems to be fashionable. When a leader allows position, money, or status to interfere with “doing the right thing” we have a bigger problem.

News Media

Years ago, news reporters built their reputation by asking the hard questions, un-covering stories and following leads. Now it’s about the advertisement revenue and in most cases- nothing else matters. Reporters used to take risks, a voice of reason and hold society accountable. Locally, all we are left with is a liberal newspaper seeking social media approval, being ever so careful not to hurt advertiser’s feelings.  

This lowers the bar for everyone.

Corporate Management

Corporate management is so concerned to move up the ladder or protect their positions, problems don’t exist. The only real problem is when they are able to avoid the leak. So, generally the problem is the person who reports the bad news. The plan to shutdown the point of question invariably becomes the point of attack.

Whatever happened to- Don’t shoot the messenger?

--Again, the bar is lowered and the outcome is a message of everything’s roses.

Hardly!

Stay in Line-Follow the Sheep

The saddest fact is young people witness these acts of poor leadership techniques and believe it is acceptable or the norm. The public believes everything is fine. Monkey see, Monkey do.

Eventually, a large part of society has been so blinded, so mislead that it fails to recognize right from wrong. The message sent is nothing matters except money, greed and position. Everything is fine, just sit back and let us run the ship.

That little ice-burg we just hit was nothing. Keep dancing. After all, we are the Titanic!

Just the Facts

Far better to question authority, use a fact checker or follow-up the situation yourself. Push the powers to be to ask the right questions and hold those responsible for answers. Never settle for- “No” or “I’ll get back with you.”

Settling for the norm ensures mediocrity or worse. Relying on someone else to have your best interests at heart is a mistake. It’s only their own agenda that matters to them.

If you are unable to get results going up the chain of command- stop contributing to the product, find a new job or remove yourself from the situation., Writing helps, because in today’s social media rage articles get noticed quickly and most businesses hate bad publicity. Sometimes, it’s the last source to seek change.

Encouraging integrity from our leaders  raises the bar of accountability, reduces the need for transparency and encourages truth.

By seeking purposeful questions we will hold those accountable for meaningful answers!

Anything less is lip service.

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.

From the Heart!

There comes a time when you must forge ahead.

Write what must be written.

Speak your mind, tell the story and bare your soul.

Bringing darkness into the light and setting the truth free.

No rules, expectations or fear- just pure honesty from the heart.

Words with meaning that deeply matter to those who care.

-Jim Carver

 

November is a great time to begin writing since the lawn care days are over.

Thanksgiving weekend is the start of the next journey!

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.

Take the Money and Run

Photo courtesy of: Alan Cleaver.

We live in a society where truth is often overlooked to support incoming money through marketing strategy. Nothing is really sacred or off limits, particularly in the rust belt, when seeking funding.

Stories can be spread to justify the means of private funding, elections or the passing of a levy.  When funding is by means of corporate money or a total lack of backers, the spin begins.

Urgency of power is all that matters. If an idea can be bought, it can be sold.

Why do Issues desperately in need of fixing remain broken for decades, while “special Interests” are seemingly satisfied?

Once upon a time, specific unwritten standards existing such as truth, honor and dignity were important. Not anymore. If someone has enough time, presence and money, the story can be developed, just like Hollywood.

Repeat the chant often enough and it becomes believable.

Few question the motive, details or accuracy.

Worse yet- few people really care!

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.