Tag: Inspiration

Change is Hard: a “Say Yes” Mentor Can Help

by Angela Noel

June 16th, 2016

Julia Zhang. She's on a boat.
Julia Zhang. She’s on a boat.

Julia Zhang sparkles. Not because she has an addiction to the Bedazzler, but because, in her words, “I think everything is kind of awesome.”

Dragon Boat racing? Yes, she’d like to do that. Hot Chocolate 5K? Yes. Deliver Meals on Wheels? Yes, but she might be late for happy hour/book club at Sushi Tango. Julia lights the spark, inviting others, like me, to follow.

In 2012, when a new job, divorce, putting my dog to sleep, and selling my house had turned my life upside down, I had a choice: become an ostrich, head in the sand, or embrace the disruption as opportunity.

Forrest Gump-ish

Fear of stagnation and regret overcame fear of newness and change; my “Say Yes” phase had begun. But I needed help. A near lifelong practitioner of saying yes, Julia wordlessly offered me mentorship in the art of openness.

Later, I would learn that this occasional Forest Gump impersonator had powerful “Say Yes” mentors of her own. Continue reading “Change is Hard: a “Say Yes” Mentor Can Help”

Happiness is Not a Chocolate Fudge Cake

by Angela Noel

June 9th, 2016

Is this wise, little creature a chicken or an owl? I’m going with owl. Either way, this doodle is awesome. It both makes me smile and reminds me that creating happiness isn’t like making a chocolate fudge cake. My happiness doesn’t depend on a mix of specific ingredients, baked at just the right temperature, then only enjoyed at birthdays and special occasions (or when the grocery store has free samples, in my case). Continue reading “Happiness is Not a Chocolate Fudge Cake”

Do it Anyway: Explore the Edge of Your Comfort Zone

by Angela Noel

May 30, 2016

“Snow is falling, winter’s calling. I am far from home.” Matthew French sat in a coffee shop on New Year’s Day and the words of a song, his song, whispered inside his mind. Would he listen?

Inspired to pick up a guitar by a youth minister years ago, Matthew composed songs with a purpose. He wrote for church services or youth group sessions, but never for himself. Not exactly. Much like a thriller writer assigned by a local newspaper to cover a band concert, Matt had the skills but the form and content were predetermined. Which was fine, nothing wrong with that. But then, the Big Bad happened. Continue reading “Do it Anyway: Explore the Edge of Your Comfort Zone”