(43-50) One Step At A Time

I considered a lot of different titles for this milestone post.  "One Foot In Front Of The Other,"  "Step by Step," "Small Victories," and "I'm On My Way," just to name a few.  I think that any of these titles would have been appropriate, because they all convey that ANY effort and EACH  accomplishment, will bring you that much closer to achieving your goal.  To quote Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin in "What About Bob," "Baby steps, baby steps;"  and even if you haven't seen that hysterical movie; I'm sure that you know what I mean. 

When I decided that I was going to write my blog, everyday during my 43rd year; I knew that it was going to be a huge undertaking; especially if I wanted to maintain "The Bumpy Ride" as a storytelling blog, an observational humor blog, an advice for the (say it with me,) "Greater Good" blog, and not just a journal of my daily activities.  Now surely  I know that some of my posts have been better than others, but in the long run, it's all about the journey.  In addition to this being writing practice for me; it's also on its way to becoming a book of memories.  A book that will tell my children and the world EXACTLY who I was and what I did during the year that possibly could have been my last.  So will I share music that I like; you betcha, because how else will my kids know what put a smile on my face and made me want to shake my groove thing.  I still remember songs that were my mom's faves; and every time that I hear one, I am happily reminded of her.  I think that it's important for me to write about the people in my life that make it special.  The triumphs and the failures, my hopes and my fears; my mistakes and my successes.   And speaking of, tonight I have 2 reasons to celebrate.   First, this post is now the fiftieth in my "43" endeavor.  It's hard to believe that I've already got 50 posts under my belt. Time is already flying by; and honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing what I create in the next 50 days.  When I break it down like that, 316 more doesn't sound quite as intimidating.

I am very happy to report that my second cause for celebration is my submission in the "Glamour magazine" essay contest.  At approximately 530 this afternoon; my fine tuned essay (thanks to the help of Michelle M and Lesa G,) was entered into the contest that could award me $5000 and an opportunity to meet with an agent; and I'll modestly say, that I believe that I submitted a fine piece of work.

I have set many goals for myself in the past 50 days, and I believe that I am ready for all of the challenges that I am presenting to myself this year; because to quote Gandhi, I am going to "be the change that I want to see in the world."
Change is most often accomplished "One Step At A Time."  Each step puts you closer to your goal, closer to the changes that you want to effect and although it can be scary; CHANGE can be a VERY good thing and each one, a cause for celebration.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Take My Challenge ...

This month's "Scrapbooking from the Inside Out" kit club them is GRATITUDE; and one of our current threads is to mention something that you are grateful for. After returning from voting; I wrote "I'm grateful for the chance to make a change and the possibility of promise." And not to toot my own horn; but I thought that was kind of eloquent and profound - OK, I'm tooting; I know - but I really thought that these were ideas worth sharing - ESPECIALLY today.
I woke up at my usual 415am and I worked for a half hour before leaving to vote. I waited in line and was 19th to cast my ballot. I felt a great sense of satisfaction and an even bigger sense of hope. I am hoping that this country makes the choices that will lead to changes that will benefit the majority and put us little guys back on track to pursue our American Dreams. I am fearful that bigotry and fear will prevail. I am fearful that uninformed, voters will cast ballots or that people will make decisions based on "The worst thing that they have heard about one candidate." You know what - No one is perfect. I am supporting Obama and have I heard stories and opinions that are cause for concern - absolutely; but I have heard more of these types of stories about McCain / Palin and I would truly abhor the idea of Sarah Palin becoming our President; god forbid McClain was elected and died. I am imploring you to think of this scenario if for any reason you are undecided about how to vote.
With that said, I am VERY late for work; but I felt that it was SO important to share these ideas with you; that I'm willing to work late today so that I can get this out.
At this point I want to issue a challenge. It is one that I have already taken myself today, in a number of different ways and the challenge is "DO something that scares you a little. Step out of your comfort zone and take a leap. Do something that is going to promote change for the better in your life. Even if it is the smallest step." Now I'm sure that you're wondering where this is coming from, so please remember this is "The Bumpy Ride;" you know I come out of left field ALL THE TIME. But here it is. DO you think that 35 years ago, little Barack Obama believed that he was going to be President of the United States of America in 2009? My guess is probably not. How many chances do you think he had to take to get to this point in his career? And even if he doesn't win today, I guarantee that he is all the better for the journey. His life will never be the same; and he will not give up. These are things that I believe whole heatedly; and I would like to encourage you to follow his example and do something to promote yourself today. Dwell in the possibility of who you can become and take your first step today, or your second or fifty ninth - just don't live in fear.
So what have I done? Well, step one, I voted. I would have voted no matter what, but I had to find my new voting place today and I HATE going places that I haven't been before. It makes me very anxious; but I did it (and I didn't even take my Xanax.) Step 2, I wrote this blog, instead of working;because it is my passion and what I hope to parlay into my full time career; but also against my bettter judgment because I have come to believe that my readers enjoy the funny, Paige telling crazy stories about her life more than they do my opinions and theories on "The greater good;" but I'm taking a chance that you'll see the benefit in these words and suggestions and believe in how much I WANT for you all. So go ahead; take my challenge and let me know what and how you do. I'm sure you'll be glad you did.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING