Random Things I Learned in 2022

The New Year doesn’t magically bring about many changes once the clock strikes midnight, but it does have a way of compelling you to carry out a mental “year-in-review” and to take stock of all that the previous year brought about. Some years are more difficult than others, and there are events that we’d rather forget, but reflecting and reminiscing are part of life…and growth.

Though it often seems I have a lot on my plate, and there’s always another task to add to my to-do list, I’m honestly very grateful for that. Looking back on 2022, it’s gratifying to re-examine all the new discoveries I’ve made about myself, my work, and the fascinating world we live in.

I have my own system of recording these exploits, through my regular client newsletters. It’s my first hope that the newsletters are helpful to my clients – that’s why I write them – but I’m thrilled that I have these documents for my own perusal and as a reminder of all the Random Things I Learned in 2022. Here they are, in random order!

Collaborating

Working with clients, colleagues, and creative partners strengthened my sense of community.

I’ve learned how to delegate. Not an easy task for a control freak. So grateful for my virtual assistants and editors!! Also…

• worked with Celia Siegel to launch my new brand in June.
• worked with Jeff Howell and Thom Pinto on my In-Show Narration demo, and Kim Handysides on my E-Learning Demo.
• worked with Katherine Tole on V123pros.com.
• worked with Kim Wilson on our Speechless webcast and podcast.
• worked with Linda Daley from Daley Progress at re-jigging my newsletter template.

The Power of Intention

I’ve put “intention” into practice and it has been a powerful tool for me.

People have all kinds of ideas about intentions! “All that counts in life is intention.” – Andrea Bocelli “Set intentions before you take action. Blind action is sometimes worse than no action at all.” – Akiroq Brost Want to know more about the quote, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”?

Read Here.

Mindset Revelations

“Leaning in” is a secret to getting out of your own way. Focusing on others, listening to them, and actually hearing them helped me get over myself when I felt overwhelmed and thought I couldn’t handle all I needed to accomplish.

Being forthright is the best way to communicate. After an hour hammering out the subtleties of the direction of a script read with a new client, I/we found a vocal delivery style that was not only what he heard in his head and wanted to hear for his product video, but it taught me the subtlety of what any given client might want to hear. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn what he was looking for and what he thought was off base for his brand. I was able to deliver once I clearly understood what his direction meant.

Attitude and Confidence are everything. A strong sense of self – that is, knowing who you are without the veil of insecurity or an overblown ego – is helping me navigate life and my business more effectively.

Happiness is a choice. My wish is that everyone feels the freedom that comes from knowing we have the power to feel positive, confident, grounded, and content. The only one holding us back is ourselves.

Business Insights

Keep your head down when it comes to staying focused but keep your head up for everything else. No matter how much of a control freak I am (c’mon, who isn’t?!), I’m managing to let life flow a little each day to reveal my priorities and my heart… and put that into my work.

Always ask brief, direct questions! This gave me grace time and time again when playing a very small part of a very big production… and with raising teens.😉

As a new US business, I learned a small business nugget! Companies are not required to provide freelancers with 1099’s if the payment was made through a 3rd party platform, ie. Paypal, Quickbooks, Venmo (!)

Random Health Tidbits

Cupping and Myofascial Massage Fortunately, I’ve discovered the benefits of both cupping and myofascial massage. Unfortunately, I’ve learned of these two pain release techniques because of pain in my hip and lower back.

The truth about vocal health From our Speechless Webcast Episode with Nic Redman.

Super Random Stuff I Learned

I learned more about the power of color than I knew was possible. I spent an afternoon learning what colors look best on me and why, with the master of color – Jennifer Butler. Much more than learning what looks good on me, I learned how powerful certain colors are when we wear them to match our true personalities and the essence of who we are. Jennifer says,

“More than 90% of all communication is nonverbal. Your unique color palette empowers you, attracts others, and makes you unique. It informs your wardrobe, interiors, accessories, and personal branding.”

Hashtags are irrelevant. Have it from a good source, they are useless. #GoodToKnow.

The Gentle Barn I took the fam to the Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita for Father’s Day, hugged a cow, and learned of the amazing work the Gentle Barn does rescuing farm animals in several states.

Sting is truly one of the most remarkable music icons of our time. Took my Mom to her first “rock” concert. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.

How to read an MRI You can learn that here.

How to measure for a ceiling fan You can learn that here.

What happened to all the dead bugs on windshields? Have you noticed that at all? Read about it here.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share my world and the random things I’m learning.