On a recent Saturday, my sister and I ventured to Steamboat Springs. We needed to go there and back same day so we were up at 6am and out the door by 7am. She had requested I download an audio book for us to listen during those 6 hours in the car. I decided it would be good for both of us to listen to Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass:How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. I previously read  You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth and really enjoyed Sincero’s writing style. 

Much of You Are a Badass  resonated with us and a quote at the beginning of a chapter really struck me:

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. 
If you are anxious, you are living in the future. 
If you are at peace, you are living in the present.― Lao Tzu

This makes so much sense to me! I definitely need reminders to stay in the present. Not because I find myself depressed, dwelling in the past or anxious, thinking about the future but because of my futuristic tendencies and how I plan things six months out, a year out, etc. In November, I am going to France with my mom and I am already trying to figure out how to take a trip to Spain early 2020. I, instead, will focus on France, go to France and THEN I plan a trip to Spain…’if the budget allows,” as my favorite vet says. 

The quote also reminded me of my to-do list for my Adventures in Folklore Self-Education and that all I have really done so far is pick up a collection of fairy tales to read before bed. That is not progress! Although, I have been enjoying it. So. When we arrived home Saturday night, I signed up for a four week Intro to Writing class at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop called Writing 101 – You Gotta Start Somewhere. I also found a friend to go to August’s The Moth at Swallow Hill. This month’s storytelling theme is Animals. I am not planning on entering to tell a story – just want to see what it’s all about. Lastly, I emailed the Arkansas State Folklorist.

Did you know that’s a thing?? A State Folklorist?? I had no idea. Upon my research, I discovered Colorado doesn’t have one so now I’ve decided I have to figure out how to create and obtain this position. However, I have no idea where to start, which is why I sent an unsolicited email to Arkansas. She has not replied to me yet. I’m sure she’s crafting a long, thorough reply. I’m waiting patiently. 

After finishing Badass , I immediately ordered Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich , upon Sincero’s recommendation. I haven’t read a financial advice book in a minute so I’m looking forward to giving it a go. 

Here’s to progress.