If you are interested in following my work I will be starting a new blog site simply called Janice Aanenson. On here you will be able to follow my writings, my non profit work and a few other things I have up my sleeve.
Check it out and have fun.
Janice
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Weed be gone?
For those of you who have been reading my blog throughout the past year, you probably noticed the ads that are placed at the bottom of the posts. They are ads from companies and businesses trying to match what I am writing about with their product.
June 1st my post was about weeds and flowers and if any of you noticed the ad was from weed control system. It made me giggle as my post was not about literal weeds but those things that grow in our personal garden that take over our lives!
I have seen a number of 'guessing ads' as I have written. I write about potholes and they give us ads on tire rotation or I talk about lessons I learned from my dog and they gave flea and tick control. Some computer in the background is looking for words in my posts and trying to match them with a product.
It got me thinking today that maybe we all do a little to much guessing about what we really are talking about or listening to. When I talk about positive living and removing barriers what do you see in your mind picture? Do you see a crane loading up a concrete barrier or do you see yourself cleaning off a desk that is so full of papers you feel disorganized? When I talk about creating the life you want do you see others taking care of it as if they were the contractors and your life depends upon them? Or do you see yourself building a personal bird house - side by side, top, how you will hang it, the size of the hole to get through, and the type of nails to use?
To many times we guess at what we mean personally. We may speak in non-concrete or abstract language about what we want and how we are going to get there. Do you catch yourself saying "when I retire I want to be happy" or "I want enough money to live on so I can quit my job". That is abstract talk and not at all concrete in nature...in short it will NOT get you to your goal.
When I say "by the time I am 55 years old I will own lake front property in the Brainerd Lakes area and work part time writing and speaking about positive and purposeful living" you know exactly what I am going to do. No guessing, nothing abstract and very concrete.
If you want your weeds to be gone you need to put down the barriers of non-concrete and abstract language. You need to be crystal clear as to what, when, and why you are doing things. It isn't easy, but to live positive and with purpose you much understand what your needs are in great detail.
So, complete this line: By the time I am _____I will_________________________and do ______________! Have fun and let's see what type of ad the computer comes up with for this post!
June 1st my post was about weeds and flowers and if any of you noticed the ad was from weed control system. It made me giggle as my post was not about literal weeds but those things that grow in our personal garden that take over our lives!
I have seen a number of 'guessing ads' as I have written. I write about potholes and they give us ads on tire rotation or I talk about lessons I learned from my dog and they gave flea and tick control. Some computer in the background is looking for words in my posts and trying to match them with a product.
It got me thinking today that maybe we all do a little to much guessing about what we really are talking about or listening to. When I talk about positive living and removing barriers what do you see in your mind picture? Do you see a crane loading up a concrete barrier or do you see yourself cleaning off a desk that is so full of papers you feel disorganized? When I talk about creating the life you want do you see others taking care of it as if they were the contractors and your life depends upon them? Or do you see yourself building a personal bird house - side by side, top, how you will hang it, the size of the hole to get through, and the type of nails to use?
To many times we guess at what we mean personally. We may speak in non-concrete or abstract language about what we want and how we are going to get there. Do you catch yourself saying "when I retire I want to be happy" or "I want enough money to live on so I can quit my job". That is abstract talk and not at all concrete in nature...in short it will NOT get you to your goal.
When I say "by the time I am 55 years old I will own lake front property in the Brainerd Lakes area and work part time writing and speaking about positive and purposeful living" you know exactly what I am going to do. No guessing, nothing abstract and very concrete.
If you want your weeds to be gone you need to put down the barriers of non-concrete and abstract language. You need to be crystal clear as to what, when, and why you are doing things. It isn't easy, but to live positive and with purpose you much understand what your needs are in great detail.
So, complete this line: By the time I am _____I will_________________________and do ______________! Have fun and let's see what type of ad the computer comes up with for this post!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Are you gardening weeds or roses?
I look back on 2010 and wonder how in the world I was able to blog nearly every day! Now, I seem to have run out of words to write. It is June 1st tomorrow and for the past 3 weeks I really have been busy and doing things! Really, I have.
I have written a number of chapters to my books, worked full time, went fishing a couple times, took a weekend Harley ride trip, planted a garden, planted flowers, lost a dear puppy companion, planned a couple vacations, helped out a number of friends, was on a radio talk show, cleaned the house and I am sure I completed a number of other items off the to-do list. So why haven't I written about them?
Well it occurred to me that sometimes life gets busy! Busy is a great way because being busy means you are living and growing and learning.
I am all about planning and writing goals and objectives, but for a while here I was planning so much I wasn't getting things done. It was like I was planning so much that the plans became the weeds that get in the way of a beautiful garden. I started to wonder where the days went as the list of weedy things to do and plans/goals/objectives grew.
There is a saying that goes something like this "You can pray to God for help, but sometimes you have to work for what you want as well!" And there is another saying that goes "she who plants weeds cannot expect to grow roses". Both came to mind today as I was driving home and taking stock of what the last month has meant to me.
We sometimes get so busy with planning that time goes by and nothing gets done! Plans are only as good as allowing for time to make the plans a reality, but when plans become down time that allows the weeds to grow in your personal garden you have to get off your knees and get to work! You have to move out of planning and into action.
I didn't plan a lot of the 'things' I did this year; in fact I have planned little since March. I decided that I had thought enough about my plans and dreams. I had written and rewritten my goals and plans so many times I was dreaming about it. I was letting the planning become my weeds! It was time to grow...it was time to do...it was time to take some changes and see what I could accomplish.
I know there are many who believe in making sure you always have a plan, but sometimes your plan becomes the weeds...they get in the way of the flowers.
As we begin June we begin the growing season. It is time to get rid of the weeds and start growing your personal flowers. Take action and plant your garden! So today I will continue to grow roses and work hard to keep the over planning over analyzing and over thinking weeds from my garden.
I have written a number of chapters to my books, worked full time, went fishing a couple times, took a weekend Harley ride trip, planted a garden, planted flowers, lost a dear puppy companion, planned a couple vacations, helped out a number of friends, was on a radio talk show, cleaned the house and I am sure I completed a number of other items off the to-do list. So why haven't I written about them?
Well it occurred to me that sometimes life gets busy! Busy is a great way because being busy means you are living and growing and learning.
I am all about planning and writing goals and objectives, but for a while here I was planning so much I wasn't getting things done. It was like I was planning so much that the plans became the weeds that get in the way of a beautiful garden. I started to wonder where the days went as the list of weedy things to do and plans/goals/objectives grew.
There is a saying that goes something like this "You can pray to God for help, but sometimes you have to work for what you want as well!" And there is another saying that goes "she who plants weeds cannot expect to grow roses". Both came to mind today as I was driving home and taking stock of what the last month has meant to me.
We sometimes get so busy with planning that time goes by and nothing gets done! Plans are only as good as allowing for time to make the plans a reality, but when plans become down time that allows the weeds to grow in your personal garden you have to get off your knees and get to work! You have to move out of planning and into action.
I didn't plan a lot of the 'things' I did this year; in fact I have planned little since March. I decided that I had thought enough about my plans and dreams. I had written and rewritten my goals and plans so many times I was dreaming about it. I was letting the planning become my weeds! It was time to grow...it was time to do...it was time to take some changes and see what I could accomplish.
I know there are many who believe in making sure you always have a plan, but sometimes your plan becomes the weeds...they get in the way of the flowers.
As we begin June we begin the growing season. It is time to get rid of the weeds and start growing your personal flowers. Take action and plant your garden! So today I will continue to grow roses and work hard to keep the over planning over analyzing and over thinking weeds from my garden.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Passing of a Companion
It has been a weird kind of month so far. We celebrated Mother's Day with all the flowers and glory it deserves. Some of us celebrated Cinco de Mayo with all the beer and Mexican food you could eat. Some of us celebrated birthdays with cake and friends. Some of us said goodbye to loyal companions.
I did all of the above. I could chat about the celebrating side of the past few days, but I wanted to share a top ten lessons learned from my good old Brandy.
Brandy and I have been companions for around 8 years now, but I have known her since she was about 4 months old. She was my folks dog and they gave her to me 8 years ago. I had to put my little 14 year old puppy down as she was suffering from a bad case of arthritis and it got to a point when she looked at me I knew. It was a very difficult day and it has been a difficult week just wondering what to say about it. Tonight I think I know.
Lessons Learned from my Brandy
1. You can grow very close to someone or something very quickly if you trust them and allow them to trust you.
2. It is always appropriate to have a little bite to your bark as it lets others know you are someone that deserves a little respect.
3. Never be afraid to play in the yard even when you think no one is watching.
4. Also take the opportunity to enjoy a nice walk in the park.
5. It is okay to ask for a little comfort by laying your head on their lap.
6. You can live peacefully with other breeds and types. Don't let fear get in the way of living in peace.
7. Having a treat a day keeps your tail wagging.
8. The grass is cool under a tree on a hot summer day.
9. Play in the snow like you have never seen it before.
10. Know that unconditional love goes both ways.
I lost a true companion and friend last week, but the lessons I learned from her will stay with me forever.
Here is to all of us who have had this experience and are now remembering the lessons that have made us who we are today.
Brandy will be waiting at The Rainbow Bridge
I did all of the above. I could chat about the celebrating side of the past few days, but I wanted to share a top ten lessons learned from my good old Brandy.
Brandy and I have been companions for around 8 years now, but I have known her since she was about 4 months old. She was my folks dog and they gave her to me 8 years ago. I had to put my little 14 year old puppy down as she was suffering from a bad case of arthritis and it got to a point when she looked at me I knew. It was a very difficult day and it has been a difficult week just wondering what to say about it. Tonight I think I know.
Lessons Learned from my Brandy
1. You can grow very close to someone or something very quickly if you trust them and allow them to trust you.
2. It is always appropriate to have a little bite to your bark as it lets others know you are someone that deserves a little respect.
3. Never be afraid to play in the yard even when you think no one is watching.
4. Also take the opportunity to enjoy a nice walk in the park.
5. It is okay to ask for a little comfort by laying your head on their lap.
6. You can live peacefully with other breeds and types. Don't let fear get in the way of living in peace.
7. Having a treat a day keeps your tail wagging.
8. The grass is cool under a tree on a hot summer day.
9. Play in the snow like you have never seen it before.
10. Know that unconditional love goes both ways.
I lost a true companion and friend last week, but the lessons I learned from her will stay with me forever.
Here is to all of us who have had this experience and are now remembering the lessons that have made us who we are today.
Brandy will be waiting at The Rainbow Bridge
Monday, May 2, 2011
Relaxed and Ready for the World
I took a little break from posting here as I explored a few other options. The weather hasn't cooperated with the fishing part of my world so I have had a lot of time to sit, relax, and think about the future. In short, asking myself "what do I want to be when I grow up?" I don't think any of us can ask this question enough, at least I can't.
I find that life presents a fluid stream of opportunities. Some you jump at, some you wade into and others you walk by.
During some of the days within the past 3 weeks I have walked by the chance to do outdoor tasks due to the relentless rain and snow. Other days I have waded in a bit to test the waters - baking more, cleaning more, a few Harley rides, and fishing video creation to name a few. On the other days I have jumped head into the waters and come out refreshed and ready to swim. A new job, a new opportunity, new book ideas, writing a few chapters throughout the nights, and even more scripting for the fishing videos. Head over heels I have jumped in and checked it out.
What I have found, in my jump, is that there are a lot of people out there, some call them friends, that were and are more than willing to make sure I stay in the water. Working on new projects at work, creative writing and story ideas, help reading through chapters, working on blogs and videos, moral support and at times just making sure I am staying in the deep end.
As I look back on the last 3 weeks I wondered how all of this became possible. How did I get the jump in point without really knowing how to swim? It was today on my drive home from work that it hit me! Had I not told some of my closest friends my dreams and passions I probably would not have taken the jump. It was by their support and words of encouragement that gave me the feeling and strength to live my passion and try something new.
It reminded me that we all need a lot of support surrounding us during our time on earth. They are earths little angels that are placed in our lives to help us along the way. They are daily reminders of who you are and are more than willing to help you become who you want to be -- if only you let them in on your secret passions.
I am definitely relaxed and ready for the next chapter (s) in my life. A great job takes care of a lot of hours, but there are a whole lot of other things besides work I can accomplish as well.
Take the time to think about all that is possible in your day. You have 24 hours every day to make a difference in your life! Don't waste them, don't stop them from happening, rather embrace every second and get ready for the world!
I find that life presents a fluid stream of opportunities. Some you jump at, some you wade into and others you walk by.
During some of the days within the past 3 weeks I have walked by the chance to do outdoor tasks due to the relentless rain and snow. Other days I have waded in a bit to test the waters - baking more, cleaning more, a few Harley rides, and fishing video creation to name a few. On the other days I have jumped head into the waters and come out refreshed and ready to swim. A new job, a new opportunity, new book ideas, writing a few chapters throughout the nights, and even more scripting for the fishing videos. Head over heels I have jumped in and checked it out.
What I have found, in my jump, is that there are a lot of people out there, some call them friends, that were and are more than willing to make sure I stay in the water. Working on new projects at work, creative writing and story ideas, help reading through chapters, working on blogs and videos, moral support and at times just making sure I am staying in the deep end.
As I look back on the last 3 weeks I wondered how all of this became possible. How did I get the jump in point without really knowing how to swim? It was today on my drive home from work that it hit me! Had I not told some of my closest friends my dreams and passions I probably would not have taken the jump. It was by their support and words of encouragement that gave me the feeling and strength to live my passion and try something new.
It reminded me that we all need a lot of support surrounding us during our time on earth. They are earths little angels that are placed in our lives to help us along the way. They are daily reminders of who you are and are more than willing to help you become who you want to be -- if only you let them in on your secret passions.
I am definitely relaxed and ready for the next chapter (s) in my life. A great job takes care of a lot of hours, but there are a whole lot of other things besides work I can accomplish as well.
Take the time to think about all that is possible in your day. You have 24 hours every day to make a difference in your life! Don't waste them, don't stop them from happening, rather embrace every second and get ready for the world!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Receiving while Giving Back
The post today is about finding ways to give back to your community. It doesn't take much and there are a lot of places that need your participation. Walk a dog at a shelter, go and visit with someone at a senior living complex, buy locally raised farm goods, help your neighbor clean up their yard or attend a fund raiser for your favorite charity. I guarantee you will receive so much more than you will ever give!
For anyone in the Minneapolis area, check out this event! All Proceeds go to help the Simpson Housing Services who's mission is to "house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness." You give a little and receive something very cool!
For anyone in the Minneapolis area, check out this event! All Proceeds go to help the Simpson Housing Services who's mission is to "house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness." You give a little and receive something very cool!
The first ever Art 4 Shelter benefit for Simpson Housing Services is happening on May 5th, and we want you to be there!
Art 4 Shelter is an exhibit and sale of over 1000 original artworks on paper by emerging and established artists. Each 5"x7" piece will sell for $30. A list of participating artists is continually updated on the Art 4 Shelter website (art4shelter.org) and will be posted the night of the event.
The works themselves will be signed only on the back. You may end up with a work by a famous artist, or be the first to discover an unknown talent. Either way, you will end up with art that you love while supporting Simpson Housing Services!
This event is free and open to the community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sun, Rain, Snow, Sleet
Part of our happiness and positive living seems to revolve a lot around weather. Maybe that is why I love to watch the weather station. There is something exciting about finding out what is going to happen tomorrow or the next day and with some accuracy. Now I know most of us think that the weather person is suppose to be always right, but I am glad they aren't! Where is the fun in always being that prepared!
Okay, back to the weather. So this weekend the weather report was sunny and 70 degrees with light winds. Yesterday and today came and sure enough the weather was sunny and 70 degrees. I got up in the morning knowing I didn't need to wear a sweater and that I could ride the motorcycle to the dealer without getting wet! Pretty good prediction and I was able to plan.
Now the weather is suppose to change so I now have time to plan what I will or will not do for the next 5 days. I will need a coat and maybe a sweater. I won't be riding nor will I be cleaning up the lawn. Whoa! I get to see 5 days out and know so much.
As I am watching the weather I start to think how wonderful it would be if we could predict our lives out 3-5 days? What if we knew exactly how we would act, react and feel? What if we could forecast our positive and purposeful living?
Well folks we can and maybe with the same accuracy as the weather guru on T.V.! It is all about planning and looking at the pieces that impact the outcome. Let me give you an example.
Let's say we look at the pieces for my next few days:
1. I know I will be working out with the personal trainer tomorrow
2. I know I need to go grocery shopping this week
3. I know I have a few calls out to friends in search of a Financial Planner
4. I know the ice is not out so I won't be fishing and
5. I know the Harley is in the shop so I won't be riding.
Okay, so this is everything I know right now.
I know that I will have a positive impact on my health by continuing with my personal trainer
I know I will feel better about my health by working out
I know that I am getting closer to financial freedom by getting a financial planner
I know I can fish by next week
I know I will get the Harley back end of this week
I know I have money to go grocery shopping
What would my prediction be for the next three or four days?
I predict I will be sore from working out but will be better off because I went
I predict that with my action towards financial freedom I will be debt free and able to look at the future retirement plans soon
I predict that the ice will eventually be gone and I will go fishing
I predict that my friends will get back to me and I will be spending time with one or more of them by the weekend!
To many times we just wait and see what happens! I am here to say "BE THE WEATHER"! Write down what you know is happening, what you know will most likely be your action or reaction and then predict what the outcomes will be! If you never plan or predict you can never know. Here's to positive and purposeful planning and predicting!
Okay, back to the weather. So this weekend the weather report was sunny and 70 degrees with light winds. Yesterday and today came and sure enough the weather was sunny and 70 degrees. I got up in the morning knowing I didn't need to wear a sweater and that I could ride the motorcycle to the dealer without getting wet! Pretty good prediction and I was able to plan.
Now the weather is suppose to change so I now have time to plan what I will or will not do for the next 5 days. I will need a coat and maybe a sweater. I won't be riding nor will I be cleaning up the lawn. Whoa! I get to see 5 days out and know so much.
As I am watching the weather I start to think how wonderful it would be if we could predict our lives out 3-5 days? What if we knew exactly how we would act, react and feel? What if we could forecast our positive and purposeful living?
Well folks we can and maybe with the same accuracy as the weather guru on T.V.! It is all about planning and looking at the pieces that impact the outcome. Let me give you an example.
Let's say we look at the pieces for my next few days:
1. I know I will be working out with the personal trainer tomorrow
2. I know I need to go grocery shopping this week
3. I know I have a few calls out to friends in search of a Financial Planner
4. I know the ice is not out so I won't be fishing and
5. I know the Harley is in the shop so I won't be riding.
Okay, so this is everything I know right now.
I know that I will have a positive impact on my health by continuing with my personal trainer
I know I will feel better about my health by working out
I know that I am getting closer to financial freedom by getting a financial planner
I know I can fish by next week
I know I will get the Harley back end of this week
I know I have money to go grocery shopping
What would my prediction be for the next three or four days?
I predict I will be sore from working out but will be better off because I went
I predict that with my action towards financial freedom I will be debt free and able to look at the future retirement plans soon
I predict that the ice will eventually be gone and I will go fishing
I predict that my friends will get back to me and I will be spending time with one or more of them by the weekend!
To many times we just wait and see what happens! I am here to say "BE THE WEATHER"! Write down what you know is happening, what you know will most likely be your action or reaction and then predict what the outcomes will be! If you never plan or predict you can never know. Here's to positive and purposeful planning and predicting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)