This is my friend Sammy's blog. Her husband passed away from a rare form of lymphoma. She is so wonderful, I really look up to her. Please don't miss this article about her...
Pembroke Pines woman uses cancer blog to help others - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
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Sunday, May 2, 2010
Success??
The other day I ran into the question: How would you define success?. At that moment nothing clear came into my mind, but later, driving my car to the grocery store (during one of those rare moments by myself) it became clear, I do have my own meaning of success. And I think we all do. Only it is very different from person to person.
If you look at success as a circumstance that hasn't happened yet, then I don't think you are really referring to success. For instance, if you want to become a Doctor and see success as getting the MD title, then I don't really think that is success. That is achieving a goal, but not success.
Success is something you accomplish on your own terms but it is also something which roots lay within you. In my case, I consider myself successful when I'm true to myself, when I can speak from the heart, when I let myself be vulnerable, for that is the only way I know to make a clear impact in this world. Success means to touch others' lives in a positive way. It means to give it all, unconditionally. It means to reach that point of putting all the meat in the grill, being able to take risks and to accept failure as an option.
Success is not about being perfect or making the most money. Is not about setting or defining trends, it's not about how others see you; it's about me and what happens within myself. Is about the way I feel. The more I'm true to myself, the more transparent and congruent I get, the more successful I'm being. All the other stuff, comes as a consequence. I think that's why some people fail. They don't see success from inside but from their outside self-imposed goals.
Any thoughts?
If you look at success as a circumstance that hasn't happened yet, then I don't think you are really referring to success. For instance, if you want to become a Doctor and see success as getting the MD title, then I don't really think that is success. That is achieving a goal, but not success.
Success is something you accomplish on your own terms but it is also something which roots lay within you. In my case, I consider myself successful when I'm true to myself, when I can speak from the heart, when I let myself be vulnerable, for that is the only way I know to make a clear impact in this world. Success means to touch others' lives in a positive way. It means to give it all, unconditionally. It means to reach that point of putting all the meat in the grill, being able to take risks and to accept failure as an option.
Success is not about being perfect or making the most money. Is not about setting or defining trends, it's not about how others see you; it's about me and what happens within myself. Is about the way I feel. The more I'm true to myself, the more transparent and congruent I get, the more successful I'm being. All the other stuff, comes as a consequence. I think that's why some people fail. They don't see success from inside but from their outside self-imposed goals.
Any thoughts?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Life and Death
Brad and I have this strange taste when it comes to movies, TV shows and documentaries. We always have. The day of the one year anniversary of his leukemia dx we watched “My sister’s keeper”, the movie of the girl with leukemia whose parents have another girl to help her save her sister's life. Last night we watched “You don’t know Jack”, the movie about Dr. Death (Jack Kevorkian). Both cases very controversial, both deal with life and death and your right to live your life in a way that allows you certain level of dignity and quality of life.
I’m a religious person. I do believe in God. My issue is not only where to stop a person from suffering but when does medicine need to stop?. Why is it OK to disconnect someone and let them die from lack of oxygen and starvation and it is not right to let them die when they can’t go on?. When their condition is so bad, they just don’t want to live anymore in suffering? Is it ok to kill them and not to let them die? Where do we draw the line? Why?
When do we start playing God? When do we end? How do you know the difference between just trying to save a life and playing God? If I’m ever in the position of deciding over a loved one or over my own fate, I’ll try to go without suffering. I don’t want suffering and I know my God, the one I love, doesn’t want me to suffer either. His mercy and love is too big for me to think otherwise. Not too sure anyone we’ll be able to help me if the time comes, but isn’t it selfish to try to have a useless, suffering body with you just because you can’t let go?
Facing the possibility of death is very difficult, especially when you really don’t expect it, like Brad and I have this last year. At the same time, that sole fact, changes your perspective completely. Dying is as natural as living, only most of us don’t really get it.
I will keep writing about this topic and the emotions and thoughts that come to my mind in coming entries.
Dr. Kevorvian's bio
I’m a religious person. I do believe in God. My issue is not only where to stop a person from suffering but when does medicine need to stop?. Why is it OK to disconnect someone and let them die from lack of oxygen and starvation and it is not right to let them die when they can’t go on?. When their condition is so bad, they just don’t want to live anymore in suffering? Is it ok to kill them and not to let them die? Where do we draw the line? Why?
When do we start playing God? When do we end? How do you know the difference between just trying to save a life and playing God? If I’m ever in the position of deciding over a loved one or over my own fate, I’ll try to go without suffering. I don’t want suffering and I know my God, the one I love, doesn’t want me to suffer either. His mercy and love is too big for me to think otherwise. Not too sure anyone we’ll be able to help me if the time comes, but isn’t it selfish to try to have a useless, suffering body with you just because you can’t let go?
Facing the possibility of death is very difficult, especially when you really don’t expect it, like Brad and I have this last year. At the same time, that sole fact, changes your perspective completely. Dying is as natural as living, only most of us don’t really get it.
I will keep writing about this topic and the emotions and thoughts that come to my mind in coming entries.
Dr. Kevorvian's bio
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Overwhelmed
Looking for a job has been difficult. I really I have no clue why it is so hard for someone with my background to find a job here in KC. Deep down I think I can always be doing more than what I’m doing though. Today, I’ve been surfing the web since early this morning just to realize I’m overwhelmed. There is so much information, applying for a job takes so long, so many job boards, networking sites, career suggestions, options, job clubs, networking meetings….. is simply crazy….the funny part, I’m a career coach.
I remember the old days when looking for a job had to do with your career vision, your planning, your contacts, the branding….all those nice, natural things you must do to be successful in your job search are not so true anymore. Well maybe they are only they have gone to the background of the picture I guess…People say the more contacts the better...you have rely on absolute strangers just like before only in a very different way...
One thing is to coach someone on the things they should be doing and another one is facing all this information out there. There’s a new skill needed for survival nowadays: know how to discriminate information. There is so much you really have to be able to know what to work with and what to discard. This is a totally new skill that might come naturally for some but not for others. You have to nail it at decision making or else, you might really be losing opportunities.
Do you agree? Please don't look at it from the production of content in the web more than from the searching for relevant content in the web....
I remember the old days when looking for a job had to do with your career vision, your planning, your contacts, the branding….all those nice, natural things you must do to be successful in your job search are not so true anymore. Well maybe they are only they have gone to the background of the picture I guess…People say the more contacts the better...you have rely on absolute strangers just like before only in a very different way...
One thing is to coach someone on the things they should be doing and another one is facing all this information out there. There’s a new skill needed for survival nowadays: know how to discriminate information. There is so much you really have to be able to know what to work with and what to discard. This is a totally new skill that might come naturally for some but not for others. You have to nail it at decision making or else, you might really be losing opportunities.
Do you agree? Please don't look at it from the production of content in the web more than from the searching for relevant content in the web....
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My First Concert Far Away!
Yes, after more than 4 years here, this is the first concert I've gone to. Not my favorite band , but I did knew some songs! plus I had a blast!...I'm getting spoiled with all the goodies that have been happening lately like the trip to Mexico and the concert :) life can be good at times, even when down and broke, just keep the faith!
Nickelback did a good job, I think my issue with them was a bit the attitude of the singer (kind of 'posed' in a way) and all the fire and the explosions, but again, what do you expect from a rock band? right?. The best part was when they sang Journey and Guns N' Roses LOL. I know, that says it all!!!
Brad was not interested in coming at all. He says the band is too republican for him...which I find really strange. If you like music, you like music regardless of anything else...oh well, not gonna change him!
So my companion of the night was 'sheep', I kept it close to my heart while screaming the lyrics as loud as I could. The singing and the vodkas were very draining...
The Sprint Center is awesome!! loved it, can't wait for my next concert there...
I'll be back with more, soon!
Quote of the night: "I'm drunk and I have no personality"(and that's why I wear a fanny pack")
Also at the concert SHINEDOWN, love them!!
Nickelback did a good job, I think my issue with them was a bit the attitude of the singer (kind of 'posed' in a way) and all the fire and the explosions, but again, what do you expect from a rock band? right?. The best part was when they sang Journey and Guns N' Roses LOL. I know, that says it all!!!
Brad was not interested in coming at all. He says the band is too republican for him...which I find really strange. If you like music, you like music regardless of anything else...oh well, not gonna change him!
So my companion of the night was 'sheep', I kept it close to my heart while screaming the lyrics as loud as I could. The singing and the vodkas were very draining...
The Sprint Center is awesome!! loved it, can't wait for my next concert there...
I'll be back with more, soon!
Quote of the night: "I'm drunk and I have no personality"(and that's why I wear a fanny pack")
Also at the concert SHINEDOWN, love them!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
This morning a friend suggested I started a blog, so here I am (didn't need too much begging). I have to confess I have thought about it many times, but since I usually write Brad's Caringbridge journal, I didn't find it necessary...but that is not really true.
There is a lot I want to talk about. People on Facebook think I'm a little bit of a trouble maker at times, but I guess I just have my own ideas on things and they usually don't interrelate like the ones from other people. I know how much I like confrontation and I can come across as very blunt at times (many times).
I have decided to start my blog talking about Facebook, simply because I love it. I like the obvious fact of getting and keeping in touch with old friends (which is so important when being far away), I love my virtual Farm I started today a year ago when I spent the first night with Brad at the hospital, but what I love the most is to witness and be part of the interaction. We are usually the same people talking about certain topics, but it is so much fun to disagree, having to argue and to even get upset at times, it gives a lot of spice to my monotonous life.
Another thing fascinating about Facebook is having been able to learn so much about other people's beliefs and paradigms. I tend to think people I feel somehow related to might think the same way as I do at least when it comes to the most relevant topics, but that is so not the case...It is my belief that people gain from differences, not from similarities, so there goes another reason for loving the site.
I see a big generational gap in the use of Facebook. People of approx. 45 and up use it a lot more carefully than younger people. I think they are afraid of social media. I have an uncle who closed his account because he felt Facebook will only gossip, which is impossible, since you only read what others post. My mom thinks the same, she tells me she doesn't care to read how the weather is anywhere or what others are doing (including me obviously). Instead, to me is fun. Finding out what my friends are up to, how they are feeling and even what songs they are listening to is fun...I guess, that makes sense, especially when you feel so lonely or when minor stuff gain a totally different meaning in your own life.
I want this blog to be the continuation of those fun Facebook discussions, so you are all invited to participate. How much do you like Facebook?
Here's my favorite video ever
There is a lot I want to talk about. People on Facebook think I'm a little bit of a trouble maker at times, but I guess I just have my own ideas on things and they usually don't interrelate like the ones from other people. I know how much I like confrontation and I can come across as very blunt at times (many times).
I have decided to start my blog talking about Facebook, simply because I love it. I like the obvious fact of getting and keeping in touch with old friends (which is so important when being far away), I love my virtual Farm I started today a year ago when I spent the first night with Brad at the hospital, but what I love the most is to witness and be part of the interaction. We are usually the same people talking about certain topics, but it is so much fun to disagree, having to argue and to even get upset at times, it gives a lot of spice to my monotonous life.
Another thing fascinating about Facebook is having been able to learn so much about other people's beliefs and paradigms. I tend to think people I feel somehow related to might think the same way as I do at least when it comes to the most relevant topics, but that is so not the case...It is my belief that people gain from differences, not from similarities, so there goes another reason for loving the site.
I see a big generational gap in the use of Facebook. People of approx. 45 and up use it a lot more carefully than younger people. I think they are afraid of social media. I have an uncle who closed his account because he felt Facebook will only gossip, which is impossible, since you only read what others post. My mom thinks the same, she tells me she doesn't care to read how the weather is anywhere or what others are doing (including me obviously). Instead, to me is fun. Finding out what my friends are up to, how they are feeling and even what songs they are listening to is fun...I guess, that makes sense, especially when you feel so lonely or when minor stuff gain a totally different meaning in your own life.
I want this blog to be the continuation of those fun Facebook discussions, so you are all invited to participate. How much do you like Facebook?
Here's my favorite video ever
Short Intro
I moved from Venezuela to the US 4 years ago, the day Katrina hit New Orleans (I wonder if that was a sign). Anyhow, I like writing and I have decided to share my experiences through this personal blog. Having gone through so many drastic changes in my life over the last few years, I think this can help me and others in reflecting on points of views and lessons learned. There are many topics I would like to write about in my blog from politics, to religion, to living your life outside your country, to being a parent of twins, to being the primary caregiver of my husband, to financial struggles, to life...there is just so much I want to say that's the reason I'll give this a shot. Thanks for visiting and get comfy, this is going to be fun!
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