Where My Head's At!

Aaron and Me - Halloween 2013  |  Lara Croft & Seal Team 6

This is Aaron and me dressed up for Halloween in 2013. I love this photo of us. We make an amazing team, we're stronger together, and he is my hero. He pulls me up by my Lara Croft bootstraps when I'm in need of strength. Here's a peek into his unconditional love and support.

When we first purchased our Firehawk, which is a manual shift, I was a little apprehensive about driving it to work. I wasn't as confident in my stick-shifting skills. When I woke up to get ready for work, Aaron was already gone with the other vehicle, forcing me to have to drive the Firehawk!

When I got in the car there was a Starbucks beverage in the cupholder, a pastry on the console, and on the ready in the CD player was the soundtrack for Tomb Raider, which at the time was my favorite film. There was a small sticky note on the CD case that read, "ENJOY! LUV AARON!" Yes. I still have it. He knew just what I needed to get over my fear because he knew I could do it. It was my own self-doubt that stunted me. I made it to work and had an empowering day because of what Aaron did to get me out of my own head... and it helped I had a badass ride!

Actual Note

Fast forward to today. I was talking through a few things with him and he didn't like the picture I began to paint for myself. I wasn't being ridiculous, but there is power in words. I know this, but it's easier to fall into doubt than it is to maintain confidence after being blind-sided by something or someone(s) in my life. He said, "Don't do that. Where's your head at?" As I was walking out of his office, he called my name and when I turned around I heard this blaring from his office...

"Where's Your Head At" - Basement Jaxx

Lara Croft Tomb Raider Soundtrack, Track 9

... as he was rockin' out over to me! Haha! I couldn't help but crack up and be enamored by his choice of song and his intentions. It then made me crave listening to the full soundtrack again while I got my productive on!!! So as I'm typing this blog, I'm listening to the Lara Croft Tomb Raider soundtrack and feeling much more motivated and empowered!

My Lara Croft Collection Today

Me As Lara Croft - Created by Brandt Kofton





♠♥u

Just Own Up

People are intimidated by people who own up to their responsibilities, who can be very transparent, and who aren't afraid to be direct with people and don't have to bring others in to build allies. Own your actions! It's simple. We don't all think the same and we all have different experiences and backgrounds so we won't handle things the same. But just own your shite (intentional spelling)! It's as simple as that. I'm annoyed by people who place blame on anyone and anything else rather than just being brutally honest with themselves. I'm especially annoyed when people have a problem with me (or anyone) and don't have the professional courtesy or common decency, or social etiquette to talk to me (or someone) directly when they have concerns.

I hate unnecessary drama. I mean, I don't like any drama, but I especially hate it when it's avoidable and caused by people who just don't own up to their actions or take responsibility. And as much as I hate drama, I think people thrive on it and hate when I prefer to avoid it. I've really thought deeply about this because one thing I'm very good at is looking to myself first to consider there may be something I could've missed. I'm damn good at owning up to my own actions, people. How embarrassing when we don't take into account that we are the ones who messed up somewhere. People fear having to face a humbling moment. I've made efforts in my life to keep from making an ass out of myself... and have failed on occasion. But I do have the capacity to be mature and adult enough to talk directly with someone. When I'm not given the same respect or those efforts are completely disregarded, it becomes a problem for me. I'm not perfect and I still make mistakes. And I still am sure to own up to them.

I don't have a problem dealing with issues straight on. It's super uncomfortable and it's not fun. I get it. When people own up, being uncomfortable is only for a short time. It's prolonged when the issue is avoided, drawn out, or blame is shifted outside of where it belongs.

I'm also very good at reading situations, understanding perspectives and showing some compassion or empathy. Almost to a fault. What happens is I end up spending time defending myself because others have not taken the time to consider all the facts. When I'm direct and don't soften the blow to protect the egos of people who are challenged with dealing with issues head on, their defenses go up and all sense of rationale is lost in emotion. They go out of their way to bring other people in and paint an unfair picture... without me in the room. I'm the one you have a problem with. Please come to me. Period. I'm a big girl. I would go to you. Then, of course, the cycle continues. Then... DRAMA.

What I also learned in my experiences is to be your own champion you have to face the challenges of people who don't know how to. When others give in and cry to the proverbial "daddy", I will continue to fight for my integrity. I want people to know that they can trust me because I won't walk around them. I will confront them with both strength and vulnerability. It's been said a good leader isn't afraid to be uncomfortable.

I live by the Golden Rule and have learned to pick my battles. Thank God because I hate drama!

♠♥u