That little thing called "worry"

In our modern, busy society, where a thousand things a day are vying for our attention, we have a thousand things to do and a thousand more things we want to do, and a thousand more things that we need to think about doing sometime...our tendency to worry is increasing. We worry about the things we need to do, the things we haven't done yet, the things that might happen if we don't get things done. We worry about what others think about us, we worry about how others perceive us, we worry we worry we worry. It's no wonder that there are now so many psychological problems that we are prone to! Worrying creates stress in our bodies, in our relationships both familial and professional, in our lives.

This isn't a new thing either, though we sometimes think it is.

I've started reading the book "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living", by Dale Carnegie. In it he quotes the Roman poet Horace, who would have been writing this in about 30 BC.

Happy the ma, and happy he alone,
He, who can call to-day his own:
He who, secure within, can say:
"To-morrow, do thy worst, for I have liv'd to-day."

Carnagie talks about day to day living being the key to surviving worry. To focus on living today, to not spend the day worrying about tomorrow, for that is not living.

It's an interesting book so far, I'm looking forward to reading more.

I'll leave you with a final quote, which funnily enough was used in the recent movie Kung Fu Panda.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Wise words indeed.

It's all about the love

Tonight I went out with Bryan  to go to a new book discussion group. Bryan and I have both discovered we love reading a lot of the same books and love talking about them. This was our group's first meeting, and we read Love is the Killer App, by Tim Sanders. It is one of the best books I have ever read in my life. It was literally life changing. 

One of the first photography seminars that I ever went to, back when we were just starting out, was lead by Mike Colon. The first thing he did, was share a couple of books that meant a lot to him and his business. Love is the Killer App was one of the books he recommended. When I came home, I immediately bought the book and tore through it. The ideas were so simple, yet so powerful. It's a book about sharing your knowledge, your compassion and your networks. Through these three areas, you can help others grow and maximize their potential. I love it!

So tonight I was very excited to be able to talk with others about this book. Or so I thought. This night wasn't just about our book group.

Apparently, as Bryan and I have gotten to know our new friends (Krista of Krista Jefferson Photography, Carolyn who works with Krista, and Jen, who is super supportive and smart and also works with Krista as her PR advisor), we may have influenced them a little. When we arrived we were greeted by the three girls who had made custom t-shirts that said "We love (heart) Bryan/Chris". They also had cupcakes with little flags and even had two trophies made up that they presented us with. They said some really nice things, and told us that we had inspired them in their business. (which, by the way, is exactly what Love is the Killer App is all about).

I have to say that it was very humbling. I know for me, I just love to get to know people, and share what I know. If that helps others, then that makes me happy!

I can't wait to share more with the people I've been lucky enough to meet, and I am looking forward to meeting so many of you, who I haven't yet met. There are so many opportunities to help others become more then they are today. I'm excited for the next time I get to inspire someone to new heights. And I'm also excited to be inspired by others. 

And now, let's enjoy some of the fun photos!

Krista, Carolyn and Jen sporting their custom t-shirts. Looking fabulous ladies!

Fancy drinks with umbrellas are a must for any book club meeting.

Mmmmm.... cupcakes....

Carolyn is about to give Bryan a trophy. She said some really amazing things about Bryan. And I totally agree with her!

Bryan was listening. I think he didn't know what to say. Bryan - it was so deserved! You are a truly remarkable person and photographer!

And a big hug afterwards!

I like happy Bryan! 

He attempted to take a self portrait with the trophy. Look at the precarious grip he has on the camera! A second later it fell from his hand, but luckily it was over the nice soft couch.

I think it's so awesome that the top of the trophy was a bowler!

The book that started it all.

Our cameras are always nearby! Click click click!

I love silly faces.

All night long I was sitting next to Jen, and she had these really cool glasses on, which had a larger side piece to them, and it was often blocking my view of her eyes. So most of the night I was listening without making eye contact. I asked her to take off her glasses and took one of my most favorite shots. Looking good Jen!

I tried the same shot with Krista, but she was too fast for me!

Ah yes, here are the glasses. When she was talking to everyone, she was looking outward, and all I could see was the side of her glasses. They are pretty cool glasses though!

Carolyn's daughter woke up and came down to cuddle with mommy. What a great moment.

Awww!

I wonder what she's thinking.

After the little one goes back to bed, Bryan decides to take pictures of some of the balloons.

Action shot! I love it!

I wanted to make sure that the little guy made it home okay, so I buckled him in tight. 



Thanks for everything tonight guys. You all inspire me. G-night!

Books books and more books

I've been talking about and reading lots of books lately. It's amazing that you can learn so much through reading, and that with every book you read you increase both your knowledge, which is useful for yourself and your life, and your worth to others, which can help them grow.

Just think, you are able to pass on information that can help others grow, and by sharing what you've learned you are contributing to the world. I'm a big believer in giving without expecting anything in return. Karma is a powerful thing. And really, when you help someone, and give from your heart for the sole purpose of helping another, don't you feel great?

I've compiled a short list of books that I've either been reading, have read, or want to read.

If anyone has any suggestions on some good books that they think I should read, let me know. I'm a sponge!


Book List
• Love is the Killer app, Tim Sanders
• Creating Customer Evangelists Ben McConnel & Jackie Huba
• Purple Cow Seth Godin
• Blink : The power of thinking without thinking Malcolm Gladwell
• The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell
• Customers.com Patricia Seybold
• Futurize You Enterprise David Siegels
• Date Smog David Shenk
• Selling the Dream Guy Kawasaki
• The Dip Seth Godin
• The Starbucks Experience Joseph Michelli
• All Marketers Are Liars Seth Godin
• Small is the New Big Seth Godin
• Meatball Sundae Seth Godin
• Selling the Blue Elephant
• The 4 hour work week Timoth Ferris
• The One Minute Manager Kenneth Blanchare
• Who Moved My Cheese Spencer Johnson
• Survival is not Enough Seth Godin
• How to win customers and keep them for life LeBoeuf
• Unleashing the Ideavirus Seth Godin
• How to Win Friends and Influence People
• Seven Habits of Highly effective people
• The Big Moo Seth Godin
• Free Prize Inside Seth Godin
• Permission Marketing Seth Godin
• The Big Red Fez Seth Godin
• Made To Stick Chip Heath
• The Anatomy of Buzz Emanuel Rosen
• The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding Al Ries
• The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing Al Ries
• The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable Taleb

The 4-hour work week

I just read this book and it is amazing. It might not be for everyone, but for the brave few who do read it you are in for a great ride. I was eager to read it, but a little skeptical at first, but the more I got into it the more sense it made.

I read it this past week and it has literally changed my life. I don't remember the last time a book did that. It talks about freedom, teaches how to get free, and how to be truly rich.

Powerful stuff. Read it, you'll see.