Book Review: "Blah Blah Blah: What to do When Words Don't Work

I just finished a great book; "Blah Blah Blah: What to do When Words Don't Work" by Dan Roam. Don't worry by how thick it is, it's made of heavy paper and has lots of pictures in it. So, it's a quick read--even for someone who reads as slow as I do.

It's a new take on how to communicate better. More importantly, how to think of your ideas and distill them down differently, better, so that others can understand your point quicker and easier. I love how the approach engages both the visual and "words" parts of your brain. 

While reading the book, I realized I sort-of already thought that way--must be the artist in me. But, I can tell that the book has already improved this way that I think. If you're an artist struggling to get people to understand your ideas, this book is definitely for you . . .  actually, this book is for anyone who wishes they could get others to understand them better.

If you play that popular "drawing" game with your friends, this book will improve your competitiveness--at least that I've found. This book is definitely a two-thumbs-up/5-star rating and I recommend it for anyone!

Happy New Year - 2012

I've struggled most the day drafting this post—my first after so many months of silence. And still I struggle. I decided I would force myself to sit here and pound out this, the final draft, however it may come out.

I tried all these eloquent ways to sum up the year, share the insights I learned, and look towards the future, but in the end, it comes down to the fact that 2012 was a rough year. I know I am not alone in this struggle, but it was hard nonetheless.

The good thing with all this time on my hands was that it allowed for a lot of inward reflection. I like to think I gained some new insight of myself and grew as a person. I definitely learned some lessons throughout the year. The lesson of patience—something I have struggled with my whole life—was the biggest one learned. Paired with managing stress, I learned how not to worry about the things I couldn't control or do anything about. Things used to gnaw at me at night while laying in bed, while now I find it easier to sleep. I still worry and, yes, I do still stress sometimes, but nothing like I used to. I just learned that if you can't do anything about it, why let it get to you.

I learned that I am a social creature and need to be around people to find energy and inspiration. As the months dragged on and I spent more and more time alone, I found it hard to have the motivation to much more than sit on the couch. It was a daily struggle to not fall into the pit of laziness. To that end, my house has never been as organized and cleaned. I am caught up on all my reading. Ok, well, one can never be caught up on all one's reading, but the pile of unread magazines is gone, and the couple unfinished novels are back on the shelves. The book is finished and editing is in progress. But, at the same time, I have seen way too much bad television and the list of shows I keep up on has grown drastically.

Although, with one of the latest big decisions I've made, I won't be having much time to keep up on any shows. After the career setback in losing my job and the struggle in getting back into the work force, I made the decision that I need to get my degree and registered for university. A week from today I start my first class with the University of Phoenix. I'll be working towards getting my bachelor's degree in Communication with a focus on Communication and Technology. I'm very excited and feel very good about this decision. I can't wait to get started and learn some new things.

While 2012 was a year of hardship, it was a year of growth and I find myself hopeful for the coming year. I managed to keep my home, and even my car, while being unemployed for pretty much the entire year. I learned the fine art of money management and feel even more like an adult these days than I did when I grew up and bought my first piece of property. And, I expect to hear by week's end that I get to start a new job. I've passed the interview and am waiting to hear if I passed the reference/background check. Which, not with too big an ego, I know I'll pass and will finally get to be back amongst the working.

Those of you who know me, know that I don't do resolutions. I have ongoing goals and objectives that I take time to evaluate each new year. I take this time to see where I've been, check it against the plan, and redefine the plan for the next year. This year is easy. While I had all the time in the world, I didn't have the resources to dedicate to much, so most of the goals and objectives I planned for 2012 will carry over. Books I plan to read will change, but I'm not sure what that list will be yet. Plus, there's the new goal to stay focused, keep up, and do well in school.

I am excited for what the new year will bring and the possibilities on the horizon. I will you all a very happy new year and best wishes for an exciting 2013!