Powerful Questions for 2018 . . . Week 13

Here we are at the end of March already! Let’s see how we respond to seven questions for week thirteen of 2018, challenging us with this month’s lifeskill, Career/Money ManagementThese questions are offered by Bob Tiede at At Leading With Questions, from wisdom leaders around the nation and world.*

*Source: Marc Chernoff’s list of questions,
Thought Provoking Questions to Ask Yourself in 2018.

Question 1: Who is your mentor and what have you learned from them?

As a lifeskills/wellness coach, my mentor was Michael Arloski (www.realbalance.com). I don’t believe I could have reached the skill level and experience without his guidance and excellent training through the years.

Question 2: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Possibly, most people don’t know I was a commissioned fiber artist for many years in California and Texas. Having a right-brain, left-brain bent, I also maintained my family’s financial records via Quicken since the late 1970s. I found it creative and very helpful to have all the numbers in front of me to measure our financial situation at any point in time. I kept all tax and non-tax related receipts every year, from dining out to groceries. We could easily see how to shift any discretionary funds to other areas. At year-end, when taxes came around, we were ready to get it done.

Question 3: What did life teach you yesterday?

Yesterday, I again learned to not avoid or procrastinate a financial issue that needed attention and a decision made. There is definitely more stress from avoidance than from taking needed action. I just had to get over the frustration of not wanting to do the needed work to take action. Again, I am grateful for another faith opportunity going after the facts, even if I didn’t feel like it at the time.

Question 4: What is the best advice you have ever received?

To know the difference between forgiveness and trusting. I know it is possible to forgive and still not trust. Trust is earned through humility, patience, and understanding of both persons. Forgiveness is a gift that releases yourself from the bitter hook. It gives freedom for both to gain wisdom and compassion from the experience. That is, if we are willing.

Question 5: Which one of your responsibilities do you wish you could get rid of?

Choosing which responsibility to drop all depends on what I may want to do in place of that responsibility. Even when I am frustrated with a particular obligation, I may realize it is necessary for the greater good. I am then willing to continue that responsibility, even if I wish I could get rid of it. One thing I would like to never have to do is housecleaning. Yep, this lifeskills coach does not like it! When I have to vacuum and mop, I have to shift my attitude big-time with music or sharing it with my hubby, hopefully. He has been great the last several years on doing his part inside, and outside for sure. I better not complain, should I?

Question 6: Other than money, what else have you gained from your current job?

Since I am now retired, I simply went from a job-paying mode to a sharing venue. I decided at retirement to speak, write, and weave what my job taught me through the years. Included in those years were life, wellness, and creative arts lessons on a very personal level. I wanted to help others reach their highest potential in life, wellness, and the creative arts. I continue today working at what I love for anyone willing to reach out for it.

Question 7: What do you like most about your job? What do you dislike most about your job?

Again, as a retired lady, my answer to question six pretty much reflects the answer to question seven. Back when I was a program manager for the University of California, Davis, Craft Center, I loved just about every part of the job. I worked with professional artist/instructors and student workers. It was a blast! With the funding and invaluable assistance of an architect, I helped design a whole new arts/crafts facility on campus. I felt it was my way of passing on a legacy, since I later left the job for greener pastures.

I think the only thing I can remember not liking was when budget justification time came around. I had to convince higher authority of the center’s value to both students and staff on campus. Possibly, one more thing that was not fun, ever, was firing someone. Fortunately, I only had to do that a couple times through my tenure.

Now, it’s your turn again!