Paper is my nemesis. I am not good at pushing paper. Doing tasks by hand that are needlessly complicated and should be automated annoy me. I am in the middle of such a project right now. Coupled with a boss that I do not trust and don't agree with his direction, and going to work is a chore.

To shine, I need to have time to focus on the big picture. Help with the paper pushing. And leadership that doesn't remind me of a used car salesman. Oh, and coffee. Lot's of coffee!

What do I need to Shine? Routine that is flexible. Does that make sense? Harmony- meaning I'm not worried about if my boss or coworkers will fly off the handle about something. I remember those days and just case you're wondering I have the best. boss. ever. If the sad day comes that I don't have this job I hope that I can take away some of my bosses cool, calm, fair decision making personality. His attitude makes me want to do a better job.

Now- what do I need to Shine at being creative? That's a whole other topic. Time. Practice. Music. Commitment.

Sorry to hear you are feeling out of whack Claudia! :( I really can't complain. I'm a little snarky at work due to a couple of situations but for the most part it's good. Home is good with the boys. There are areas of my home that need my attention but nothing overwhelming. :)

My Year of Love- well, I'm still optimistic though that area is like riding a roller coaster.

In order for me to shine, I need an equal balance of meeting time and time to get things done in my office. I shine best when I have some time to sit in the quiet of my office and get thoughts to the page. I also shine best when I'm given time to process things in my own mind before I have to externally process.

I am also feeling out of sorts currently. I was out of town for 5 days at a student conference, was back for a day and a half, and then left to go home for 5 days. I am working on getting settled back into work, but most of my co-workers are out of town, orientations have started, and we're going through transition of positions at work right now. I'm hoping by the end of tomorrow, I'll feel settled back in at work.

I need cleanliness...seriously when I feel my SHINE fading I just have to declutter, clean things up and suddenly I feel 1000% more productive and ready to SHINE.

I also need time to destress so I actually enjoy my car trip home from work to blast the music and roll the windows down to relax before I pick up my girls.

Something I doing right now.... preping for 25+ people for this weekends grad party for my son. The weather here is quite iffy.... all of the time.... yesterday it was 94 and today it's 61. It's that time of year for scattered showers.... all things I CAN'T control... but make it hard to plan for an outdoor party. So, I have to clean and prep for inside and out.

I SH!NE at making the food and getting decorations and planning little surprises...I'm making all the food.... plus we decided on some yummy looking peanut butter cup cup cakes... I've made little banners to stick in the cakes....I'm cutting up all the veggies today... getting as much done ahead of time. Creating a mini picture show on the digital frame etc...

But, I have family coming in tomorrow, I don't have enough room in two fridges for all the preped food.... so I have to make most of it Saturday morning... and it's an open house... so, I don't know what time people are coming, how long they're staying..... although I love to create and make all the party 'stuff'.... I don't SH!NE a few days before and the morning of.... 'cuz I can't clearly articulate to my sous chefs what to do.... and often have a very loud demeaner!! And I often don't SH!NE at the party itself... cuz I can't just 'go with it'

I totally agree with Cheryl I need my routine and the flexibility I am used to...so in the midst of what might appear to be a cluttered junky office, I can take 10 minutes and visualize SHINE details - or steps to providing SHINE, if that makes sense. Once I have the ulitmate SHINE, then I make notes, plan, rationalize and break down each part of the whole so that I can define the steps to achieve.

There is a rare space of half hour to an hour towards the end of each day that I try to document thoughts, putting them in a file on my computer with follow up elements, I also reach out via email to friends or colleagues who may be in a position to help me reach my goals.....In my year of One - when it comes to thoughts on how to reach out and help others - they come in a flurry.

However - Claudia, I have to tell you that in the midst of total and utter chaos, the ONE came to my office door today selling copiers. She noticed my pink ribbon braclet and started talking about breast cancer. 15 minutes later, she had the website, I had her business card and she and her 4 daughters interested in participating in this fall's events! My one! WOW....sometimes you just have to 'go with it' and it comes to you.....:) Thank you, breathe in .....breathe out.

I am with you Heather...I need things to be CLEAN! I also like things to be in there place. Clutter makes me go a little crazy and my SHINE quickly fads. The less stuff the better but as most of you know with kids that "stuff" collects quickly and you have to stay on top of it. Also, I am a planner at heart and typically like to work my plan. However, as I get older I am trying to approach spontaneity with grace instead of frustration. Happy Thursday HOS!