I have been putting some posts lately in the "Newbies" group. I thought that some new people just coming on to Activerain might have an interest in Feng Shui and the perspectives of the way we often use it and follow it. And many do I'm glad to say.
If you've read some of my former posts, you may have read about the problems in my house since my return from a wonderful trip, It was distressing, to say the least and I reached out to ActiveRain and got the best possible advice---and followed it. Things have been going SO well, I am actually AMAZED at what has been accomplished in one month's time. I have a way to go yet but I know, I just KNOW that everything will be fine; I couldn't have said that just a few weeks ago.
One person who I do not "know" happened to catch my blog. She is (or was) a "Newbie" and I cannot believe how supportive she's been! I give her so much credit because when I was still new, I was terrified of being myself, saying what I felt and not worrying about anything. I didn't comment, instead I would go in the rain and read posts but not write them; and I did not comment for a long time, fearing I would sound "stupid" or just wouldn't be acknowledged. The person who stepped out, as a newbie to offer encouragement? Well, it's Candy Henthorne- Spring Texas Real Estate . I have to applaud her and I hope all of the newbies who are doing what I was by not commenting and posting will start and not be fearful of anything. I give her credit for doing what I couldn't for so long.
What else have I learned? Well, for some this might sound insignificant but for me it struck a nerve. Oftentimes when I read a blog, I simply do not know what to say, even now. I don't feel I have anything to add, any advice to give or anything to offer if I'm not familiar with the subject. Even if it's a wonderful blog and I want to say SOMETHING, I find it impossible. I got a wonderful lesson on what to say when you don't know what to say:
" All I wanted to say is I am sorry and good luck. I have no advice for you :( But after reading your post felt you needed some sort of support :) "
This lovely comment was put on my blog of despair by Dawn Workman, MBA and Dawn, you taught me a valuable lesson and I thank you. Now, if I don't know what to say I am no longer worried about not being able to offer advice or feel that I have to know HOW to respond. A comment like that shows a good heart and is just as valuable as the information I received where people COULD offer information.
Today, if I were just getting on Activerain, I would read posts, even on things you may not have formerly been interested in. I am learning about mortgages with some wonderful posts by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com . Who would have thought I could understand ANY of that, yet I am. I would not be afraid to comment to ANYONE and, if you like their blogs and have subscribed, let them know. Chances are if you like what they have to say, they will like yours as well and want to read them.
And I would blog, MY way. With the way you are comfortable and letting us "see" you through your blogs. If I recall correctly, my first blog introducing myself got NO comments....ZERO. I cannot tell you how many times I thought of signing off and going back to the same old thing I had been doing. But something magical happens, you find people (and they find you!) that you are "in tune" with. You get to know each other through blogs and comments and you've just made a life long friend---and a good one at that. I know, I have been fortunate enough to have made some really wonderful friends on Activerain. And that is priceless.
Hi carole,
Once again I really do enjoy reading your post, I always learn something new.. keep it coming.
Anthony
Carole,
I just signed up for ActiveRain today and understand EXACTLY how you feel! I'm wary of posting my thoughts, mostly for fear of writing something that "doesn't reflect well on me or my business." So I'm posting this as a sort of therapy because I plan on blogging and think I have some interesting things to say, but that "submit comment" button is a little intimidating! So thanks for allowing me to lay on your ActiveRain Psych Couch for some much needed typing. I feel better already and hope the blogs will start flowing soon. Cheers.
Carole, I was very lucky that I found some wonderful posts such as yours to comment on. I was touched you thought of me in your post, but in reality, I was only lucky enough to find people that inspired me, such as yourself. Thank you.
Good Morning Carole,
What a lovely post this was to start my day. I am sure many newbies will find much encouragement in this. As for a lot to learn, so do I but then I believe life is a learning process which we never complete.
I enjoy Candy too.
Hi Carole,
You bring so much that is positive and good and helpful to active rain and you're always there to help out a member when you see them going through a difficult time. You truly represent what AR is all about....
thank you for writing such a beautiful post and once again, bringing your wonderful insight and advice to all of us.
Jo
Hey, Ms. Carole: What a lovely post, and what lovely responses you've received. All that good energy is boomeranging back atcha!
Thanks for sharing, and uplifting the group!
Cheers! from DC...
Jaynee
Ah, yes, there's that Law of Attraction at work again! Believe it, use it, and soon we do see results--and this is a wonderful forum to bounce it around in. Thank you for being the inspiration you are, Carole!
And, btw--don't you have some sort of long-distance feng shui certification? I'd love to learn more...
Hi Carole,
Great post!! Your post are always good I really enjoy reading them, keep up the great work! I read this quote and thought of one of your blogs were your client was having a hard time letting go of a past romance.
"Life is understood looking backwards....but it must be lived forwards" I thought is was a very nice quote and Oh so true!! Have a great weekend and I am happy to hear the house is going along well....power of positive thinking!
Anthony, Thank you so much for reading and the lovely comment, I truly appreciate it.
Eric, WELCOME TO ACTIVERAIN!! It seems to me you write very well, why don't you look for some groups or individuals you would be interested in and just start blogging. I think as big as AR has gotten, you find the people you are supposed to on here. It's an amazing place for business AND friendships and you're going to love it!
Candy, I thought that was so nice of you (and still do!)....I never get to acknowledge everyone I would like to but I try to get a few in from time to time! Thank you.
Kris, Thank you, I hope it encourages some. I was terrified to even comment on a blog for such a long time only to find some of the best people I could have ever asked to meet! And everyone is so helpful and encouraging, ANYONE IS WELCOME TO EMAIL ME!
Cynthia, there will never be enough time to learn half of what I want to....but I'm like you, the perpetual student.
Jo, I do try to help if I think someone is "down" and then I worry that I'm being intrusive....But we've all been there and sometimes it just takes a friends ear (and you've got a pretty good ear yourself :)
Jaynee, I really do wish I could sit down and spend a few hours with you talking. Barring that, why don't you call one night?? You've got some interesting insightful things to share yourself and I'd love to speak to you.
Loretta, I do distance classes and consultations but there is nothing to say whether I can Certify someone. Since you don't even have to be Certified, I would think anyone can. But I'm tough, I would want to make sure someone knew what they were doing. And I don't have courses in some package, they are one on one phone consults because it's my belief you can't get enough information about ENERGY online. The Law of Attraction (we use the word "Intention" is so powerful!
Karen, Feng Shui is so interesting and SO involved, you can never learn it in one lifetime......I personally incorporate different methods because, for me and my clients, that's what has been most effective.
Trace, What a beautiful quote. I have been in touch with her because she needs to create money and has used a lot of energy on this relationship. Now she has to let the Universe take over and concentrate on enjoying her life---with or without him. And she knows that. My son says I "nag" some clients and I hate to say I couldn't deny it! Because I want the best for them and they know it's done out of caring. Thanks for your comment.
Carole,
You just gave some excellent advice...and it was honest and heartfelt - like you! I am SO GLAD that you decided to 'hang in' and keep posting when you thought that no one was listening...just look at the audience that you have now!
VAL
Carole, thanks for the support you give to the newbies. I know that I have really appreciated it...knowing that you would take the time to read and comment helps when putting something new out there. I'm still not entirely comfortable with the process, but great people like you are helping me along the way. Thanks again, my friend!
Lisa, Thank you, we'll get you there :) By little things and simple methods. I am always wondering how things are progressing in New Orleans and keeping sunshine in my thoughts. Thank you for your comment.
Thom, It's a good one I hadn't thought of! Looking back, I wish I had responded in one way or another just to acknowledge a good post. Thank you for that and I'm going to borrow it, if it's ok with you.
Janna, We have all been there and I don't want someone not to post or comment just because they are new. We are ALL always learning on here and you don't need "perfect" posts or comments. You'll find some wonderful people who will appreciate you taking the time to comment and will likely want to comment for you as well! Thank you for your comment.
Jennifer, Thank you. I am so glad I didn't quit myself, I love being here and the friends I have made, not to mention the incredible help I've gotten. Thankyou for coming by and commenting.
Joe, The people that encourage you can be a tremendous help and it was so much appreciated back then and even to this day. We are all new and it can feel awful not to get any comments but when they start and then build, it's wonderful. I don't want anyone to be discouraged in the beginning.
Val, Think of it, I wouldn't have made some of the greatest friends! I am sure, though, we still would have stayed friends---I don't have a doubt about that.....
Carole..... it's so true, once you get to understand a little of what someone is talking about, in a different industry or on different subject, that you aren't afraid to ask questions... and still learn something new in the process. Just as I have learned from you and what you do. Also, thanks for the kind words and for the mention.