Never Judge a Book by its Cover

OTB. All the ups and kudos to you. You exibit courage and leadership and that is a great thing!

The first impression is not always a lasting impression. Often times a person can easily be misunderstood or judged because they have not conformed to the expectations of the "status quo". Simply put...many are offended and frightened by another who has the courage and confidence to persue their dreams and goals while fighting to hold on just enough to survive the trials and tribulations that go along with stepping outside the box. Especially when you quit a "good job" and set out to write a book, or pursue a career that is filled with rejection like the entertainment business or an entreprenuerial pursuit or just because you know it is time for change. That takes courage!

There is nothing greater than believing in one's self. The fact is...no one can believe in your dreams and visions more than you can. Your comfort zone(s) cannot be measured for you. Only you know what makes you feel whole and real in your skin.

"What? You quit your job to do who...to do what?" You immediately are deemed "crazy" and declared certifiable by friends and love ones. Only because you have the courage and belief in yourself to manifest your goals through hard work and sheer belief in yourself. You knew it was time and that does not make you irresponsible in any way shape or form.

Shallow as it may be and is...the personal insecurities of a person often determines the decision they make about who you are. Because everybody always knows what best for you. Yet they lack the fortitude and self belief to take a risk and find out what outside the box means and is in thier own lives and consequently they resent you for thier own cowardice and your fearlessness.

The question is, what makes the great great?" The answer is...Taking the road less traveled. Blazing an amazing trail.

All the best to you and your pursuit of HAPPYNESS

I have to say that I have learned to dig deeper when it comes to anything. I think that learn to understand who a person is and what they are about draws you closer to them.

Interesting article.
I must admit that the older I get the more I tell myself, "whoever doesn't bother to get to know me for who I am instead of how I am perceived, is missing out."

I agree that first impressions are very important, but on the flip side you have to take a chance on that lopsided cake and you may find that the cream filling is delicious. Sometimes you have to walk out on faith and reach for your dreams. You taught me that, OTB, and that is why I am a nurse after spending several years in the business industry! Michele

OTB it takes tremendous courage to deliberately flow against the tide in the choices you make. Some people simply won't appreciate and embrace the individualist spirit, especially in a woman. Several years ago I abandoned my career as an attorney to write a book, hit the speaking circuit and teach. Those times when I sought to re-enter the job market, when times were lean, were trying and at times disheartening. Press onward OTB, towards that magnificent vision of yourself. You, as do every woman, have the power and perogative to create a life you love, on your unigue terms. In love & light, DeBora.

Brava to you for being so fearless. In being able to step forward and talk freely about what goes on for you, you are helping others open up too. I think we are all too quick to judge others based on our own perceptions. I work hard on catching that part of me that wants to criticize or judge before I've seen or heard all the facts. It's almost a knee-jerk reaction. I have to train myself to do it differently and to have more compassion for myself and others when I do. I have relocated several times in my life, mostly without a job, and understand the fear that this evokes. However, the experience has always been life-enhancing even when I had my doubts about the wisdom of it all.

I definitely relate to your experience. I am about to do something of the same magnitude. I personally know a lot of people, until they get to know me take me for a very arrogant individual. Many times when I am explaining certain situations in a frank manner I feel as if an mini inquisitions are in process. One problem is that a lot of people today are not very direct and package their character to fit various molds and audiences. Personally, I just say what I mean and mean what I say and pursue with my heart. Those people who view that negatively probably lack the courage to do that; therefore, they are greatly puzzled.

It takes a lot to do what you did - relocating without a job. I did something similar and you're right, many people don't get it however I like to think it's because they are secretly jealous that you had the guts to do something they've always wanted to do but was too afraid to.