Finding Katie (#2)

Hello all, Katie here with my second “Finding Katie,” post and still on the hunt for the me that I want to become. Getting closer everyday though (or at least that’s the hope). Time to get out of my slump and move forward!

Last post I talked about a book called The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. Of course, I totally forgot to post the rules. Let me do that now so we can all be on the same page:

10 RULES FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

1. You’re the Driver of the Bus.

2. Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right

direction.

3. Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.

4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for

the Road Ahead.

5. Don’t Waste Your Energy on those who don’t get on

your Bus.

6. Post a Sign that says “No Energy Vampires Allowed”

on your Bus.

7. Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes

them during the Ride.

8. Love your Passengers.

9. Drive with Purpose.

10.Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.

Today I would like to talk about rule number 1- you're the driver of the bus. Sounds pretty simple right? It's your bus- you're in control. You are responsible for your own journey. But is it simple? Maybe for some people. I find myself not making decisions or changes because it was easier to do it that way. That's my problem, or I should say was my problem (I'm crossing my fingers right now). This blog is all about change. New year-new Katie after all.

For a long time, I was not driving my bus. I was seldom even on the bus at all. I was sitting at the bus stop with my headphones on listening to a book and trying to decide if I should get on the bus.

It's time to drive my bus and not just drive my bus but drive it with vision and focus (rule 2). Furthermore, I need to drive with purpose (rule 9). I am writing these stories because I have been in limbo too long. I've just been drifting like sand in the wind, and I am not happy with where I am.

So, you may be wondering: am I working on it, or just writing about it? I'm totally pumping my fist right now, because I am working on it. I'm working on my professional goals, and I have been working on writing as well. Plus, I have been drinking less beer. These things sound like small accomplishments but 1 bird at a time. (Are you hearing Ernie?)

Last year I took the CBEST test as a step towards becoming a substitute teacher. I managed to pass two out of three sections. Writing and reading= no problem, math= problem. Fortunately, I don't have to retake the two sections I passed, just the math section. I have decided that trying to study on my own from a book isn't working. It's not structured enough and there's no urgency. I bought a subscription to Study.com and am slowly going through the course that was made for the CBEST math test. So far so good. The thing is, I am not terrible at math, but I am out of practice and the more complex math is beyond me. All this practice taught me something else. I need to slow down because I make stupid mistakes. Not only am I studying for the test, but I am also learning strategies for success. That's one bird.

I wrote a writing story as promised. Here it is:

Let me know what you think. I also wrote another story for a vocal challenge, the moment that changed everything challenge. (shameless plug time) I would love it if you would read it and tell me what you think.

I am also working on two other stories for another vocal challenge. I find that I have more ideas and more drive than usual. When you exercise, you build muscle. I've been exercising my creative muscle, and it shows. That's like 2 birds at least.

I'm making progress a little bit at a time- moving forward. I am driving my own bus now. Honestly, I looked forward to writing this. Looked forward to continuing my journey. Looked forward to someone reading this next installment. Hopefully I'll have more positive changes to report in 2 weeks. I feel positive and better, like things are moving in the right direction. It's time to drive my bus. New-Year. New-Katie.