If E=mc² and I'm a Circle...Where Do I Fit In?

I'm all about running a lean business. I strive for minimal waste, low overhead and superior service. So, when the need arose for me to start looking into office space (I currently have a home office), it took me awhile to adjust.

Running efficiently has allowed me to survive in this tumultuous economy. Truth be told, my business has actually grown. So, taking on a substantial monthly bill otherwise known as RENT, was a little unsettling.

Have you found yourself in these types of growing pains with your business? It often goes in the other direction as well, where you find it is necessary to downsize in order to survive the recession.

I think people beat themselves up for this type of change but I find it to be smart business. You must have the fluidity as a business owner in order to adapt to your surroundings. If you can make adjustments during a tough span to bide your time until the economy improves and more clients start coming back your way, you have succeeded. I think it's those who have a hard time getting past their egos that end up failing in the long run.

When I mention ego, I don't use it as a negative term. I believe that all business owners should embrace a bit of ego. It helps to keep you driven, goal-oriented and proud of the services and products that you offer. But, it is also ego that sits in the back of your head and says, "If you downsize, you are admitting FAILURE!" But trust me, that's not the least bit true!

I've been there...I've had those thoughts. Not many people believed I could make a living as a writer. So, I had to fight years of discouragement, slow times and ultimately CHANGE in order to succeed.

And now, here I am growing, but just as nervous as those facing the opposite dilemma. We sometimes fear success just as much as we fear failure.

I've embraced the change, and know it is necessary for the new writing workshops I will be offering. I know my new space will allow me to help more businesses, children, authors and non-profits. That is truly important to me.

I'm no mathematician, but I know I will find where I fit in...and I hope you will too!

Sabrina K. Carpenter

When Your "Ah-ha!" Moment Follows the Downward Dog...

I don't know about you but my profound "Ah-ha" moments come at the strangest times. A friend of mine is running in the NY City Marathon on behalf of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. She organized a Yoga class scheduled for this evening to raise funds for the cause. Parkinson's disease has touched her family and if I am available to help a worthwhile cause, I'm there!

Tonight was my first time attending a Yoga class, although it's been something that I have wanted to try for months. I arrived a little nervous...not about the new experience because I'm an adventurer at heart, but nervous because I'm a complete klutz and didn't want to end up headfirst into the wood floors. The instructor and other attendees were all very welcoming and warm and as the class began, I found out that maybe I hadn't given myself enough credit. Utilizing the form adjustments from the instructor, I faired pretty well.

At the end of the class, we were all supposed to lay down and meditate. Here's where I fell apart. My mind doesn't know how to relax. I constantly have ideas, thoughts and work persistently floating through my brain at any given moment. I tried to meditate...I REALLY did. But, I found myself looking around the room instead. Everyone was so peaceful and genuinely relaxed. They had smiles on their faces and seemed to just melt into the floor.

Envious of their ability to shut down, my over-active mind started thinking about the last time that I actually slept well. I'm not talking about a flukey single night of decent rest. I mean REAL, consistent sleep. And within a 2-minute span of time, I hit the most profound "Ah-ha" moment that I've had in ages.

I realized that my sleep issues began around the time of my cancer diagnosis back in 1999. I went from being a teenager with little direction to a driven adult determined to make a positive difference in this world...seemingly overnight. That determination which has had numerous positive effects on my life as well as the lives of many others, is what has caused my insomnia. I always feel like I can do just one more productive thing today....just "in case". I can write one more article for a client, I can make one more blog post, I can help one more non-profit...the list goes on and on.

This entire epiphany came rushing all at once and was POWERFUL! I began tearing up as I laid on my yoga mat and the emotions were overwhelming. I tried to mentally talk myself out of it and wipe my tears before the meditation time was over. I was successful and grateful for the experience.

So, I failed Meditation 101 but I still left that Yoga room with a lot more than I entered with. I'm not sure this revelation will help me sleep any better. Afterall, my goals are still the same. But, anytime we can learn about ourselves both personally and professionally, whether good or bad, it is a step in the right direction.

Today, I am thankful for my family, friends, clients and supporters. I promise to continue making a positive difference to those who need it most. And, I'll TRY to alleviate a bit of pressure on myself. None of us are promised tomorrow so I will try to feel satisfied with the accomplishments I have completed today.

Mostly, I am thankful to my friend for inviting me to partake in her Yoga class and especially for her philanthropic spirit.

Namaste! (I learned that today) :-)

Sabrina K. Carpenter

The Inspiration

Oxymoron (noun) = A combination of contradictory words
Oxymora = A plural form of Oxymoron
We are faced with decisions and contradictions just about every day of our lives. I’m one of the strange people that actually enjoys figuring people out. I strive to weigh all decisions, be confident in my judgment and take a leap of faith. I constantly attempt to make sense of even the most complex situations. I’m a woman who loves a challenge!

Hence, the inspiration for the name of this blog, “Exploring the Oxymora”.

I will be discussing everything from events that I attend, extraordinary people that are making a positive difference, thought-provoking topics and ideas, business issues and any other interesting pieces of knowledge that come my way.

So, enjoy as I "try to make these complexities simple". (A line from one of my poems in my new book, "Betting on One Percent" which can be purchased at http://www.shop.perfectedpenpublishing.com/).

I'm allowed shameful plugs! :-)

Wishing you the best in health and happiness,
Sabrina K. Carpenter, Perfected Pen