On Intimidation.

It is invented. Derived from insecurities, uncertainties, and imagination. Intimidation has become somewhat of an issue in my life.

I believe healthy intimidation is necessary and inevitable. However, allowing it to get the best of you is not the role of intimidation. I’ve been intimidated by many individuals including higher authorities, my elders, some of my peers, and even guys. I believe it is something natural, but that sometimes, it can ruin or not allow something great to happen.

Have I ever been told that I was intimidating? Yes. Does it feel good? No.

For the most part, I equate intimidation with power and authority. While I do believe this, and in some ways it can be good, I do not allow intimidation get the best of me. Understanding that the only reason I am intimidated is because I have made myself feel that way. I have either placed someone on a pedestal or I am afraid of where things are going and/or can go (in professional and personal relationships). If I allowed intimidation to ruin what was in store for my life, I do not believe I would be where I am today and I definitely would not have met some of the most amazing people on this earth, and call them my friends.

When I look at myself in the mirror I see Cyndi Munson. I see the same young girl that had zero self esteem in the earlier parts of junior high while seeing endless potential because she decided to work hard. Anything that I have accomplished or will accomplish in life is based on hard work, education, and an extraordinary support system. It is not based on the need for power or prestige. Although no matter what any of us do in life, those things may come along. That, like intimidation, is natural, but it’s worth getting to know which of the above is being pursued. I want to change society by helping people. I want to provide for my family. I want to help my neighbors and community members. I want to be an active, productive citizen. I want to make my father proud. I do not want to be intimidating and do not think that I am.

Remember when you are faced with a person or situation and it seems “intimidating”, know that you can overcome it. Remember that it isn’t worth allowing it to get the best of you. No individual would be faced with a difficult person or situation if it couldn’t be handled. You invent unhealthy intimidation. Healthy intimidation is there, and it will continue to exist, but great things can and will blossom if you keep it as that… healthy.

If you feel that I am intimidating, let’s talk about it. I want to know how you define it. Because the way I define it, intimidating would not be something I would describe myself as.

Please share your comments. Thanks!
Cyndi

And they say women can't go to the bathroom alone.

Well, if that is true then men can't go to the gym without each other. Especially the weight room.

Seriously, I have never seen a group of men travel together in packs as I see them when I am on the eliptical. It is so funny to watch. There is nothing I enjoy more at the gym, besides the exercising part, than watching people. It is quite interesting. I should watch what I say though, because I am sure I do crazy and/or funny things that people are blogging about right now, too.

But, today was so different and I feel like I should share. I usually work out at 7 or 8 in the morning, but today I had to work out at 3 in the afternoon. Do you want to know where the entire male population is at this time of day? In the weight room at the gym... together!

As I was burning my calories and increasing my mileage, I would see medium to large groups of guys walk into the room all at once. It was so weird. I have never seen anything like it before. Guys walk with their chins up, arms flexed, iPod locked in their ears, and towels in hand. Ready for some serious weight lifting. Do you have to do it together? In groups?

I figure it wouldn't hurt asking. Guys always ask us if we all have to go to the bathroom together. The answer is yes and there is no reason for it, we just do. I wonder if that is the same with guys and the weight room?

Anyway, nothing deep, just a funny observation. I have plans to hit the gym EARLY in the morning tomorrow... like 6 a.m. early, so we will have to see what the weight room will look like at that time of day.

Until then, here's to traveling in packs,
Cyndi

I'm Starving! Not Really.

So, lately, this has been on my mind a lot. Saying, "I'm starving"! Am I really starving? I don't think so.

In all reality, I have no idea what it means to be starving. Of course, it may depend on how you define the word and/or meaning of "starving". To me, starving is being of malnutrition and having absolutely, positively no way of getting nutrients into your system. Never once have I been in this predicament.

Now, I will be honest with you. I have been HUNGRY. Like so hungry my stomach started to burn. However, I still had the ability to reach for some kind of snack or find a friend that could provide a snack.

This is my challenge to you. Of course, I never pose a challenge without taking it on myself. I challenge all of you and myself to refrain from the phrase, "I'm starving". Especially if you tend to agree with the definition that I have provided for you.

There are plenty of people in this country and countries that are not as well off as ours that are truly experiencing starvation. As many of us (and I would venture to say most of us) have not truly experienced starvation and may never experience it, should not act as if we are or have. Instead, when that hunger pain arises, think of those that are experiencing starvation and ways to end it.

At this point in the evening, I would do anything to reach over to a warm oatmeal, chocolate chip cookie, but I will refrain no matter how hungry I am for something sweet. Instead, I'll sip on some water and pray that someone who does not have access to what I do will be able to reach for something as sweet as a cookie.


I'm SO hungry,
Cyndi

Inspriation Will be Found Here.

Still under construction -- I am currently getting my page together. It should be ready soon... I'm so ready to blog it up!