“Cultural conformity is a fear-based limitation” — right on! One thing we can ask ourselves when we’re “stuck” is “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” That’s helped me several times to transition to whatever came next.

I think fate had me find your post, b/c I just read a book called “The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living” by Corrie Woods. It certainly has helped me further define, refine and design the life I want to be living, now that I am an empty nester. Sorry, but while the book is really written for women, Tom, I just had to include it in this excellent discussion.

It’s a little book with a lot of heart, and I couldn’t put it down — a perfect blend of practical advice and deep wisdom. Woods also has a section on her site about inspirational women that is worth reading over as well.

So glad I “happened upon” your blog.

Cheers,
Linda

Thanks for stopping by. Before your visit I hadn’t considered that exceptionality even had a middle ground.

I think I am somewhere in the middle.
Vereds last blog post..A Peek Into My Portfolio: 5 Great International Funds

Dr. KC thanks for stopping by. I’ll check out your blog soon. Knowing what makes us exceptional is key to a happy life because we don’t have to expend so much energy in pretense.

Lexi I love your story about the outrageous jewelry. You obviously went with your whims and were rewarded. Go for it indeed without regard for what others may say or think.

Cheryl since you’ll soon be joining the ranks of the self-employed you might as well dust off that wildness. You’ll need it and you’ll have much more fun that way.

Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..What Makes You Exceptional?

I’ve never been what one would call a conformist, but I’m not as “wild” as I used to be. Alot of that was rebelling against ‘what are the neighbors going to think.’ My poor mother! Thankfully for her, she doesn’t care so much about that anymore and she can get pretty wild.

I’m about 10 1/2 months away from an early retirement. Being this close is both a little scary and very exciting. I will wear an exceptional (and extravagant) color of purple and love every minute of it!

Cheryl

Cheryls last blog post..Making A Living Without A Job

When we were doing the high end juried art and craft shows with our jewelry all over the country, we got to see a vast sea of mediocrity in much of the jewelry offerings at the shows.

People don’t whip out their credit cards for a vast sea of mediocrity. But build some wild and unusual jewelry and they sure will. I made some outrageous pieces, like a ring with a 64 ct fantasy cut stone the cutter thought would be put in a neckpiece.

And the ring I made with it, although extremely large, was graceful, airy, and comfortable, no small feat with the size of the thing. Sold to a lady who loved it, after it stirred a lot of attention in our booth.

I did a lot of enjoyable jewelry designs during those years, and sold them all.

So, skip boring mediocre ordinary and just go for the really fun good stuff! Works for jewelry and for life!

Lexi

Lexi of Creative Energiess last blog post..Carnival of Creative Growth #27

Please visit my blog www.DOCintheBiz.com/blog and view my articles on self esteem. I would love to do a link exchange with you as I feel we both have much to offer people in way to live happy!

Dr. KC
www.DOCintheBiz.com