TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Dear Friend,
Today, let’s talk about a CHIP.
Nope, not “A Chip off the Old Block.” Not even “Blue Chip” like in stocks. Or even “Chips ‘n Dip,” which I can always go for (especially ruffled potato chips with onion dip – yummy. Let’s put that on the list as a Thanksgiving Day appetizer…oh, I’m getting off track, sorry).
Today, we’re referring to something else. We’re going to talk about having “A Chip on Your Shoulder.”
This phrase, ‘a chip on one’s shoulder,’ is reported as originating with the nineteenth century U.S. practice of spoiling for a fight by carrying a chip of wood on one’s shoulder, daring others to knock it off.
I have to admit it doesn’t happen often, but I had a BIG one on my shoulder early this month. A change had occurred at work and I was being thrust into something I didn’t want to do. It involved revamping my schedule. It upset my routine. It put a crimp in my life.
I ended up carrying around the biggest chip you have ever seen. Then one day I realized — who was getting hurt by this? And the answer was: ME! My attitude was terrible. My performance was sub-par. My happiness was gone. That chip weighed me down. I didn’t like me and how I felt about myself and my attitude.
And that’s when I did this:
I printed a little picture of a potato chip bag and drew a circle around it with a red pen. Then I cut it out and stuck it on my computer at the office.
Most people don’t know what it means. They probably think I don’t want to eat greasy potato chips (they’re not really good for me–fine in moderation though). But it doesn’t matter what others think of my little picture. To me, it means:
NO CHIPS.
No bad attitude. No sub-par performance. No more unhappiness.
It made all the difference in the world to let it go. To change how I thought about the issue. To resolve to be happy in spite of the changes that were occurring.
And you know what? It worked. No more chips for me! (Except for Thanksgiving – bring on the onion dip!)
Happy writing and blessings on your work.
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
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What’s Happening…
Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference March 30 – April 3, 2012. This PREMIER conference is for writers at all levels, whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior to the craft. Come one, come all, to the greatest place to meet, to learn, to refresh, to pray. Ask for this as a Christmas gift, and do yourself, and your writing career, a big favor. http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference
26th Annual Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat) February 17-20, 2012. Another great conference to check out. www.WritersConference.com
Hope to see you there!
Blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
Website: www.bjtayloronline.com
Hi BJ and Charlie Bear,
Oreo and Rowdy here again. We haven’t been here in awhile. Our Peep Mom almost died from pneumonia and sepsis which was blood poisoning and she was in something called ICU for 8 days and we almost never got to see her again. But, she finally got to come home but she is still sick and has to rest a lot. We were so happy to see her and she was really happy to
“J’9REF
Oreo and Rowdy,
My goodness, then you both had a fabulous Thanksgiving having your Mom Peep home from ICU after 8 days. That must have been very scary to wonder and worry about her and not to get to see her.I bet you both were sad.
But I’m glad she is home and you are both giving her lots of licks and kisses. Keep up the good work.
Wiggles and woofs to you, and write again when you can.
Charlie Bear & B.J.
Such a good reminder, B.J. And on Thanksgiving of all days–it’s a good time to be done with any sort of chips on our shoulders!!
Much love to you and C.B.
Julie,
Thanks for the comment. And I hope your Thanksgiving with 18 was wonderful and that you had a great time admist the preparation, serving, and cleaning up. There’s something gratifying about sharing a meal together, isn’t there?
Hugs & love,
B.J.
B.J. and Charlie, I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs from Susan and her visiting dog nephew Fritz.
Susan,
Happy Thanksgiving to all of your family, and from Charlie Bear to Fritz — woofs & wiggles!
B.J.