You Are Here

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Discouragement is part of the territory. Sometimes pain is self-inflicted. Sometimes we consider ourselves not to be reaching enough of our goals fast enough.

There was an incredibly simple song I enjoyed in primary school. Beginning with “little by little”*, there was such a polite nudge and a naturally successful logic to the ending of “little by lot”

I have been known to overwork in some fashions, obsessively moving towards some ends. However, I have become wiser in avoiding so much additional strain. The bruises have their own lessons.

Life’s leaps have not been exactly what I would imagine them to be, but I am fortunate to have the freedom to test my limits.

Work has been my latest attempt but getting to work for myself took considerable courage and I need some more. Nothing is certain.

Imagining exactly what something is like before you try is not expected. Personally, going away to college was one thing. Moving to a city where I did not know anyone was another.

Liberation and fears are included with your steps forward. You get discouraged some days and on other days you see your dreams as plausible.

Experiences up or down can hopefully change us for the better. My stress and pains have prepared me a little more. Discouragement can also have a way of giving us more to consider. Can we get past our believed and true obstacles? Success is the reminder.

Traveling alone to another country was better than I could have ever invented in my head. The trips like the leaps sometimes feel so natural. I have had these nudges to continue going where my goals are shifting and the what-ifs torment me way more than what seems impossible.

Figuring out our own puzzles is reaffirming as well as just giving ourselves the chance to try.

Boss

March 31, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

My days are predictable and then they are unpredictable. I am able to get my fitness in very regularly and sleep well and then some days, my tasks have to get juggled a little differently. Meet today. Wednesday. What is this sleep and I promised myself dinner would be better than lunch (although ironically lunch involved fruit and dinner was pizza, but you see what I mean 😉).

Chilling and casually ticking tasks off my list or rapidly typing away. In either scenario, I am feeling at ease. I adore my new schedule. My worst complaint and grumbling as a freelancer does not even come close to touching the upside. I now don’t feel pulled in several uneven directions. My multitasking is there but she is tailor-made for me, now that I have left my office job.

Today had me working nonstop (from the night before) until I met my targets and deadlines but on days like this, when I am working particularly hard, I notice I have more peace of mind than the days I was not my boss. Now, of course I do have to answer to deadlines and consequently to some people, but there is such a different aura in being able to rest whenever I am done and not having to answer to any extra work issues.

Since I worked on getting my official certifcation, I have always been glad I started on the path to becoming a freelancer. My previous jobs did enhance the skills I need to progress and handle work so I give credit where credit is due and acknowlege the fun and perks of having an employer.

At the moment, what I am particularly taking away from previous work is how I should be incorporating a much better to-do list for myself. I could be doing what I did for others for myself. 😊 I also miss friends/coworkers but I am much more excited to stay in touch when we can without work-related items pulling at us.

I have not wavered although some days are noticeably downward emotionally and nonwork related. I think that is human and natural. I am excited to do more, so I am working on my own performance review to move me and my business goals a bit further each week.

Therefore I will be working on other projects like writing and as I mentioned, connecting and reconnecting with like-minded and/or supportive people. I see some travel in our future.

For now, as I wait and plan and save, I will be having more fun with my long and short-term investments. Currently, life is about staying in touch with folks, translating, teaching and learning. I like to stay open to see what interesting people and circumstances happen to be next. My main objective is still taking care of my passions and getting to see my friends and family whenever I can.

Reminders Welcome

MARCH 29, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I had a moment where I realized the need to continue connecting and reconnecting with more like-minded people. I had an acquaintance I had not been in touch with for a number of years who recently and ultimately unconvincingly tried to let me know he would be so excited if we could “get a chance to catch up”.  He made it seem almost urgent.

image credit Canva

I do also want to be mindful of not dismissing him for his behavior. Arguably, I am particularly set in my ways as well so being different from each other is not a mark against either of us. His particular outreach however in trying to get my latest contact info was more about adding me to his financial planning prospect list. I had no problem with the product (well perhaps in the limiting perspective he had about it) but mostly, I had a problem with the pretense of this being a true mutual reconnection.

A little introspection was next. Not necessarily making the right judgments will rapidly take you there. During our conversation, I quickly determined he had not really heard my perspective. At the minimum he was barely acknowledging it. I am glad I did not expend much more energy catching him up on what I have been up to over the past several years. Often it is not all that difficult to tell when someone is invested in what is significant to us. A few moments can give this away.

He definitely seemed more interested in moving to the next thing, which put the focus on his ventures. He briefly asked what I did for freelancing while his next inquiry sounded pretty par for the course for capturing leads at a networking event. Networking is needed and nice but this felt so out of place with how excited he spoke on soley just being able to catch up and chat.

I am glad I instantly recognized the lack of space for me. Now, there is this appreciation of being so aware of those who do support me and who I support. Why not channel my energy there? Sometimes we can get caught up in trying to prove ourselves to others and even to ourselves. I almost went there with him to let him know there are more ways than just his way. Yes, there is a time to choose our battles. Yes, there are times we need to knock over the hurdles and be seen. We figure it out.

Fortunately, my circle now is of like-minded people including those who think differently, but still really get me. It was intriguing how this acquaintance reconnected and reminded me of leaning into limitations. There are so many non-limiting connections and people I still click with from the past so perhaps this was a good reminder of individuals who I simply will not get, who are not meant to get me. I appreciate the people here who share my interests and appreciate the support in general.

New Year Renewed

JANUARY 27, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I am back to embracing the idea of resolutions, even if it means just digging deeper into existing goals with more dedication.

For some time, I have shied away from putting a label on the new goals I have each year and the goals I have regularly. Resolution sounds so final.

I can be both idealistic and sternly logical when I need to be, but either way I had somehow become simply superstitious about labeling my goals as resolutions. Setting a 1-year target, corresponding with the start of a new year is exciting. The flip side is daunting.

I think some of the pressure may be unwittingly linked to the idea of a resolution needing to be completed in one year. As distractions naturally happen over a day, a week, or more, I notice discouragement can possibly creep in.

I was thinking now may be a good time to revisit my perspective and how I take on my projects. A lot has changed for me personally and we have all been through a lot in 2020. Measuring my progress in a variety of ways has helped me to stay focused and especially encouraged when I am not focused. I know something has gone awry whenever a goal starts feeling like a job.

The best rework I did for myself was breaking my steps down into even smaller ones. Then I could really take a look at what works for me. As I am impressed by friends and family, I realize we do not always recall all the momentum and accomplishments we reach along the way. They can be so significant, but easily put away.

Goals are allowed to change or be completely replaced.

I am feeling more open to the New Year corresponding with continued projects and mainly just newer milestones.

What is also getting accomplished is the steps leading up to the bigger ones. What was accomplished was leaving my job and organizing my time better.

Goals are considerably interesting these days. They are there to be revisited. I am welcoming the flexibility as long as there is progress and/or reflection.

Image Credit: Canva

Good Problems

NOVEMBER 21, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I HAVEN’T QUITE GOTTEN THE CHANCE to try supplementing my income as a potentially reduced income earner (though it could also go the other way). Between getting a considerable amount of freelance translation work and still being able to help out at my old company, my schedule is not lacking for variety of activities. Not even a little bit.

During such a globally taxing time, finding time for balance is hardly a bad predicament. I realized this early on and though I may perhaps be sleep deprived from time to time, I am pretty hell bent on getting this right or as near to right as possible. Getting to work on all the projects I like and being able to help people (which at times is mutually inclusive) is all worth the effort to me. I am intrigued how time for family and friends and personal well-being is recurring throughout my days, because I am working on the former good habits while embracing the bad ones of, let’s say, perhaps maybe too much chocolate.

Finding time, due to there being several opportunities and many resources to explore, is quite a good issue to have. The circumstances are rather nice when transitioning from one work mode of 9ish to 5ish to whatever a freelancing schedule will look like. Taking the leap when the advice is to lock down my traditional role in what seems an especially unpredictable time has been destabilizing for me but at the same time, so rejuvenating.

With a little understatement, it shall be interesting to see how I do when I am just freelancing soon, or at least doing it 90% of the time. However, since I have been given the chance, I am thankfully embracing the continued multi-tasking of gradually transitioning just a bit longer from one step to the next.

Such is my way of life for now. In the interim, some considerable progress has been made, sometimes quite substantial progress. At times, my day is even organized. Deadlines are actually met and in retrospect, I realize I have accomplished a lot more than anticipated.

I am picturing, like many circumstances, this transition period will be done before I know it. Still, I am pleased with the opportunity to make things easier for my now almost former team, while simultaneously designing a new lifestyle, almost nomadic, almost traveling, and largely flexible.

Currently, this is just about finding time for everything among translating, networking, eventual volunteering, travel, and some other projects. We shall see. Socializing (virtually and social distancing) is not to be forgotten. I am realizing the significance of this even more so, during a pandemic.

I am putting together my seemingly unruly schedule. My head is connecting with the pillow even more. There is a lot to be done but I already notice the flexibility in my choices. Now, I choose to work diligently on my new goals, both work and non-work related. Cheers to yet another chapter on managing me and to you for coming along. Your time is always appreciated.

Time Well Spent

OCTOBER 31, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Cassandra Johnson has resigned her position with the association, her last day will be Monday, November 2.  We are sorry to see Cassandra depart the association, but wish her well! Thank you-

Above is how the announcement to my colleagues read.

The letter to my Director read:

…Thanks for our talk! It has been a pleasure getting to work with you and I appreciate all your support. I am going to take this time to continue focusing my time around traveling and volunteering. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to meet so many dynamic and committed people, both as members and as colleagues and I will miss you and [the company]. I would like my last day to be November 2, 2020. I thank you for some very well-spent time.

The nervousness was intense as I went back and forth on the moment I knew this was right.

I am grateful I was able to step through the experience when in some ways, life remains seemingly easy when it is more predictable. Equally, I am also truly grateful for the opportunity to work at this last company for five years, This is not to say work was simply easy, but there have been plenty of nice times with plenty of cool people.

Following an even lengthier time of working away in various offices, I am surprised at how I no longer seem to be as nervous as guessed I would be upon leaving. Opening this next chapter feels more like a personal evolution.

Everyone is different and every soul requires something uniquely personal to grow. It could be inside an office or far from one.

I am interestingly satisfied and hungry at the same time. There is no blueprint because none of our paths can be exactly the same. I have no one to follow exactly. Still I am seeing how excitement overtakes the nerves and I am sensing the possibilities in being even more myself. Now it is a week from yesterday (updated) that will be my last one at work and changing careers for me has become more unorthodox than ever. Still I have my fellow travelers like many of you and nomads alike who inspire me and let me know what is possible. More to come. More to grow. Thank you for your time spent with me.

This Is It

OCTOBER 20, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

This is what I have most likely concluded: I am just about two weeks away from walking away and stepping into my new uncertain schedule. I am excited and deeply nervous. Notice the two weeks or rather the two-week notice.

Will I work? I would say I am interestingly unprepared because I have very little lined up for stability aside from some very interesting prospects which I developed on my side hustling detours.

My calculation: Being nomadic with one or two home bases. That is ideal.

One note about the objective: I have already learned a lot about myself and my process when it comes to working for myself. It is both encouraging and scary.

The question is how will I sharpen my skills and finally turn into the leisure traveler and volunteer, who has big plans but a fairly open agenda.

Nothing is written in stone. Thank goodness. Will I be back to an orthodox life? I hope not. My goal may change, and I welcome new knowledge. My goal may become a variation on a theme.

Okay, but truly how vague is this blog entry going to get? 😊 You know the key elements: freelancing, nomadic, traveling-when-it-is-safe-to-do-so, and a pending notice to give up my current work life as I have known it. I am so accustomed to working a certain way, I sense life will be odd, yet I cannot ignore a growing excitement.

Right now, I also have my eye out for the gigs which are most supportive of me, as my true self, as my new lifestyle is growing. I need the support of all things less draining and which actually fill me with energy. I can tell the difference. This drive compels me, and I feel less washed out. I feel like I can work longer or like I do not always need to work so hard, and rest comes much more naturally. These days it sometimes just feels like exhaustion and I suspect that to be more so from the mental gymnastics.

For now, this is it. I laid out a lot in my related posts below but just as much as I do not know the details of what is next, I am leaving this open.

– except to say thanks to you.

Your time is always appreciated.

*image: Canva designed + Cassandra written

FRESH AIR: ONE BREATH AT A TIME

MARCH 25, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

As anxious as I may be to take charge of my own livelihood, I am quite fortunate to have a job with income and capabilities that allow me to work from home while there are many who do not.

I will hold space here for the people who are being majorly set back by the financial, emotional and mortal effects of this virus as it remains with us. The unfathomable is that people have lost their jobs, that many are unsheltered – homeless, without the option of self-isolating. The unthinkable is that many jailed and detained people have limited options for social distancing and hygienic practices. Still further, depending on what dwelling in which you stay and in what part of the world you live – not going out and earning a living and/or securing food means not providing the necessary resources for yourself and your family, and the conditions don’t lend themselves at all to staying several feet apart. I understand every person is a part of what helps the world go around, all of us. There can be no mistake that each path of each person goes into the framework of all our outcomes.

I take note to appreciate an overarching company leadership who does not view it as trivial to give us the option to work from home, reevaluating as the time comes. They let us have the choice to exercise healthy safe precautions for ourselves and others. With my job, some go into the office, but many of us are in our respective homes working steadily, reciprocally safeguarding one another’s health.

With my gratitude, I will hold space for people like me, working to maintain some regularity, persevering to continue to be a helpful employee or employer, working to contribute and stay whole as a part of the whole world, as much as we possibly can right now. I will encourage, especially my entrepreneurial readers and those looking to grow and be promoted within their companies to work on some skills they have been meaning to nurture more recently or even for some time. I’m encouraging myself to go that route as well.

My workout routine has become home-based and another effort to maintain some normalcy with not only physical healthiness but mental healthiness as well. Fresh air from time to time and social distancing and much hand washing, I’m reminding myself to heed the warnings, in the ways I can, as not to be a danger to others or myself –  as far as I know. I guess that’s one of the things which can cause panic: the not knowing. However, with Eckhart Tolle, in my studies, who helped guide me, following the loss of my father, I also have some practices in place for living/honoring the present moment and working on self-improvement. I highly recommend him and thank you again for stopping by. Stay safe, where you may be. Know you are loved and a unique part of this world’s beautiful presence.

😊

Cassandra

Outside the Box

MAY 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I kept my promise to myself about two things I said I would do this week, one being to attend the stock trader meetup and the other to attend the eCommerce event that focuses on financial freedom. You can visit my blog from last week that talks about the fear that comes with embarking on a path that’s more about your passions. More than a rant, the piece turned into more of a motivation to me (and hopefully to anyone that can identify with it). I called it a rant, but I think that was in response to momentarily being a little put off that I’m not fully immersed into my translating and community organizing lifestyle. The truth is; however, I have never not had my passions somehow incorporated into my life. I still believe in so many things that mean people being good to each other and my connections for volunteering both here and abroad continue to be revisited through my network of friends and second families. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget when you get distracted by the supposed everyday obligations.

So, as I continue down this road of truer meanings, I find that it’s a drive not just for me but also for anybody that can identify with me on my journey. It won’t just be about my growth. It will mean even more of me expanding my reach and assisting others (however long or short distance my actions may go). Accordingly, I am going to keep putting one foot outside the box, a bit at a time.

I just finished up another freelance translating assignment. It was quite interesting. It was easier than some of my previous ones. I find that I really do enjoy the tourism and travel related ones. There were four short pieces I did for a client that spoke to the beauty of Mexico’s beaches, family-friendly hotels and even a piece about the skin and hair health benefits of coconut extract. I can already tell how being my own boss and setting my own varied work and community outreach schedule is going to be exhilarating. (I have an opportunity to be a linguist with an organization – but it wouldn’t exactly be freelancing – perhaps I can also work with them).

My experience at the day/swing trader meetup was quite empowering as well. It turns out that I am sufficiently learning the market and that I have a swing trade strategy that is similar to a few guys in the group. Some of the them trade equities. Some trade options. One does Forex (foreign exchange) and there were others. I have more to study. I give myself about a 70% understanding of what was going on that night. For some reason, I was the only lady within the group that attended this particular meeting. I’m pretty certain I saw some in the group on meetup.com. I guess they just couldn’t make it that night. I wasn’t intimidated at all and the guys were very cool. Still, I would love to meet the other ladies as well. Maybe next time.

There was another meetup happening at the restaurant that same night, helping to create some momentary misdirection. (By the way, the other meetups I belong to are related to embassy events, history and culture, one for English-Spanish conversation language exchange, and one known as Networking after Work). As I chatted a bit more with the incorrect contacts, it was revealed that they were not the investor group. I heard poly and want to guess a polyamorous group.  I very sweetly dismissed myself. The guy that had previously been behind me in the checkout line was a part of this group and was motioning for me to keep my seat (not realizing that I wasn’t supposed to be there at all). They were all nice, but I had stock guidance to get to.

The guys in the area of the restaurant that was closed off and reserved made more sense. Seeing them with their laptops and the premiere slide of the organizer’s presentation up on the wall made it clear this is where I belonged😉 though it was the first time I’d joined such an event.

I opened my laptop to the stock spreadsheet that is my watch list and I will say I felt extremely comfortable outside of my comfort zone for the rest of that evening. Everyone was informed and informative on various levels and I participated sporadically. Paying close attention, taking a few notes, networking for some tips and finishing off my mini lemon tart, I made a mental note to continue trading equities that represent my values and that I understand. I’m good with learning a bit more about this day by day.

My intention leans towards financial freedom while I focus on my passions. I have my lifetime investments but am open to trying new things. I’m fascinated with how others have created ideal lifestyles as I’m married to the possibilities of spending more time on creating, volunteering and sharing more time with family and friends.

As I briefly mentioned earlier, regarding my second act of stepping outside the box, I was intrigued by this eCommerce event that my friend and I attended. This was just a day after the meetup and both events caused me to think that there is something to be said for steadily challenging your mind in the proper ways.

I did agree with my friend on how the presentation of this event had a very sales pitchy feel to it. However, since we both know the results behind it are possible, I decided to sign up for the company’s upcoming 3-day workshop. I’m interested in what they say could be a potential side business, allowing me to focus more fully on writing, translation, volunteering and travel.

Following my previously posted “rant”, this is my latest update. That was a “rant” that may have incidentally coincided with reminding myself to explore and then explore some more. My heart seemed to take over my writing for a while back there. I gratefully embrace that because I don’t ever want to forget what means the most to me and to everyone with whom I have had the pleasure of connecting. Thank you again for sharing your time with me. Always appreciated!

Share and like, if you like this. I hope to have you here again soon!

Cassandra Johnson

Translate My Life: Post #16 and My First Blog Rant

 
MAY 19, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Embarking on a path that is more about your passions is scary. Too often, we’ve been led to believe that feelings, desire and the drive for a calling is not what pays the bills or ensures a stable life, by any means. We might have been led to believe that we’re strange or even indecisive when all that is really happening is the perpetual getting back around to what really drives us. When the thoughts are, “isn’t there more” and “is this the life I really want”, then we can actually be thankful to all that is mighty that our persistent curiosity refuses to be stifled. You don’t ever want to be confused into losing this.

Compromising a couple of dreams for present security is not dire and I pause, because I don’t know if any of this is true for you, but it is a scenario with which I am all too familiar. I am describing me, so I don’t necessarily want to put this on others, but if you can identify, I am happy to be in good company. I know that all too often, it is the supposed order of the larger world beckoning us to fall in line.

However, I have to take note that the larger world’s modern technology and on demand access to certain principles have also helped fuel my focus. The nearly universal access to social media platforms like YouTube has been a blessing. Though social networks can be formidable with negativity, it has also provided the opportunity to connect to enhanced ideas and greater intentions. Many of the entrepreneurs and free thinkers I follow, (in addition to the books I’ve read and currently read) have reopened my tired eyes. The positive thinkers and generous achievers know the formula for being true to yourself, good to others and constantly striving to be better day by day. The formula is not always perfect (for anyone) but the right knowledge and intentions do help in staying grounded and again taking us forward to where we really need to be.

I don’t have to readily dissolve every grain available but putting together a lot of the ideas have gotten me back to some universal truths. I realize I am not going to be satisfied until I try all the paths along which my dreams are winding.

I plan on spending the rest of my time here, checking in on my progress. I welcome it. I continue etching out time to write, translate, travel and add in more activities as I go. One of the steps to drowning out the so-called order of stability has been growing my life as a freelance translator. I’m now happy to be translating and regularly taking part in events hosted by the National Capital Area Translators Association.

I go to my premiere stock trading meeting next week. (I’ll see if my practice reading the market is paying off as much as I feel it is. So far, I’ve made an extremely modest profit.) Following that meeting, I will attend an eCommerce, eFreedom (see update) event with my colleague. We are aware that one of the big pieces helping us focus more on community and our passions is reaching financial freedom. (I have no problem being obsessed with that goal as it translates into more time to do more of what matters to me.) There is family. There is volunteering. There are friends. There is travel. There is the global community. There is bliss on the other side of our efforts and along the proper path as well.

There are many challenges but let them not be issues simply for the sake of being a part of an ill fate, but rather let them be challenges for the sake of growing past limitations. Propel us all towards our meaningful goals. Let us not retreat into respective acceptable corners of stability with our respective creature comforts. Let us yell out through our actions of being true to ourselves and especially don’t let us be tricked because we are quite competent at our everyday non-passions.

Now that I’ve committed to this in writing and posting, I likewise challenge myself not to ride it out in the comfort zone. I have to also note when that comfort zone is cleverly disguised as familiar obstacles. (“Why is a known hell preferable to an unknown heaven?”)

It is going to be okay. It will be for me and for everyone that feels this way. We need to work that balance of not being too critical as well (of ourselves or others). It is only natural that the voices showing the path to what is deemed clear and normal are all too easy to find. This is why they are considered “normal” and they easily lay us upon the route of the least resistance. It’s easy to get sidetracked.

The future is the question to be answered. My current (aka past) goals are highlighted by my continued intentions to step outside the box.

We can help others by being true to our callings and though it may take us off the beaten track (a little or a lot), we can be forever grateful that our nagging dreaming feelings just won’t let us go.

Presently, I am happy to be participating and exploring a lot of what I only previously wondered about and I’m equally happy that I’ve taken some interesting chances with my adventures. Though I’ve been holding back, I’m glad to be putting myself out there both physically and mentally. The daring times have taught me the most about myself and what matters.

Like my post below (if you’d like😊) and share me – @riskysafetravels.com

I hope you find some useful and/or interesting information in the archives as well.

Yours truly,

Cassandra Johnson, blogger (riskysafetravels.com), volunteer, freelance translator, writer and aspiring swing trader

Update: eFreedom is something I do not recommend at all. It was a very costly and time-consuming experience and I would not want anyone to experience this as well. While I will spend money learning from entrepreneurs and teachers in various industries who are experts, this is one I would not revisit. It is very important that we make sure our sources are reputable and I want to let you know to do your due diligence.