Category: swing trading

Another February

FEBRUARY 23, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Becoming a free agent is going to be quite the trip, adding to some other personal parallel journeys.

Adding in gratefulness for all past and present paths, I’m ready – as far as I know.

All-nighters or rather, perhaps quasi all-nighters, here I come. It’s time to increase the work-at-home gigs and freestyle-freelance gigs on my way to even more of this volunteer travel life. I’m referring to this, personally, as my volunteer life challenge (keeping me ever closer to who I suspect myself to be).

At past and first glance, I thought about looking forward to what weekends are supposed to be and especially to those extended weekends and random PTO days, here and there. Then, I had a moment. Something different occurred to me, with the help of some hardworking YouTubers, writers and other creative people. Maybe I’d much rather capitalize on these times and power through, in an effort to have my future consist of what feels more like endless Saturdays, commencing and ending with volunteering, writing, translating, traveling, family, friends, discovery and soaking up forever suns and restful nights. Not a bad challenge that leads to that finish line.

I’m fortunate to have a birthday that ends in my favorite month, February. Reflecting on everything, every person I’ve met, knowledge of every ancestor paving the way and all my personal experiences, painful or dear – knowledge of what got me here is padding my steps.

I’ve worked hard before but for some different errant objectives. These were not regretful. Many were quite commendable, but rather for another time and another me not as ready as this one (probably even less developed for the me to come).

Being altogether better at meditating, resting up, working and chilling in between… I’m curiously excited about what and who I get to meet and of course, revisit. More to be shared. More to be seen.

Image Credits:
Images by geralt on Pixabay
Continue reading “Another February”

I HAVE A CRUSH

OCTOBER 19, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I don’t really get crushes often though I see guys I definitely find very attractive in the DMV area (my current home that is the DC, Maryland, Virginia area ) but there was something about this guy I met a week ago that has my interest more than piqued. It’s cliché to say but again, clichés can be true to say or write so I’m going to go with it: There was just something about him.

He pulled up in his Mercedez Benz (and that’s not why – this is purely for description purposes) and he seemed so purposeful, self-assured, gentle and present, though it would turn out he had a lot going on. Yet, that added another nice dimension. His life reminded me of … well, mine right now. I’m learning my way into a new job at the same company and stepping fully into the overwhelm while eating my feelings as well😊 I felt it exactly last week during this work travel when my really good friend and I made the most out of those dessert portions of our meals. The difference between he and I, or so it seems, is that he was without the stress level. I have my job and other outside interests to which I am committed and I am fluctuating between the good type of surrender and feeling sometimes buried. (Still, I’m convinced it will all come together or apart in a good way.) I’m most right when I’m writing, translating, reading, volunteering and trading and I know it means gravitating towards what fuels me the best. The advice I’m getting is to let go of so-called everyday obligations and I will actually get more and more done.

The work trip ended, and I was waiting for this Uber comfort ride back to the airport from my hotel. Turns out this is a seasonal side job for my crush, and I noticed how well he listened and how deliberate his words were. We chatted and when he asked what I do, there was a space there that really took in my answers. It’s not that there is this negative thought that others are not listening nor that they don’t care, but there was a notable feeling of acceptance and acknowledgement in this moment that sometimes may get lost in conversations when we are anxious to share stories. I do it to others as well. It’s not intentional, but I believe, very human, in our efforts to express who we are and be heard. In this instance however, the wide space of being noticed was quite evident and with natural reciprocity, my focus was outward too. Nothing to prove. No room for misinterpretation. Rather just a willingness to share a more-than-surface conversation.

He may happen to visit this post along with other ones. I don’t mind. He asked if he could see the site and I welcome it too.😊

Image by David Mark on Pixabay.com

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.