NEVER STOP LEARNING

As the saying goes, we should never stop learning. This weekend I will be attending the 30th Annual Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Pennwriters is a group of hundreds of writers, mostly from Pennsylvania, but also from other parts of the country. The conference, held once a year, is an event to remember. Agents and editors from New York and other areas as well as speakers from several states will present 40 workshops and participate in critique sessions and panel discussions. I hope to get my creativity boosted and my enthusiasm for my writing bolstered. I have belonged to the group for over twenty years, serving as President, Vice President, Author’s Advocate, and Conference Coordinator. I feel there is always something to learn and continue to update myself through these conferences and others.

Take time to learn something new and keep the mind fresh and creative. Build on a skill or hobby you already have or gain a completely new outlook by learning a different language, taking up an additional hobby, refreshing or learning a new skill, reading something original—the possibilities are endless.

In the meantime, keep learning.

Carol

Be Prepared--Create Positive Opportunities

It's still October, but snow has arrived in Pittsburgh, bringing with it a lesson--always be prepared. That's a good lesson for all of us to remember every day. Be prepared. You never know what opportunities or misfortunes might show up on any given day. I prefer to look on the positive side and think each day will bring new opportunities.

Many people miss opportunities they don't realize were presented to them until long after they are gone. Don't let that happen to you. Be on the lookout for opportunities that will improve your personal and your professional life. Here are some ways you can create your own opportunities or take advantage of ones presented to you.

• Help others improve their lives


• Bring happiness to others


• Assist coworkers with their tasks


• Assist the boss with special projects or find other ways to make his job easier


• Ask for help when you need it


• Reflect on the positives in your life and be thankful


• Focus on the important things


• Commit to being open to opportunities

With an awareness of what is going on around us, we can all be better prepared.

Look for Possibilities

Well, I can't believe it but the Pennwriters conference has been over for a week now. I enjoyed myself and learned from many wonderful, insightful speakers.

One thing I tried to get across to conference attendees, especially newbies, was to take advantage of ALL opportunities and to be open to ALL possibilities. The same can be said for every day living.

• Be open to people and things that come your way unexpectedly. The immediate benefit of a meeting or a piece of information may not be apparent at first.


• Build long-term relationships and store each piece of information for future use.


• Don't overlook the small things and the obvious things and people.


• Learn as much as you can every day from every situation.

Look around today and be open to all that you see, do, hear, and encounter. You never know what precious things await.