Find Your Calcutta: November 2012

Here's a little peek in of the inner working of my mysterious mind. For my friends and family, this isn't new information. I just choose not to talk about it often. I am a shy person. Understatement. I suffer from a great deal of anxiety which has affected my life in some interesting ways over the years; more recently manifesting itself in the form of occasional panic attacks. Yes, there's a back story. Yes, I can discuss/share if you or someone you know is going through something similar. Nah, I'd rather not divulge online. I only bring up the topic to say this, the challenges that I, or anyone else for that matter, face; do not define you. You choose your outcome. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, but God can strengthen you and help you grow into someone he desires for you to be. Don't settle for allowing your challenges to overwhelm you. As a teacher I tell my students all the time that if they work at it, it will slowly get easier until one day, when they master it. I should take my own advice. In understanding the causes and results of my anxiety, I have started pushing myself to do things that make me feel uncomfortable; but may be good for me. I'm excited to share some of my progress or experiences with my friends and family and I may share online from time to time. Here is my first installment. Share something you love or are passionate about, with others combined with share something you are learning. Music is a very intimate part of who I am. Those of you who are similar, will understand. Worship, is how I connect with my creator. The beauty of sound, and meaning of words hold depth and meaning to me. I worry too much about what others think about me. I was always passionate about music but nervous to risk a scholarship in college at a safe school to leave and pursue something I love. I tend to be pretty private about it these days. I have always wanted to learn ukele and guitar. A couple of months ago I picked up a Ukele at a bookstore and I've started to teach myself some chords. It's funny, I totally suck at it; but I absolutely love strumming along. It's fun to learn an instrument that you can sing along with. I play flute and do not have such luxury. The piano isn't exactly second nature to me. The remnants of my forced childhood lessons still linger. I'm practicing the piano more and more as well. Here is Lesson #1 This week, challenge yourself. Don't settle for what you've been dealt or are comfortable with. Get out their and move mountains...even if moving mountains is just talking to a stranger at the grocery store. You are a beautiful creation. You have purpose on this earth, whether big or small. Try new things. Enjoy your life. Love what you do. ;) Love, Tiff P.S. Colee, I've been reading up on your life lately and your video inspired me to do this. Please make more and share! I miss you mucho!

The concept of my small life being so important to my creator, blows my mind. He has been so faithful to my family and this Thanksgiving, I'm so grateful for his love. I have so much love in my life. The love of my family, friends, students, a church to fellowship with, Charlie, God and the love of new people who invest in my life and encourage me throughout the week. I'm a lucky gal and I'm excited for new things on the horizon. P.S. It only took 3.5 years to understand it's meaning in my life, but this week I felt unspeakable joy in teaching my 2nd graders about Voice in Writing. The excitement that we are all invested in this process... it's an amazing feeling. My students are a huge part of my life and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with them daily. I think they are brilliant and I am immeasurably blessed.