Hello from North Carolina

[notcamping]

Hello I'm Ryan from Asheville, NC. I found this site a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed Steve's articles. I can't remember what I was looking for at the time.

Recently I found these forums while searching for answers to some relationship issues. There seem to be so many interesting and insightful people here, I'm glad I found it.

What I'm interested in at the moment is developing more confidence with people, being present and happy with where I am, and not taking life so seriously.

Thanks for having me!

[SireneB]

Welcome! But I have to ask ... if you are not camping, what are you doing?

[Nick Connor]

Just want to lend my two sense on developing more confidence, happiness and not taking life to seriously.

The precise thing you need to start with is taking life seriously. Im not saying be stiff and without a sense of humor, no. What I am saying is take responsibility for where you currently are in life, accept it and if you are not satisfied with your current "status" don't beat yourself up.

I fully understand where you are coming from. I played college and professional baseball and when I decided to walk away I was LOST!! It has taken me many years, a few failed relationships and some humble pie to realize that life, for me at least, has become about two things:

1. Focus on the MEANS and not the END
2. Focus on what you ACHIEVE in life rather than what you ATTAIN in life.

The wins and losses in your life are of equal value, my man. Confidence comes from your past achievements, but dont dwell on past success.

Enjoying where you are in life requires learning from mistakes so you can grow.

A quick example: 11th grade Athlete Awards Banquet. I received an award and was asked to give a speech...I cried!! In front of all of my coaches and teammates. LOL

Fast forward 11 years, I am now a Motivational Speaker and travel around the country speaking to high school and college students.

You are not alone, my man. If I can do anything to help just let me know.

Best,

NC