Rockchick thread and.. "nothing works for me"!

[themaster]

Rockchick, has been practicing some "new age" ideas for quite a while and she's had moderate success.. I met rockchick (virtually ) on a post on one of the upper forums emotion or the other one

Anyway.. it sounded when I talked to her that her life was going well.. and then she posted this..

When literally every area of your life sucks, where do you start!?

And I gave her some of the best advice I've ever written.. all in her honor.. well, you know most of it went in 1 ear and out the other

That's okay.. I don't give up easily!

Anyway.. as part of my checking up on the people I'm helping.. I pm'd her and the conversation to be posted here is those pm's..

These pm's are being presented to help other people, rockchick and even myself.. and in case rockchick continues to need information that helps

As part of this conversation.. I've agreed to be rockchick's workout buddy/sponsor and thus a thread will be created for that specific subject.. if your in dire need of having someone encourage you to try things.. that'll be the place to go

New Age "workout buddy" thread.. :)

[themaster]

Originally Posted by themaster

rockchick, I invested a lot of time and energy in you.. it's time for me to check up on my investment..

how are you doing??? are you good?? Are you feeling better??

Also in your honor I started this thread today in reviewing my posts to you..

Co-creation experiment.. let's go!

Hello! Thank you for thinking of me, that was nice!! I've been trying to avoid this forum because I almost got banned last time I posted and people here think all my posts are pity parties so I just figured I better stay away. I've been trying to sort out my life in other ways now but honestly nothing helped as much as this place did. But I am afraid to post again with my problems, I'm pretty sure most people haven't missed me. (Glad you did, though!)

The last time I was on here I was having a really hard time because it seemed like every part of my life was going downhill. Nothing has changed since then, although I wouldn't call myself depressed anymore, now it's more like I don't care and whatever happens happens. I still haven't been able to find a job, or new friends, so I pretty much just spend my time job hunting and sitting online and occasionally going to the same few friends' houses but we just sit around and watch movies. I am still having money issues & vehicle problems so that pretty much keeps me home or in the same town at least, so I really haven't done anything at all since I was last on here.

Regarding that Spirit Matters ebook you sent me, I printed out all the exercises that I wanted to try and I have tried a few of them but my mind is just so cluttered and active that I haven't been able to get anything out of them yet. I thought for sure the Grounding Line would have worked but I honestly didn't feel any different after doing it.

Someone mentioned a Paul McKenna book, he is a hypnotist, well I ordered the book but it was sent to the wrong address so it never came and then I figured it was probably better because I was just adding to my massive credit card debt anyway. But I did download for free his hypnotic trance mp3 which I listen to every night in bed but honestly I haven't noticed any bit of difference in my life since listening to that (for about a week and a half now). This is how it always goes for me though so i'm used to trying something as best as I can and not getting anything out of it.

Sorry this is so long, I get long-winded especially when I haven't had a good way to vent-I am afraid to post online anywhere for fear of ending up in arguments with people. So, I guess to sum it up, nothing much has changed!

[themaster]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Hello! Thank you for thinking of me, that was nice!!

I know I'm crazy like that

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I've been trying to avoid this forum because I almost got banned last time I posted and people here think all my posts are pity parties so I just figured I better stay away. I've been trying to sort out my life in other ways now but honestly nothing helped as much as this place did. But I am afraid to post again with my problems, I'm pretty sure most people haven't missed me. (Glad you did, though!)

It's not say I missed you.. It's to say I was concerned about you.. and wanted to see how you're doing?

You see I do care.. that you have a happy life!

(don't make me teary.. it's not nice! )

Didn't we talk about the fear of banning??

You can come back.. hell, I'm a technical expert.. if giving up your username doesn't make you a FEAR monger than.. understand you will not lose this as a support system.. nor me if you want me..

But understand that I don't want a clingy kind of help relationship.. I want to empower you.. to be more you..

So why I gave you a stern lecture is I wanted you to focus more on you and less on creating a "poor me" thread.. doesn't mean you don't deserve one.. it just means I was trying to help you "focus"

You know I don't normally meet forums members in person.. but maybe in your case.. it would be a exception

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

The last time I was on here I was having a really hard time because it seemed like every part of my life was going downhill. Nothing has changed since then, although I wouldn't call myself depressed anymore

that's change!!!

You have changed! Validate it!... Please??? Please? pretty please with icing cake on top???

Did you try asking for help every day?

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

now it's more like I don't care and whatever happens happens.

Again this is change.. please validate it

You have released and let go.. by your own description..

You stopped focusing on the problems and the problems became void.. I know you want a happier life.. why do you think I offer my help in this?

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I still haven't been able to find a job

That's not a big deal.. my sister quit her stillwater job in december.. and she still hasn't found one either..

It's funny my friend levi when I left in december also quit his job.. and I talked to him recently and he's been re-hired by the company he quit.. lol

[themaster]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

or new friends

Alright, it's time we changed that! That's it I'm your new friend..

And now as friends we'll have to meet if you want too?

Just a word of warning about me.. I'm real quiet, real cute and coming to Minnesota in about 14 days or less

(I HOPE YOUR NOT camera shy.. I take lots of pictures!)

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

so I pretty much just spend my time job hunting and sitting online and occasionally going to the same few friends' houses but we just sit around and watch movies. I am still having money issues & vehicle problems so that pretty much keeps me home or in the same town at least, so I really haven't done anything at all since I was last on here.

That's not nothing.. that is something.. keep on keeping on rockchick you are a beautiful person we all our! Feel the love and power in that.. okay?

(you have a habit of making me teary.. bad rockchick! )

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Regarding that Spirit Matters ebook you sent me, I printed out all the exercises that I wanted to try and I have tried a few of them but my mind is just so cluttered and active that I haven't been able to get anything out of them yet. I thought for sure the Grounding Line would have worked but I honestly didn't feel any different after doing it.

Perhaps you should meet my teacher.. that's why I'm coming to town.. he also wrote that book?

You could also meet a whole lot of people even in MN that like his work

I'd still tell you to keep trying.. these effects take time.. you never know maybe we can talk my teacher into giving you a copy of his DVD's for free?

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Someone mentioned a Paul McKenna book, he is a hypnotist, well I ordered the book but it was sent to the wrong address so it never came and then I figured it was probably better because I was just adding to my massive credit card debt anyway. But I did download for free his hypnotic trance mp3 which I listen to every night in bed but honestly I haven't noticed any bit of difference in my life since listening to that (for about a week and a half now). This is how it always goes for me though so i'm used to trying something as best as I can and not getting anything out of it.

I take it you didn't try the Bashar idea I mentioned.. like I said I don't know what he does in the sleep period.. but it's something..

Have you listened to bashar on youtube.. do you like it/resonate with it/him??

Because I'd be glad to give you all the material I have on him or abraham.. or jim self..?? whichever

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Sorry this is so long, I get long-winded especially when I haven't had a good way to vent-I am afraid to post online anywhere for fear of ending up in arguments with people. So, I guess to sum it up, nothing much has changed!

Don't apologize unless you complain 50 times to me.. then apologize

I think your absolutely wrong.. you have changed.. your always changing.. you are in a much better/relaxed place than you where.. trust me I have psychic abilities.. I know this!

[themaster]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I just typed up a whole bunch of replies and my window closed on me and I lost everything!!

Yah, I just dealt with some serious phone frustration myself.. my phone can't call 1800 for some reason and here people hear me.

A lot of this is stuff I don't want to necessarily do.. so maybe that is negatively manifesting dunno

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Yes you are right, there was change, but I don't see it as progress. I am not any closer to solving my problems, that's for sure. My problems are still there no matter how much I ignore them. Or perhaps it's that my problems ARE being answered in a way I can't see yet, which is fine, it just doesn't help my current state of feeling stuck.

As I said.. you need to validate and validate again.. push on and forget about stuck.. I'd say you’re doing fine.. but that's my opinion.. no need to believe me?

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I am not against meeting in person but I just wonder what you would say to me then that you can't say to me in here?

Not much.. I don't do much personal advice.. (but that's more or less about opportunity than not) this would be more about being a friend.. or feeling what should be my positive vibration.. and just having some fun.. not complicated.. not guaranteed to be perfect.. it's just a option.. consider it or don't..

Probably going to make "steak kabobs" with my sister.. so you’re invited for a bbq at my sisters place or my friends house (most likely)

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I am a much better typer than a talker!

So am I.. massive "analytical' skills don't you think.. or maybe massive heart these days

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

It's so much easier for me to open up and be honest online. I know that's a bad way to be, but I can't help it.

You be whatever way you want to be.. There's no bad way to be

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Regarding Bashar, yes I have watched some of his videos on Youtube and I checked out his website! He reminds me a lot of Abraham/Hicks (I'm really into them, I have 2 of their books). It isn't that this information isn't good and helpful, it's probably that I lack something necessary to implement this information into my life. I've tried most of the exercises in the Abraham/Hicks books though, but nothing ever happened so I just naturally lost interest in it. I admit I like to see results rather quickly, and you have to admit something is hard to keep up if you can't see results!

You lack of nothing!

Let's see how my experiment goes and if it goes well.. we'll try using it on you!

Until then.. let me ask you to try listening to these free audios and see if it helps..

Information Sharing.. :)

[themaster]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

It's easy for someone else to say I'm doing fine if they aren't living my life , I mean you aren't going to be the one who has to deal with my problems. I honestly don't know how to "push on and forget about being stuck" when my life has gone practically in reverse for the last 14 months.

But see.. it's as I told you before in the defining and labeling this as "problems" is where the trouble starts.. how about we try a new word today..?? "unique challenges"

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Listening to someone talk or taking in information doesn't solve problems, it's doing things about it.

Actually, your wrong about this! (and I rarely say wrong ) Action doesn't solve problems..

You see this is your EGO again.. telling you how to fix yourself.. it's not your EGO you want to listen too.. it's your heart? It's your spiritual self?? okay?

Start "thinking" your way to a solution.. stop shooting down everything that comes along as "no good".. part of your problem is you do "invalidate everything" I mean everything.. whether it's a belief or it's just your EGO.. Start "thinking" your way to a solution.. stop shooting down everything that comes along as "no good".. part of your problem is you do "invalidate everything" I mean everything.. whether it's a belief or it's just your EGO.. (when you use a method.. doesn't matter the method.. VALIDATE it.. say this worked for me a little.. it may not work anymore.. but VALIDATE you tried it.. helped or your feel about the same.. even validate.. but don't criticize a method when you do that.. it's like TAKING a step backwards.. if you were on the road to recovery and to recover.. all you had to do was step forward.. would you choose to step backwards saying.. "no I'm not getting better" try and validate everything if you can.. please try )

It's like your EGO wants you to stay miserable?

Take your EGO which is likely running as you READ this and say "I love you" 50 times.. say "were a team, I need you to work with me to improve" just say it 50 times.. listen to the words as you say them "out loud" or inside and try and feel some love and excitement in there..

If you were to listen to Abraham or Bashar or Jim Self or me (doesn't matter) each day, every day.. there good advice would rub off on you.. you may not think those recordings have "vibrational" enhancement.. but they do.. your just so busy the "woe is me" to keep up.. on keeping up.. (meaning you keep "trying")

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

it's doing things about it. I am like this with everything in my life, I can read, listen, plan, organize, analyze

Those are all EGO things.. you are making this into a PROCESS.. and that's why it's not fun..

Really, imagine practicing self improvement..?? when it's not fun

Do you know what makes it not fun..?? It's the EGO

You can practice self improvement by the lake, at a bookstore, at the bus stop.. on the toilet.. it don't matter.. you just take a moment and in that moment.. you say I'm going to think about me.. and what's best for me right in this moment..

You are also just not happy cause your still haven't let go of your dad's happiness over yours.. have you?

Alright.. I'm going to give you another exercise to try and see if it helps..

Have you heard abraham talk about Segment Intending.. abraham says.. recognize a segment.. whether you're on the phone, getting yelled at by our dad, watching the TV, eating, whatever it is.. recognize it's a moment in time.. and right in that moment..

Take a pause.. and Declare what you want!

Just say.. in this moment I intend to be happy, to get this guy off the phone, to be alone.. whatever it is you want

(that's one exercise you can try right now.. in real life all through your day.. all you have to do is remind yourself.. and ask/intend..)

Okay exercise #2

I would like you to practice this very simply.. in that do this about 3 times at least in 1 day to see if helps but what you want to do is.. when you think of someone who has your energy.. start with easy people.. don't go after the "worst" person right away.. and just give this is a try

Practical Tools for Making Separations - Part 1 > Jim Self

http://www.masteringalchemy.com/pdfs...ngseps_pt2.pdf

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I am lazy. I need to learn how to fix THAT.

Well, that's part of the problem isn't it.. your defining lazy as BAD and part of the problem..

I'm incredibly lazy.. you can ask my sister if you want she'll back me up.. I never put up the tent.. or erect the camping stove or move anything physically if I can help it..

You see I embrace who I am.. I know what I want to do.. and what I don't..

Laziness is not a problem, till you make it one.. I'm not telling you that yes, you shouldn't be taking time for you.. and practicing trying to improve yourself.. but you can't get anywhere if your calling yourself "bad" or not worthy.. you need to find the process's that excite you and that don't feel bad..

Let's go over check list again okay??

Tell me everything you tried.. and what excited you about it.. what made you feel good???

- Abraham
- Bashar
- Jim Self?
- NLP
- Wicca?

What else is there??

What resonated with you.. when you read it.. listened to it???

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I feel like a really souped up car that has all the best parts but it just has no gas in it.

That's a good analogy.. now I'm going to tell you truth and be blunt about it.. why I think you have "no gas"..

In part.. part of that is the thing with your DAD

Because you are holding yourself back.. (unless you changed that?) and thinking of his happiness first.. is 1 reason why it's hard for you to be motivated or happy about anything..

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

And it always comes down to not having enough money, why I am unable to DO things.

Money's just a excuse.. sorry but it is..

If you think these economy and job problems on the planet are over.. think again.. this is just the beginning.. it's not going to get "great depression" worse.. but it is going to take a turn for the FEARFUL.. for anyone who puts there power in the outside reality.. rather than trusting in themselves..

I want to remind of you of something rockchick.. you can read this good advice.. and then go thread hopping.. or go make some popcorn.. or after reading this.. you can go take 5-30 minutes and do some self improvement exercises.. if your are serious about change.. I wouldn't wait.. I wouldn't stall.. I'd just go do it right now.. and then come back to make popcorn or "thread surf"

[Lauxa]

Rockchick,

Did you ever try my negative affirmations technique?

Negative affirmations

For me it has been a valuable tool at learning to direct my thoughts towards my desires. I started feeling positive results almost immediately and it's been an upward spiral from there. I haven't solved all my problems of course, but I've been using this technique for almost 2 years to manage the worst of my negativity... and these days I am consistently feeling better, stronger, and more motivated than when I began.

I think you should go live on the farm, you can always visit your nephew and send him mail. Do you want to be the depressed aunt who can't get her life together or the inspiring aunt who goes after her dreams? Take care of yourself first, and you will be a bigger blessing to those you love.

How much money would you need to get there?

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Rockchick,

Did you ever try my negative affirmations technique?

Negative affirmations

For me it has been a valuable tool at learning to direct my thoughts towards my desires. I started feeling positive results almost immediately and it's been an upward spiral from there. I haven't solved all my problems of course, but I've been using this technique for almost 2 years to manage the worst of my negativity... and these days I am consistently feeling better, stronger, and more motivated than when I began.

Wow this sounds pretty cool...I especially liked when you said "I am not productive" because it makes you feel like crap about yourself and if you don't want that, it will give you motivation to change. I'll try it! I just thought of another thing too, along the same lines...you could imagine somebody that you look up to and respect and admire, and imagine them saying it to you. If Steve Pavlina said to me, "You are not productive" I would probably hop right off the couch and get to something, anything, as long as I was doing something!

I think you should go live on the farm, you can always visit your nephew and send him mail. Do you want to be the depressed aunt who can't get her life together or the inspiring aunt who goes after her dreams? Take care of yourself first, and you will be a bigger blessing to those you love.

Well he's only 4, he won't be able to read for a few years But coming back to visit would cost a few hundred dollars (going by the average airfare). Some of the places I want to go are in other countries so then you're talking $1000 or more. And you don't get paid at most of these places so, it's pretty much impossible unless I can somehow work a normal job in my spare time while I'm there. I guess I could try that! I'm really noticing how my mind is finding new ways to work through things, I think listening to that hypnosis thing is really helping. One of the things that he says is "Your brain will find new creative ways to overcome obstacles." Last night, I was so proud of myself, I made a list of each option and then I did the PMI decision maker (plus, minus, interesting) and I couldn't believe it but for my least favorite option (moving back home) I came up with 6 pluses!! But, on the flip side, I also came up with 5 minuses and those were ALL things that I felt 100% strongly about, so the pluses didn't hold a candle to them. BUT, I did come up with 4 other options and some of those are very do-able. So I'm working on my plan and I think it's all going to be ok no matter what happens!

Also, I dived back into my "Refuse To Choose" book and decided to try the exercises again (because obviously the first time they didn't work), so i'm hoping I have better luck this time, it's been a year since I read that book so maybe I've grown enough since then that it'll finally kick in now!

How much money would you need to get there?

Well if it's a place out of the country it would take around $1000 i'm guessing, and out of state a few hundred bucks, and if it's one in my state, I'd just need probably $50-$100 for gas to drive there. But the thing is, these programs only run for a short amount of time, some only want you for a few days, some a week, some a few months. So I would have to move around and find a new one when the other one is done. So that would mean coming up with a few hundred dollars or more maybe as often as every week. Egghhh this is sounding pretty hard now, how would I be able to get a job in all those places if i'm only there for a week or a month?

[Lauxa]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Wow this sounds pretty cool...I especially liked when you said "I am not productive" because it makes you feel like crap about yourself and if you don't want that, it will give you motivation to change. I'll try it! I just thought of another thing too, along the same lines...you could imagine somebody that you look up to and respect and admire, and imagine them saying it to you. If Steve Pavlina said to me, "You are not productive" I would probably hop right off the couch and get to something, anything, as long as I was doing something!

Well the point isn't to feel like crap about yourself, I make it a point to be totally forgiving of myself as a prerequisite... the only thing that I have to do is to manage my thoughts and then I trust that LoA will "manifest" the results. Instead, there are 2 thought processes that usually kick in:

1) Defensiveness. Wait a minute, how can you say I'm not productive? Look at all this stuff I've done. You better believe I'm productive.

2) Visualization. How do I know I'm not productive? If I were productive what would that look like? Spend some time imagining myself as being productive.

And both of these patterns draw me towards greater productivity, instead of pushing it away.

Well if it's a place out of the country it would take around $1000 i'm guessing, and out of state a few hundred bucks, and if it's one in my state, I'd just need probably $50-$100 for gas to drive there. But the thing is, these programs only run for a short amount of time, some only want you for a few days, some a week, some a few months. So I would have to move around and find a new one when the other one is done. So that would mean coming up with a few hundred dollars or more maybe as often as every week. Egghhh this is sounding pretty hard now, how would I be able to get a job in all those places if i'm only there for a week or a month?

Oh, I thought you said you found one that was for 6 months. Yah, going for a week at a time could get pretty pricey.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Well the point isn't to feel like crap about yourself, I make it a point to be totally forgiving of myself as a prerequisite... the only thing that I have to do is to manage my thoughts and then I trust that LoA will "manifest" the results. Instead, there are 2 thought processes that usually kick in:

1) Defensiveness. Wait a minute, how can you say I'm not productive? Look at all this stuff I've done. You better believe I'm productive.

2) Visualization. How do I know I'm not productive? If I were productive what would that look like? Spend some time imagining myself as being productive.

And both of these patterns draw me towards greater productivity, instead of pushing it away.

Oh yes, and I am good at defensiveness already, I shouldn't have a problem with that! I just meant that if someone points one of my flaws out to me, I will also think, 'ugh, I dont like that feeling of knowing i'm like that, I want to fix it', and prove to them they are wrong! I think this will work I'm so excited about this finally!

Oh, I thought you said you found one that was for 6 months. Yah, going for a week at a time could get pretty pricey.

Well the longest the organic farms go is 6 months, (or until September), you can join one anytime IF they have the accommodation for you but they say in order to guarantee a spot, you should sign up in April. But that's just for the farms, there are other programs that involve working at resorts, bed & breakfasts, people's homes, it's all involving doing some type of work in exchange for free rent and meals. And those go year round and I'm not sure on the length of stay for those, I think they vary with each place, whatever the owner wants.

[Lauxa]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Well the longest the organic farms go is 6 months, (or until September), you can join one anytime IF they have the accommodation for you but they say in order to guarantee a spot, you should sign up in April. But that's just for the farms, there are other programs that involve working at resorts, bed & breakfasts, people's homes, it's all involving doing some type of work in exchange for free rent and meals. And those go year round and I'm not sure on the length of stay for those, I think they vary with each place, whatever the owner wants.

Hey, if you haven't already, you could also look at national parks. When we visited Yellowstone we met some of the people working the retail there and there were some programs for staying at the park and working and then during your spare time you can enjoy the park. Don't know if that would interest you, but thought I'd mention it.

Oh Rockchick, I want to travel too, and I'm going to be intending on it some more starting TODAY. I have some obstacles and can't see a clear path to it yet, but from now on I'm going to spend my "housework time" doing imagination and visualization exercises geared towards traveling. Happy trails!

[Rockchick26]

This might sound crazy but nothing has ever made this much sense to me...

Someone on Twitter just posted a video, it's a speech made by the guy who created Lost, my favorite tv show...and it's actually a speech about mystery and possibilities. He explains how when you go into a movie theater to see a movie, the best part is when the lights go down and the movie is about to start. When you're writing something, the best part is having a blank page, with unlimited endless possibilities of what could happen. And as he said that, I looked up, my mouth fell open, and I started to think and I found myself zoning out as I realized, THAT'S why I like to plan things and talk about them and research them and get to the point of starting them, and then after that it all goes downhill. Because getting excited about creating something or doing something is the best feeling ever, and what really happens is almost never as good as what you were imagining. And once you DO it, there is no more mystery, no more possibilities anymore. No more freedom to choose whatever you want, because you've already chosen and now you have to go back to square 1 in order to get excited again.

This might sound like a load of rubbish to some of you but it's totally making sense to me! I feel like this just fell into my lap right now because I've been wondering the real reason WHY I am the way I am. Because I thrive on the unknown, the anticipation, the building excitement of something. I am always trying to FIND something, the meaning of life, the answer to my problems, the perfect job, the perfect mate, and nothing ever lives up to my expectations. Nothing is ever as exciting as the moment right before it happens. Nothing is ever as good as the idea of what it COULD have been.

I want all these things but deep down I must know that they won't be as good as they are in my head. Doing them won't be as satisfying as thinking about how exciting they could be.

This is both a breakthrough AND a let down. Because it completely makes sense to me and fills in all the question marks, but it also tells me that I will never be happy unless there is always a chance of unlimited possibility just waiting to unfold at the next turn. I am much happier sitting down to a blank piece of paper and not writing anything, than I am after I've written something. I am much happier before going to a concert than after the concert (in fact I get something we call "post concert depression" and the only cure is to get excited about the next concert). I am happier planning a trip than even being on the trip! I am happier creating a list of things I want to do than actually doing them.

Because once you experience all of these things and you know the outcome, it takes away the mystery and the freedom and the anticipation of the unknown!

Wow.

[Acting Like Godot]

LOL, your excuses are endless. However, they do change over time ... they grow less and less convincing.

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Because once you experience all of these things and you know the outcome, it takes away the mystery and the freedom and the anticipation of the unknown!

You have hardly experienced anything, remember?

You can't do X, because there are 10 reasons why you can't do X.
You can't do Y, because there are 12 reasons why you can't do Y.
You can't do Z, because there are 14 reasons why you can't do Z.

Remember - your life is full of things that you'd like to do, but cannot do, due to Great Forces beyond your control. So please don't waste time with an excuse like:

"I have already experienced all these things ... X, Y and Z .... there is no more mystery & freedom, I have conquered the unknown, ahhhhh, that is why I feel so jaded now."

It's just not convincing. You haven't experienced any of those things.

The only few areas where such an excuse might sound legitimate is if you said something like this:

"I have already read 200 self-help books. There is no more mystery here - I already know the outcome. The outcome is nothing ... unless I apply what I've read."

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

LOL, your excuses are endless. However, they do change over time ... they grow less and less convincing.



You have hardly experienced anything, remember?

You can't do X, because there are 10 reasons why you can't do X.
You can't do Y, because there are 12 reasons why you can't do Y.
You can't do Z, because there are 14 reasons why you can do Z.

So please don't waste time with an excuse like:

"I have already experienced all these things ... X, Y and Z .... there is no more mystery & freedom, I have conquered the unknown, ahhhhh, that is why I feel so jaded now."

It's just not convincing.

The only few areas where such an excuse might sound legitimate is if you said something like this:

"I have already read 200 self-help books. There is no more mystery here - I already know the outcome. The outcome is nothing ... unless I apply what I've read."

Well I don't care if it convinced you or not, it wasn't a test to see who would believe it, it's what feels right to me. I was referring to all the things I HAVE tried. And also to things like movies, going out with friends, ANYTHING! It's not limited to reading a book or trying a new idea, it's pretty much anything in life. Maybe you didn't get what I meant.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I was referring to all the things I HAVE tried.

Well, you might be feeling tired and jaded about:

(i) reading yet another self-help book;
(ii) watching yet another DVD at your friend's house
(iii) surfing yet another Internet website;
(iv) listening to yet another MP3 download

which are the kinds of activities you have definitely tried a lot.

And if you ARE feeling tired abd jaded about these activities, well, the solution is obvious.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Well, you might be feeling tired and jaded about:

(i) reading yet another self-help book;
(ii) watching yet another DVD at your friend's house
(iii) surfing yet another Internet website;
(iv) listening to yet another MP3 download

which are the kinds of activities you have definitely tried a lot.

And if you ARE feeling tired abd jaded about these activities, well, the solution is obvious.

But you missed the point! All of those things involve a level of excitement and wonder and anticipation, which is why I enjoy them. Watching movies at friends houses is different though because I'm hanging out with my friends, that's not the same as a creative or learning activity.

[Lauxa]

Okay, Rockchick, I will agree that if you want to take really awesome concert photos you need expensive gear. But... that isn't the ONLY thing you will need.

For most concerts, you will need permission from the band and maybe a press pass. For this, you will need to (1) get over your problems with talking to people and (2) have a photography portfolio.

For instance, that guy at ishootconcerts.com has a Visual Communications degree. I will guarantee you he did not get that degree by ONLY shooting rock concerts. No, he shot a wide range of subjects and learned about photography and composition for several years to become qualified to shoot from the press pit.

And even once you have a decent portfolio, you then need to make friends with members of local bands, offer to shoot their concerts or maybe some promo pics for free. Promo pics are probably going to be stills, which could be done with any camera, but your artistic sense has to come into it. That is how you will build your rock portfolio and gain credibility to shoot bigger name bands.

The same guy had advice for shooting from the crowd, which he sometimes has to do when there is no press pit. His number one piece of advice was to make friends with the other people standing nearby by making small talk.

SO, even if you had a nice camera, these other things would limit you from pursuing your dream as a concert photographer. And some of these are things you could work on now! But all you see is that you don't have a nice camera so you can't do anything. The Universe will NOT respond to you when you are doing nothing.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

For most concerts, you will need permission from the band and maybe a press pass. For this, you will need to (1) get over your problems with talking to people and (2) have a photography portfolio.

Well the portfolio won't be hard to get, just take all my best pictures and gather them together...(once I am able to take good pictures, that is). And as for getting permission, usually you already have permission from the magazine or newspaper or wherever you are taking the pictures for. If you're freelancing, then yeah, but I am not afraid to contact bands and ask if I could be their personal photographer. I contacted one photographer a few months ago and asked him some questions but he never got back to me. But there are millions of bands out there, I'm sure I'd have luck with some of them.

For instance, that guy at ishootconcerts.com has a Visual Communications degree. I will guarantee you he did not get that degree by ONLY shooting rock concerts. No, he shot a wide range of subjects and learned about photography and composition for several years to become qualified to shoot from the press pit.

That's one of the classes I want to take. Although I don't believe it's necessary, but helpful. A band isn't going to turn someone down if they want to take pictures, especially an unsigned band.

The same guy had advice for shooting from the crowd, which he sometimes has to do when there is no press pit. His number one piece of advice was to make friends with the other people standing nearby by making small talk.

Yeah that would make sense...which I have no problem with, I already do that anyway.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Well the portfolio won't be hard to get, just take all my best pictures and gather them together...(once I am able to take good pictures, that is).

You can't. You don't have a camera that's good enough. To get one, you'd need to save up money first. To save up money, you'd need to get a job. But you lack relevant job skills and you don't have the time to take any courses to upgrade your skills. Besides your unemployment is the government's fault and who knows how they will take to get their act together. Besides, your car is never working and there are no bus stations in your town, so how could you ever manage to make it to any concert to take any photos. Don't forget that you can't go too far either - remember your little nephew that you can't bear to be apart from? (The same one you said you can't bear to spend more than one hour with). Besides your father would ask you sp many questions if you were to travel around and pursue your interests, it would be totally unbearable.

So you will never be able to get your portfolio together.

And as for getting permission, usually you already have permission from the magazine or newspaper or wherever you are taking the pictures for.

You can't. It's just not possible, You're too shy, remember? You get panic attacks just picking up the phone, how are you going to succeed in calling and talking to anyone at the magazine or newspapers? Let alone any face-to- face contact. You're too shy and you've already considered all the suggestions given by people in this forum about how to overcome your shyness, and you've already established that none of them work. Besides, why would any magazine or newspaper agree to give you permission? You lack a portfolio, you don't have experience, you don't even have a camera that can take pictures of outer space and planets etc.

That's one of the classes I want to take.

You can't. The course costs money. Of course you could apply for financial aid, but why would they give that to you. You don't even have a camera. You have no experience. You are averse to taking any photos in broad daylight. According to yourself. you're a sucky perfectionist. They might start by asking you to take photos of babies or animals, and you would have to say: "Sorry, I only take photos of rock bands and planets at nighttime." If they then asked to see your photos, you'd have to show them your current photos, which according to you are truly awful. Besides, if you were to take that course, your father would ask you so many questions you would have to quit.

So no, there is no way you can take that course.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

You can't. You don't have a camera that's good enough. To get one, you'd need to save up money first. To save up money, you'd need to get a job. But you lack relevant job skills and you don't have the time to take any courses to upgrade your skills. Besides your unemployment is the government's fault and who knows how they will take to get their act together. Besides, your car is never working and there are no bus stations in your town, so how could you ever manage to make it to any concert to take any photos. Don't forget that you can't go too far either - remember your little nephew that you can't bear to be apart from? (The same one you said you can't bear to spend more than one hour with). Besides your father would ask you sp many questions if you were to travel around and pursue your interests, it would be totally unbearable.

So you will never be able to get your portfolio together.

I didn't mean NOW, I meant after I have a decent camera! I can't imagine that I'll NEVER have the money, I just don't right now.

You can't. It's just not possible, You're too shy, remember? You get panic attacks just picking up the phone, how are you going to succeed in calling and talking to anyone at the magazine or newspapers? Let alone any face-to- face contact. You're too shy and you've already considered all the suggestions given by people in this forum about how to overcome your shyness, and you've already established that none of them work. Besides, why would any magazine or newspaper agree to give you permission? You lack a portfolio, you don't have experience, you don't even have a camera that can take pictures of outer space and planets etc.

When you're working for a magazine or newspaper, you don't have to call the venue, you're just let in because you get a press pass because of your job. And I only had a panic attack about answering the phone when I don't know what to say. Obviously if I was a photographer I wouldn't be sitting at a desk doing customer service over the phone.

You can't. The course costs money. Of course you could apply for financial aid, but why would they give that to you. You don't even have a camera. You have no experience. You are averse to taking any photos in broad daylight.

You don't need a camera or experience to take classes, if that is what you are trying to say. I am not going to school NOW because I don't want to go into debt while I'm (mostly) unemployed. And I DID check into financial aid, I would still have to pay. And if I could afford that I would have already done it.

According to yourself. you're a sucky perfectionist.

A PICKY perfectionist. Huge difference.

If they then asked to see your photos, you'd have to show them your current photos, which according to you are truly awful. Besides, if you were to take that course, your father would ask you so many questions you would have to quit.

Why would they ask to see my photos BEFORE I take the class?

And when I was talking about explaining things to my dad, I didn't mean about going to school. He WANTS me to go to school.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I didn't mean NOW, I meant after I have a decent camera! I can't imagine that I'll NEVER have the money, I just don't right now.

You will NEVER have the money. Remember, you said that even $60,000 or $100,000 coming out of the blue would not be enough. It would all run out very quickly, on one vehicle purchase, or on rent or bills etc. Besides, the only camera that would work for you would be one that is capable of taking high-quality photos of planets in outer space. Read this:

Is a 75-300mm lens adequate for taking pictures of stars/planets? - Yahoo! Answers

The chap is using a 1016mm @ f/4 telescope camera with a teleconverter, and yet Jupiter's moons are showing up like "pin pricks" on his photos! No commercially available camera is going to work for you - I expect you have to go buy some equipment from NASA, if you really want to take proper photos of planets, comets etc, and that should cost a lot. But since you are a perfectionist, nothing less will do.