Comments on: Personal Interlude: A Project Awesome update

By: Erika

Erika — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:55:27 +0000

That’s so strange, because a few months ago I decided that my goal for this year was to be AWESOME. (You have to write it in all-caps like that.)

I frequently catch myself and ask, “What would an AWESOME person do at this point?” It has been surprisingly helpful.

I have health insurance through Assurant. It’s short-term, 6 months, and kinda pricey, but there just aren’t many options for those of us who don’t have a proper employer.

By: R. Schuyler Devin (rsdevin)

R. Schuyler Devin (rsdevin) — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:59:56 +0000

I am so glad that the results of “Project Awesome” has been exceptional for you. I really need to apply some of these rules to myself, I haven’t been in a good frame of mind for some time now. Thank you for the inspiration; it is reassuring to read about the struggle and successes of someone you identify closely with.

By: tobias s buckell

tobias s buckell — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:14:15 +0000

Heh, I’ll do my best!

re: insurance, as I’ve twittered, the solution in Mass. looks to be the best way in the US to bolt one on on top of the existing system.

By: Jeremiah Tolbert

Jeremiah Tolbert — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:04:54 +0000

Thank you, Gareth. I will.

By: Gareth L Powell

Gareth L Powell — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:30:31 +0000

I’m glad it is going to plan. Stick with it. It’s an inspirational project.

By: Jeremiah Tolbert

Jeremiah Tolbert — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:24:01 +0000

Thanks Tobias. You’re one of those people who always strikes me as upbeat. It does seem to be true that when you’re being positive, good things happen. I too am not religious, but it’s an interesting phenomenon and I think your theory about it being due to our social structure is probably on the nose.

As far as insurance, I keep hoping that nationally something is going to happen here, but I am trying not to pin my future on what politicians manage to do.

And don’t die on us, man. We need your assault rifle skills in L4D. And more books!

By: tobias s buckell

tobias s buckell — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:17:34 +0000

I’m so pleased to see you both embarking on it and you’re already seeing results.

My project awesome was thrust on me, but I use some of the same rules you do.

I’m not religious or spiritual, but I’ve noticed that throwing positive energy and attitude outward results in it coming back to you. I think it’s because humans are communal, interlinked, so distance ourselves from negative/depressed peeps. It’s shown by research that depressed people are actually reading their situation more accurately, but in terms of affecting people who can help you find gigs, want to see you succeed, or think positively about you and what you are doing, excited, enthused, and positive to many equals someone they are willing to vouch for, recommend, trust, engage with, want to do business with.

The last 4 months of my life, coming near death a few times and spending all that time in the hospital, was a dark time. I’ve reserved those emotions for the fiction, but have been upbeat and positive about surviving and carrying on with people around me while being just factual as I can about the events (or having fun twittering/taking photos of me with leads on)…

So kudos. It ain’t easy, but the benefits make it easier and easier.

As for insurance, keep trying to find a solution and hang in there. Freelancers and small business owners are screwed over by the state of insurance…