Overcoming Anxiety + Video Update

[Update 12/20/10] The contest has ended. Please see the results here.. And read on for the second part of this post on overcoming anxiety.

Very exciting news! I’ve made it as one of the top 20 finalists through to phase 2 of the Good Mood Blogger competition, and you can now see my 90 second video entry below (or click here).

Voting starts today. Please help me with a quick 2 sec vote everyday until December 10^th, 2010 (Click here to read why you should vote for me). If you need a quick reminder, sign up here and I’ll shoot you an email each morning. And if you believe in me, please also share the vote page or video link on facebook, twitter, or emailing them to your network. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Film Credits

Editing by the genius editor Brian Gavin. Director and Director of Photography by my talented and fast-learning husband Jeremy Sawatzky. Music by the inspiring Jim Brickman, “If You Believe” from his album “Greatest Hits”, used with permission from the artist.

It was a fun two days of filming. Everyone in our family helped out. My mother-in-law was the second camera operator, my father-in-law was the sound guy holding the boom mic, and Tommy & Blackie were my supporting actors. We improvised and learned the technical details as we went along. The day was filled with a lot of laughter and a ton of learning.

About The Video

Since we had a 2 week family vacation that was pre-planned right in the middle of the competition, my only option was to create the video two weeks before phase 1 ended, prior to receiving the actual video guidelines.

Unfortunately, the guidelines do not allow showing of other people in the video, so we had to cut out adorable clips of baby Ryan and I (image at the top of this post, captured from the video), and Jeremy and I. And in order to fit the 90 second time frame, some of my dialog was cut, which would have made the video more engaging. But we did the best we could given the circumstances.

I am hoping to “bribe” our friend Brian in the coming week to maybe create a full version of the video without restrictions using the full dialog. If it becomes available, I’ll announce it on the Happiness Team mailing list (You can join it here – where I’ll be sending a quick daily reminder to vote during phase 2, along with an inspirational message of the day).

I took a bit of risk with the video in that instead of showing myself explicitly saying, “Vote for me. I am ALWAYS in a good mood.” – which I anticipated everyone else to do – I took an indirect approach.

Instead of explicitly saying how many blog subscribers I have, or how many facebook fans this blog attracts, or how much social media experience I have (which can all be easily found with a quick visit to this blog), we used cinematic story telling to present a simple message: I have been successfully blogging professionally about personal happiness for several years, and I am a genuinely happy person with a simple purpose – to spread happiness.

I hope my indirect approach of using visually engaging story telling will make my video stand out from the crowd and demonstrate, to the judges, originality and my commitment to delivering quality content.

What do you think? Share your feedback with me about the video in the comment section. And if you can, I’d love it if you can leave a quick comment on YouTube, and click the “Like” button. Thank you for your support!!

Related Article: Help Me Spread Happiness?

Overcoming Anxiety

A post on Think Simple Now isn’t a post unless it contained some practical words of personal growth in it. So I wanted to share with you insights I’ve learned about anxiety and nervousness thought entering and campaigning for this blogging competition.

The tricky thing about entering into a competition like this, while traveling on vacation, is that there is a lot more time to think about it, without the ability to do much about it. Our minds have a funny way of looping our thoughts and creating unnecessary doubt.

I spent a small portion ([added by Jeremy] read: large portion) of our trip annoying my husband by second-guessing myself, and asking loaded questions with the intention of having him soothe my doubts.

And then it occurred to me that all of the built-up anxiety and second-guessing were just wasted energy. Wasted, because they don’t contribute anything to the outcome. So I took a deep breathe, relaxed, and focused my energy on the activities I was engaged in at the moment – like listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore, watching my son play in the water, feeling the heat of the sun on my face, taking in the texture of the book I’m reading, or feeling gratitude for the thirst-quenching gift of a cold glass of water.

I think it’s normal to feel some butterflies when anticipating something uncertain in our future – like this competition for me or perhaps a job interview or a date for you. But prolonged worrying and second-guessing ourselves can consume us, drain our energy, and cause us to pull our focus away from what matters – the realities of whatever it is that is happening right now, the gift of this moment. Plus, anxiety and nervousness don’t feel very good in our bellies.

I don’t know if it’s true, but I’d like to believe that things happen for a reason. Whether this is true or not, doesn’t really matter. What I do know is this: it is us who gives meaning to our experiences. Therefore, I choose to give meanings to events in a way that benefit my emotional wellbeing, and help me to feel peaceful and happy.

Life has a mysterious way of revealing its great plans for us. And I choose to see that no matter what I am presented with, it is the best thing for me, even if I don’t understand it. And as such, I am okay with whatever the outcome will be.

It’s like that relationship that ended years ago, which at the time caused us a lot of pain. And then years later, looking back, realizing that it was the best thing that could have happened to us.

At the time, we didn’t understand what good could come from such a painful event, but later realized that someone who is a better fit for us awaits us in the future. Or, the suffering in itself pushed us to an emotional edge, triggering us to re-examine our life, thus recognizing the simplistic beauty and wisdom that constantly surrounds us.

Parting Words

Life is simple, and it is beautiful, and it is a constant unfolding of opportunities for us to learn from. Embrace these opportunities – sometimes disguised as (potentially painful) challenges – and your life will surly become more rich and meaningful. You will likely smile more, and be able to spread more Joy to other people.

I wish you a beautiful weekend, my friends. Thank you for supporting me, for reading, for helping make my dream -of writing about the beautiful subtleties of Life- a reality.

Want to see me write on positive topics 5 days a week for 6 months? Then help me win the Good Mood Blogger job with a daily vote here (until Dec 10). If you need a daily reminder, sign up here (no spam. Only for voting reminders until Dec 10^th). And if you liked my video, support me also by hitting the “Like” button, and leave a quick comment on YouTube. Thanks a million! I couldn’t do this without you.

Talk soon.
Tina

P.S. Just for kicks, here are some behind the scene candid photos from our video shoot at home

Please help me spread word about this site. If this or any other articles have helped you in any way, please tell one (or many) people about us. Please share this on Facebook, tweet it on twitter, and email the link to friends. I really appreciate your help. You make this site possible.

And make sure to check out our facebook page, click on the Like button to gain daily inspiration and join our daily conversations about happiness. See you there!
—
Special Announcement: Want more than just the articles posted weekly on Think Simple Now? Join our Happiness Team mailing list to receive extra notes on happiness and daily inspiration only available via email. In this email list, I will be sending casually written nuggets of wisdom from my daily life, thoughts and other resources that are inspiring. The emails here won’t be as polished or even edited as TSN articles, but will contain more personal anecdotes, and you’ll get them more frequently.

Related Article: Help Me Spread Happiness?

ANXIETY VIDEO, good mood, Lately I have observed that, anxiety, anexiety, write for us overcome anxiety

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50 Responses (50 Comments, 0 Trackbacks ):

Comments

1. Positively Present

   Oct 26 10, 3:09 am PDT

   1

   This is great stuff, Tina! I voted and I just joined the Happiness Team. Hope you win! :)

2. kelly i.

   Oct 26 10, 4:40 am PDT

   2

   good luck tina! Just voted for you! :)

3. Sam H.

   Oct 26 10, 7:36 am PDT

   3

   Voted! To say your articles haven’t been an inspiration and help to me, even in my darkest times as of recent would be an understatement.

   And if you don’t win, then it’s not so bad right? You took a step towards something new, and you’ll be able to continue doing what you love anyways :)

4. Connie W

   Oct 26 10, 7:38 am PDT

   4

   You might want to consider checking out my daughter’s weekly blog hop at: http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/

   Every Tuesday she takes a moment to herself (and encourages her readers) to “recharge” themselves with the thought that we need to remember that all the good we do can’t get done if we don’t take care of ourselves.

   Good luck with the job competition!

5. Tina Su

   Oct 26 10, 12:20 pm PDT

   5

   @Positively Present

   I saw your name in the Happiness Team list and it made me smile. Thank you for always being so supportive in what I do. I am most appreciative of you. :)

   Love,
   Tina

6. Tina Su

   Oct 26 10, 12:20 pm PDT

   6

   @kelly i.

   Thanks Kelly, I need all the luck and positive intentions as I can get.

7. Tina Su

   Oct 26 10, 12:22 pm PDT

   7

   @Sam H.

   You’re right, even if I don’t win, it’ll be okay. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to try to get it. It just feels so right to me, and aligned with everything that I am about. I hope to get the gig.

   Thank you for helping me with votes.

8. Tina Su

   Oct 26 10, 12:24 pm PDT

   8

   @Connie W

   Thanks for sharing Jenny’s link. I like the “Tea Tuesday” idea.

9. prime

   Oct 28 10, 1:01 am PDT

   9

   good luck tina! i just voted for you

10. Tina Su

    Oct 28 10, 12:13 pm PDT

    10

    @prime

    Thank you!! Wish me success!

11. Jessie

    Oct 31 10, 5:14 am PDT

    11

    Hey Tina!

    I had been feeling really down all weekend and somehow I came across your articles tonight and have already read a few! I really just wanted to let you know that you write your articles so well! In a way in which I can completely understand and relate to. I also really love that you give exercises and examples with all your advise too. I have never come across an article that really spoke to me! I honestly felt as though you were just talking to me. You are truely amazing at what you do!

    You have my vote – everyday!
    And thank you so much for your inspiration!!

12. Tina Su

    Oct 31 10, 11:48 am PDT

    12

    @Jessie

    Thank you Jessie for taking the time to write this. It really means the world to me to hear from you, and to know that by living out my purpose (through writing), it can help brighten up someone’s day. You are the reason why I keep writing. Thank you for the encouragement. :)

    Warmly,
    Tina

13. Shelley

    Oct 31 10, 4:52 pm PDT

    13

    Hi Tina

    Enjoy your happiness!

    I thought you might like to take a quick look at these two articles I hope you find them useful:

    This first one gives tips on living happily:

    http://www.leadership-and-motivation-training.com/pursuit-of-happiness.html

    The second is on living a passionate life.

    As I said I hope they help – the world needs more people like you :)

    Warmest wishes
    Shelley

14. Tina Su

    Nov 01 10, 12:17 pm PDT

    14

    Shelley,

    Thanks for sharing the link. I’m also a fan of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and his books, they’ve provided me with a lot of inspiration and insight on happiness.

    Tina

15. Ted

    Nov 04 10, 6:14 am PDT

    15

    Hi Tina, I’m new here. I like your articles. Just voted for you.

16. Tina Su

    Nov 04 10, 8:12 am PDT

    16

    Thank you Ted! Appreciate the vote!

17. sisay

    Nov 14 10, 10:27 pm PDT

    17

    i love you

18. Tina Su

    Nov 19 10, 1:34 am PDT

    18

    I love you too Sisay.
    Thank you for reading and supporting me.

19. Clau

    Nov 19 10, 10:17 am PDT

    19

    Hi Tina…
    I thought your video was amazing…very inspiring and it transmits your essence.
    ;)
    I made my first vote!

20. Tina Su

    Nov 19 10, 11:30 am PDT

    20

    Hi Clau,

    Thanks for the comment. It made me smile.
    I’m so happy to hear that the vid transmits my essence.
    Thank you for helping me with votes. I hope I get it. :)

    Tina

21. Parker Lee

    Nov 19 10, 12:21 pm PDT

    21

    Hey Tina,

    Done and done! You vid and voting mess as spread to my friends and fam like tha plague.

    You are truly one of the best that I know, at writing “happiness” posts ;-)

    A true fan of your work,

    good luck!

    —parker

22. Tina Su

    Nov 19 10, 1:21 pm PDT

    22

    Parker Lee,

    Aww.. you rock! Thank you for your continued support and never ending encouraging words. :)

    Love,
    Tina

23. Jim

    Nov 19 10, 6:32 pm PDT

    23

    Hi,

    I think there might be a typo in your vid – see the very first word “sucess” instead of “success”? Anyhow, I voted for you.

    J

24. Tina Su

    Nov 19 10, 8:26 pm PDT

    24

    Hi Jim, Good catch! Unfortunately, I can’t change the video upload. Shoot, we didn’t catch that earlier and just noticed now. Thank you tho.

25. Michelle C

    Nov 19 10, 10:03 pm PDT

    25

    Nice work Tina! Love the music selection.
    I will resume my daily voting marathon for you :)
    Good luck!

26. Tina Su

    Nov 19 10, 11:20 pm PDT

    26

    Michelle C,

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
    You’re like one of my biggest supporter, and I am most appreciative to have you as a friend. :)

    Tina

27. Leigh Harris

    Nov 20 10, 4:38 am PDT

    27

    Great video. Simple. Engaging.

    I’ll vote each day. Good luck!

28. Lily

    Nov 20 10, 7:33 am PDT

    28

    Hi Tina,

    Amazing video! You should totally be a talk show host :) Good luck and just voted for you!

    - Lily

29. Tina Su

    Nov 20 10, 1:17 pm PDT

    29

    Thank you Leigh Harris for voting everyday. It means the world to me. :)

    Tina

30. Tina Su

    Nov 20 10, 1:19 pm PDT

    30

    Lily,

    haha.. talk show host, really? When I was acting in Toronto (remember those days? RCI.) I did host an episode of street cents. That was a long time ago.

    It was fun getting the family involved in creating the video. We’re thinking of other ideas of incorporating more videos into this site.

    Thanks for your help!

    T.

31. Keith

    Nov 22 10, 8:48 am PDT

    31

    Hi Tina!

    I visited your blog for the first time today. I absolutley love the “vibe” here at TSN. Your About Page is fantstic and inspiring!

    I loved your video, and you come across very well! Perhaps you should do more video! =)

    I also voted for you, hope you get it!

    Thank you, and I will definitely be back!

32. Tina Su

    Nov 22 10, 10:16 am PDT

    32

    Hey Keith,

    Welcome to TSN and than you for leaving such a cool comment. Thank you so much for your positive vibe!

    I’d love to do more videos – we had so much fun doing this. The issue is, that it takes a long time to produce something that looks beautifully shot and edited.

    Thanks again for helping me with votes.

    Tina

33. Isabel

    Nov 22 10, 12:47 pm PDT

    33

    Hello Tina, and congratulations on getting through to Phase 2!

    I really loved your video – it has a very professional feel to it – and I actually took the time to check out the videos from the other finalists. I can honestly say that yours was the one I enjoyed the most.

    Hope you end up as #1, it would be great to read more from you, and more often – and the daily vote reminder e-mail sure is of great help ;)

    P.S.: I just *love* the first picture of you and Ryan, brings a smile to my face every time I see it.

    Good luck!

34. Tina Su

    Nov 22 10, 1:14 pm PDT

    34

    Hi Isabel!

    Thank you so much for helping me with votes daily. I saw your comment on YouTube, and it almost made me cry. :) Thanks for your encouragement.

    Jeremy is a perfectionist, and he wanted to make sure it felt professional. They were made with a couple of semi-pro photography cameras we use for our work, which also happen to do video.

    hehe.. and I too love that photo with Ryan. It was a screen cap from the video clips with Ryan that we had to cut out due to the official rules. Hopefully, we’ll get a version out with those clips – our editor friend is very busy lately, but maybe soon.

    Tina

35. nrhatch

    Nov 23 10, 10:21 am PDT

    35

    I watched all 20 videos. Four stood out from the rest in terms of the message relayed. Yours tops that short list.

    I’m delighted to see by the votes you’re receiving that others agree.

    I write my own “good mood blog” (Spirit Lights The Way) and contemplated entering the Sam-E challenge. I decided against doing so . . . because I enjoy my freedom and relative anonymity too much to relinquish “editorial control” over content to others, even for 6 months. :)

    Plus, I don’t have a young child relying on me for support, and you do!

    Best of luck. I’ll keep voting until the CHO sings!!!

36. Tina Su

    Nov 23 10, 1:01 pm PDT

    36

    @nrhatch

    I’ll keep voting until the CHO sings!!!

    Hahaha. Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate your encouraging feedback. :)

37. J.D. Meier

    Nov 23 10, 3:38 pm PDT

    37

    > cinematic story telling to present a simple message
    Beautiful job.

    It comes across as authentic and the take away is simple, clear, and compelling.

38. Tina Su

    Nov 24 10, 12:31 pm PDT

    38

    Hey JD! Nice seeing you here.

    Thanks for the encouraging feedback. I hope the judges get the simple message as well, and think that it’s compelling.

    Thanks for helping me! :)

39. Joanna

    Nov 26 10, 12:12 am PDT

    39

    Tina, you have my vote(s) and a twit and I hope you will win!
    The video is very professional and it is joy to watch it. Great job!

40. jawatan kosong

    Nov 29 10, 7:05 am PDT

    40

    It does very inspirational video.. hope you can win the contest.

41. Nea | Self Improvement Saga

    Nov 29 10, 9:50 pm PDT

    41

    I thought the video was great and I couldn’t tell you were working under inconvenient circumstances. I voted for you today and I’ll continue to do so.

42. Tina Su

    Nov 30 10, 4:34 am PDT

    42

    Joanna, thank you for the tweet! I hope to win too!

    We worked very hard on the video, and under very tight deadlines (2 days). I’m proud of it. It fulfilled most of what I had envisioned for the video. Wish I had longer than 90 seconds tho. We had to cut so many lines.

43. Tina Su

    Nov 30 10, 4:40 am PDT

    43

    Thank you jawatan kosong. I wanted the video to be inspirational, since I’m not sure I can pull off comedy, and inspiration is what I know how to do. :)

44. Tina Su

    Nov 30 10, 4:44 am PDT

    44

    Hi Nea,

    Thank you for voting. We have 10 days left. Every vote counts, and very much appreciated by me.

    On top of the tight deadline, the second day of the video shoot, I had a breast infection that had be lying down in bed with a high fever – thought I had the flu. Challenging day indeed.

    The whole experience taught me that we are stronger than we think, and that we can perform “miracles” if we wanted to.

    T.

45. Helaina

    Nov 30 10, 11:07 am PDT

    45

    Tina you’re so radient and beautiful. You are always searching for the positive it’s a wonderful inspiration. Hoping you win

46. Tina Su

    Nov 30 10, 5:50 pm PDT

    46

    Thank you Helaina!

47. Jackie Paulson

    Nov 30 10, 7:09 pm PDT

    47

    I pray you win and I want others to be blessed. Thanks for the note on facebook and good “luck.”

48. Tina Su

    Nov 30 10, 7:20 pm PDT

    48

    Hi Jackie! Thank you for your prayer and good intentions. I hope to win too, and can’t wait to be writing daily. I’ve got some great content up my sleeve.

49. sharon

    Dec 01 10, 6:39 pm PDT

    49

    tina, ur so cute :)

50. Garrett Trembley

    Jan 08 11, 2:38 am PDT

    50

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your site. Thanks!

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