Category: Editing Projects

Mobility

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

mobility

Project quote: 

“Studies show that people who exercise before and during work are happier, experience less stress, and are more productive.” (http://ergonomyx.com/)

My thoughts: 

I would have loved to have an under-the-desk bike or one of those adjustable desks that would allow me to stand at any of the administrative jobs I’ve worked at in the past. They would have reduced the boredom I’m sure, and likely my coffee intake as well.

The bike I currently use under my desk when I’m working at home is great for increasing circulation and prevents some of the daily stiffness in my hips and knees from arthritis. Another recommendation I need to follow more consistently is getting up from the chair every hour or so to do stretches or walk outside.

Companies in Japan have a great system for daily exercise at the workplace. Employees and companies alike here in the U.S. could really learn a lot by following their example. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exercise-workplace-what-japanese-companies-can-teach-us-scott-lister/

Using some kind of exercise equipment while working can improve how we deal with stress, whether it’s related to deadlines, clients, personal conflicts, whatever.

I also play a couple word game apps daily for mental exercise that directly relates to the work I do. This week I made it to the library again to check out a pile of books to read while housesitting. Reading at night before bed not only helps me fall asleep and sleep better, it’s so much better for slowing down the mind and racing thoughts. Watching a show or scrolling through my feed on my phone definitely does NOT slow down the mind in preparation for sleep.

Next, I’d like to find methods for improving my ability to focus on a task for longer periods of time. I’m fairly certain that frequent use of social media and the internet has shortened my attention span and contributed to my reduced ability to focus. I have no interest in using medication to addres this issue.

As I sit here typing, looking out the window at the beautiful view by the lake where I’m housesitting, I realize that I keep staring off in the distance for quite a while. Nature allows me to focus and experience the moment in a way that media and city life never can. Zoom in — can you spot the hummingbird in the photo above? I tried for several minutes, unsuccessfully, to get a clear photo of the little guy flitting around but settled for a beautiful shot of the flowers and scenery. I thought this was a fitting image to display the balance between movement and stillness.

Our minds and bodies require both movement and stillness at the appropriate times to be healthy.

Editing projects for weeks ending August 19, 2018:
Academic research article, Nonfiction book Author Bio, Workspace Fitness Devices website, Nonfiction book, Promotional sales email 
Client countries:  China, US, Canada, UK 

 

Creativity

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

creativity

Project quote:

“The creativity of the human mind is endless.” (Robert H. Fetner, Memories of Miami Vice: Real Stories, 2018)

My thoughts:

Creativity. The quality of being creative.

Who do you associate with these words? An artistic person. Someone who is colorful, imaginative, full of ideas.

I believe it’s even more than that.

The root of the word is create. Create means to build, invent, conceive, originate.

The human mind has the potential for doing so much more than simply following directions, or practicing things already learned, or repeating the same actions over and over.

Creativity, as I see it, involves looking for new solutions for old problems. Ignoring assumed limitations and forming new thoughts, new ideas. Forming concrete plans for events or systems or projects or concepts that you’ve never experienced and possibly don’t already exist. Improving on things that do.

Other words I associate with creativity are imagination and ingenuity. Creativity can apply to any field, any station in life, work, play, art.

Everyone has their place and will hopefully figure out what that is. But where would we be without the creative people? The inventors, the dreamers, ones who can build something out of little, who can see what others can’t. We would simply be creatures of habit, no sparks of brilliance; and we wouldn’t even realize what was missing.

I, for one, marvel at the creativity of the human mind and the capacity for achieving the impossible, for making something beautiful for a specific purpose or simply for the joy it can bring. I’m thankful for this God-given gift that lies within all of us, regardless of our age, stature, and status.

As an exercise, I made a list of types of individuals commonly thought to be creative along with a list of a few other types of creativity I came up with.

Let me know in the comments what else you think could be considered an example of creativity. I’d love to hear your ideas, especially any that I might never have thought of myself.

Creative folks:

Poet
Painter
Chef
Architect
Fashion designer
Composer

More:

  • Do-it-yourself handyman who finds ways to repair and adjust household fixtures, furnishings, etc. without instructions, using whatever is available.
  • Babysitter who comes up with fun and engaging activities or crafts to teach and occupy the kids in their care.
  • Stand-up comics who improvise their content based on their audience and surroundings
  • Youtubers who develop their own entertaining and useful content instead of simply reposting other people’s ideas
  • Personal trainer who develops stretches, exercises and customized activities for clients with limitations and specific goals.
  • Entrepreneur who makes their own opportunities by finding numerous ways of harnessing his or her skills to serve others and make a successful living.

**Comment below with your additions!

Editing projects for weeks ending July 29, 2018:
Nonfiction Memoir, (several) academic research articles
Client countries: US, China

 

Imagine

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2018Leave a comment

fear

Project quote:

“Many of our fears exist only in our mind. We may instantly imagine bad things happening without any evidence.”  (Tom Henricksen, Relationship Management for Technical Professionals, 2018)

My thoughts:

Fear can be a protection. But it can also hold us back from many rewarding experiences in life. Courage is born from fear. Some of my proudest moments, some of my most rewarding moments were made possible because I fought against a specific fear and took a risk. One person might consider certain actions or words as reckless, while another might see it as an opportunity. When asked what my greatest fear was, I’ve never share this with anyone, maybe as a self-preservation mechanism. But I’ve learned the value of admitting my fears to myself. Only then can I challenge them.

Maybe instead of imagining the bad things that could happen, imagine the good that can happen. Even if the attempt fails fantastically—imagine the relief from knowing you finally tried. Imagine the boost of confidence you’ll feel, knowing you have the strength to challenge yourself, and your fears.

Editing projects for weeks ending June 3, 2018:
Reword privacy policy, Fitness website video transcript, Nonfiction book
Client countries:  UK, Israel, US

 

-ships

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 20181 Comment

ships

Project quote:

“She thought she needed a relationship. What she actually needed was companionship — friendship not predicated on how she looks or on being pleasant or perfect.” (S. Chapman, Searching for Something More, 2018)

My thoughts:

Realizing this seems to be easy for certain women. But for the majority, I don’t think this is ever truly understood and accepted. Maybe I’m allowing my own experience to determine my judgement on that.

I’ve worked this out and know it to be true but applying this principle in my life is another story.

What is the difference between a relationship and companionship? Here’s my interpretation.

Relationship: A connection between two people. There are different kinds of relationships, of course. We have various kinds with the many people in our lives. The kind I’m talking about today is the romantic/intimate/physical kind. This kind of relationship may mean different things to different people, but most would agree that if the connection has graduated to the term “relationship”, as opposed to a fling, hookup, or flirtation, then there is some kind of commitment involved. But notice that these kinds of relationships often have different boundaries or expectations from one couple to the next. Personally, I picture romantic dates, making a home together and traveling together.

Companionship: Friendship. The state of being another person’s companion, or one that accompanies another. When I think of someone who is a companion, I picture someone who I am comfortable to be around. Someone who I could hang out with, be myself and do nothing. Or, hang out with and share deep, innermost thoughts. Or, someone to laugh and have fun with. I don’t picture a situation where I’m constantly worried about how I look or what I’m wearing. I picture acceptance and appreciation.

If a committed, intimate relationship can be combined with true companionship, then that to me defines the ultimate connection. 😊 

What do you think?

Editing projects for weeks ending April 29, 2018:
Nonfiction book, Business policies
Client countries:  US, UK