Amy Croson Incites Compassion Over Chaos
I recently read a post on Linkedin titled “Compassion & What It Has To Do With Your Bucket List”. No doubt, I gravitated to the post because of the tidal wave of outrage our nation seems to be swept up in, currently. Public anger and outcry is consuming the sanity, understanding, and compassion of some -- a reality that proves to be dangerous for all. I must admit, the logic of this stumps me. As rioting prior to the election did not change the outcome, why would it ‘post’?
Which is why, I believe, Amy Croson - the blogger who wrote this article - did us all a favor in trying to refocus this nation’s attention on “positive action”, which will only help in containing the fire and, ultimately, (for the good of everyone) putting it out.
There is a desperate need to regain perspective in the United States of America -- to add to the solution as opposed to the problem. The suggestions Amy makes in the bucket list found within her article are good ones. I urge you to find out how good by reading it and her interview below.
What is your full name?
Amy Croson
Briefly describe you and your life, including where you live, children (if any), and whatever else you would like to share?
I am currently living in North Idaho with my boyfriend, Tim. By day, I work as a Manufacturer’s Representative and by night, I’m a blogger writing to inspire people to create a personal bucket list. I believe that knowing what you want in every aspect of your life is a great key to success.
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Resilient: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
It’s because of my bucket list (and knowing what I want) that I’m able to keep the proper focus that I need to accomplish my goals even in the toughest of times.
What is your personal mantra?
“You cannot change what you refuse to confront.”
Life is about facing fears and learning as much as you can from the people around you. If you do not face that fear, you will always fear it. If you do not tell someone how their actions are negatively affecting you, they will never know and will never have the chance to consider a change in themselves.
Share the name of your blog as well as the date it was launched.
My blog is Bucket List Bound (formerly 2147Miles) and it was launched in March of 2010.
Explain what compelled you to begin blogging.
In 2010, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. My blog started as a way to connect with family and friends from so far away. I quickly found that my journey and my bucket list items were inspiring those around me, so the focus of my blog changed dramatically.
Share with us the primary focus of your blog and what you hope to accomplish through it.
Bucket List Bound is all about getting to know yourself by creating a bucket list. I write blogs about bucket list ideas, things to consider when you’re feeling low, personal success stories, etc. It’s my hope that people will find strength in my blog.
I think the Zig Ziglar quote sums up exactly what I want my blog to say, “You cannot hit a target you cannot see, and you cannot see a target you do not have.” How will you fight for your dreams and face your fears if you aren’t quite sure what those are?
List any awards you may have won.
In 2011, I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award.
Last month, I launched the Inbound Blogging Award for up-n-coming blogs that my readers enjoy. You can nominate your favorite blog HERE now through November 30th.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
Not yet, but I would love to! There are certain products and brands that I’m very passionate, and I probably should reach out to get the ball rolling.
Which social media outlet works best for your public relations/marketing efforts?
Lately, surprisingly, it seems that my best outlet has been LinkedIn. Previously it was Facebook. I’ve found that the one you are most interested in, or the one you’ve focused the most time on, is the one that seems to get the most hits. If I was more knowledgeable about Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, I might get more traffic from those sites.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to anyone interested in beginning a blog?
Have fun with it! I’ve found that I have way more fun writing my blogs when I’m not so focused on tagging, keywords and the perfect photo. While those things do matter, if you’re not planning on quitting your day job, just have fun with it. Learn as you go! It will all come with time.
Share some names of favorite blogs you follow.
This is a tough one! I have serious blog envy for several bloggers out there. I’d say the ones I go back to the most are The Blonde Abroad, Positively Present, and The Sunny Girl. All of them are positive, have great photos and keep me on my toes. (And really, who would not have serious blog envy for The Blond Abroad? She’s living THE DREAM.)
Beyond being a blogger, are you an entrepreneur, professional or business owner? If so, please explain.
Great question! Yes – I love being busy, so there are quite a few things that occupy my time. I have my day job, Bucket List Bound, my website design business (Dare To Dream Design), and then I have my singing (which has been on the back burner for some time.)
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Lupus Foundation. I’ve been a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for a little over a year now, and I lost a great friend of mine to Lupus in 2015. These causes are so important to me.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
Wow. Well, I guess it mainly comes down to compassion, kindness and inspiration. I want people to remember that I was a kind soul who just wanted those around me to be happy, but also as a person of strength who wasn’t about to watch someone be taken advantage of.
The only way that President Elect Donald J. Trump is “not your President” - as one too many citizens remain intent on declaring - is if you leave the country. That’s your personal choice No one can hold you here and as we already know, there are many people anxiously waiting to take your spot. But I implore you, if you choose to stay, please show a bit of compassion for the rest of us eager to take a different approach to righting this country by allowing us to actively come together and with the President to a better end. Working with reality is always better than denying it, I assure you. And if we can do so in line with the bucket list Amy Croson shared in her aforementioned article and the many others found on Bucket List Bound, we will probably realize that the job at hand is a whole lot more palatable and even more solvable than we, originally, thought.