Sidelined…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

I wonder if anyone is experiencing being sidelined at this point in the year. The beginning of 2023 had a somewhat rocky start, and perhaps some expectations, plans, and ideas have not quite evolved as envisioned. Life and/or business circumstances may have created some unexpected delays and derailments. Being sidelined shifts you out of your regular routine and activities. What was once comfortable becomes new, different, and unfamiliar. While this territory can be unnerving, there are ways to get back on track.

The first step toward navigating “sidelined” is to permit yourself to create a no-judgment zone. Often when we are sidelined, unhelpful thoughts enter our minds such as “I have no gifts,” “I have no skills,” “I am not useful,” “Why bother?” etc. It is certainly hard to be confident or vulnerable in this state. Being out of your norm can definitely throw you for a loop; however, it’s important to stand on your self-leadership. Allow

One on One: Callanwolde

By Victoria Crosby

Callanwolde Fine Arts

Center is housed in a mansion that sits on twelve acres of beautiful property in Atlanta. Last year the center celebrated fifty years as a non-profit arts organization. The name of the property is an homage to William Candler of Newcastle-Upon Tyne in England, who was an officer in Cromwell’s army in the mid-17th Century in the Irish Rebellion. He was granted lands in the town of Callan, in County Kilkenny in Ireland, and lived with his wife Ann Villiers, who was a widow of Captain John Villiers, in Callan Castle. His descendant, Howard Candler, was CEO of Coca Cola and chairman of the board of Emory University. He built and lived in Callanwolde with his wife until his death. Two years later in 1959, Mrs. Candler donated the estate, including many of the original furnishings, to the university.

Callanwolde was built in the Druid Hills section of Atlanta on twenty-seven acres between 1917-1921, in the Gothic Revival style. The property was designed by Henry Hornbostel, who also designed Emory University.

The gardens were designed by the well-known firm of Frederick Olmsted, which also designed Central Park in New York, the gardens at the Biltmore in North Carolina, and many other gardens in the US and in

Continued on page 16 yourself to breathe, assess the situation, and rest in the fact that whatever it is, you can handle it. Reserve all judgment and remove whatever you are hiding behind. Permit yourself to consider the benefits of being sidelined.

Be willing to acknowledge this is not permanent and does have advantages. Take time to evaluate what led you to this point and what you can glean and apply to “get back in the game.” It may take time, but you can choose to continue to tend your mindset and refresh your skills. Remember what makes your heart sing and create your own music again. Ask yourself, “How can I do this while on the sidelines? What can I do to bring myself back to where I want to be?” It will also help to lift your physical posture. Being physically slumped often affects emotions, so stand tall and reinforce your stability. Why? Because your gifts and skills are still there.

Athletes, at times, get injured or replaced and have to sit on the sidelines. Does this indicate they are no longer good at what they do? Have their skills magically gone away because they are on the sidelines? The answer is a profound no! Their goal is to do whatever it takes to be prepared when they are sent back into the game. So, stay sharp, be encouraged, and remain connected to the support systems that keep you going. Remember: even on the sidelines, people are cheering you on!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.