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A Time for Hope

It’s been a while since I’ve written, and I would have to say it’s a reflection of the summer of 2009. Over Labor Day weekend, I read a great article in the Wall Street Journal by Joe Queenan entitled “The Summer of our Discontent” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204731804574391143289432918.html) where he talks about the summer of 2009 and overall a very uneventful summer, and in his words “Good Riddance.” It’s been a tough summer for many people I’ve talked with recently. Between a still very shaky economy, poor quarterly returns from most companies and higher unemployment, it’s not been what one call a stellar summer.

I know for me, it’s been a summer of even deeper reflection, questioning, and trying to understand what my place is in today’s marketplace. I’m sure that many people have felt this same struggle. Less and less business opportunities has forced each of us to examine even harder what is our direction and purpose in life.

All I can say is that for me, it’s a time of self-examination, deeper insight and reflection and looking for new and different opportunities. It’s interesting how even with many factors against us, we still strive to look for the positive moments in life and never give up hope. I think that’s the key, hope. I remember a very close friend of mine who he was in a hospice near death saying to me, “Once I get well, and out of here, let’s go to Hawaii.” His hope, dreams and belief in life were there until the day he died. I often remember his optimism in these days that test my endurance and belief in life. One thing we can be sure of is change, sometimes for the worse, sometimes for the better. I’m starting to believe that after all we’ve been through it’s time to remember the message of “hope” and things do change and can get better.

Add the following and mix well...

Recently I attended a wedding of a good friend of mine. It was what I call a “soap opera” wedding; beautiful bride and handsome groom, black tie, exceptional ceremony and reception; everything was perfect! It’s so good to see a couple who truly know themselves first, then join together in a relationship. What was also wonderful was the celebrant’s sermon. He gave his recipe for a great marriage. This recipe consists of four ingredients: caring, commitment, communication, and comedy. As I think more about his ingredients, I realize that they also apply as a good recipe for life.

- Caring, about yourself and others and helping someone when you can
- Commitment, living life to the fullest while growing and developing both yourself and others
- Communication, a key to developing strong healthy relationship
- Comedy, a great sense of humor enjoy the good times, and make it through the tough times

So go ahead, add these ingredients and cook yourself up a great life!

Not Working? Networking!

In today’s tough career market, it’s important to explore new avenues and broaden your horizons. It seems that when I’m looking at the job listings online these days there are not a lot of jobs available and even less that match my specific qualifications or experience. What I’ve been doing more and more is branching out and looking for opportunities to network, especially in fields that are outside my usual business ventures. Stepping outside the norm can lead to greater self awareness as well as opening up new opportunities. Recently, I went to a networking meeting with a group of book publishers. I figured, well, I do write, so let’s check it out. One topic that can up during the meeting was how to prepare for public speaking events and self-promotion when talking about their books. How do I get over the nervousness? How can I effectively present myself and my book?

Since I’ve spent over 10 years working with people on their presentation skills, I realized that can bring great value to them. I can help teach them how to create strong, powerful presentations for marketing their books, and teach them simple yet effective presentation skills. For me, I’ll be working with some great writers and authors who can help me develop my writing skills. And since they’re all published, it may encourage me to write my own book! My challenge to you is to look for groups that share your interests and check them out -- who knows where it can lead! So turn your free time from Not Working, into productive time, Networking!

It's time for a personal renaissance

Well, we’re 1/3 of the way through the first quarter of the year already, so for all those who are saying...starting 2nd quarter, it’s just around the corner! One word comes to mind for me this year: Renaissance, defined as a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.

Will so many of us people losing our jobs, our homes, our finances it’s very easy, and natural, to get very depressed and focus on the negative; me included. So at the beginning of the year, especially with the hope of a new leader for our nation, I began believing in the possibility of change and started to apply that to my life. To me, it’s time for a personal renaissance.

With that in mind, I began re-evaluating my own skills and abilities and am looking for new ways to reshape and use them in new and different ways. Several years ago the term, portfolio career, was discussed. It’s a way of putting together a portfolio of job skills that can lead to diversity of work opportunities and options. I think viewing work and personal skills in this way is right on target for today’s market.

So rather than focusing on what I don’t have at the moment or what I’ve lost – neither of which can be changed – focus on what I do have, capitalize on my unique experience, skills and interests and create a new vision for the future

I came from...

As I talk to people today, there is a lot of apprehension, concern, and fear about what the future holds. There seems to be fewer opportunities in the work place, and things seem to be stagnant or even moving backwards. Although I share those same concerns, I also still hold to a strong internal belief that things will work out for the best; I just may need to redefine “the best.” As I spent some time meditating and reflecting this morning this belief was reinforced though with a theme of change and growth. Now is a great time to make an assessment of my bailiwick - my strengths, skills, experiences and knowledge. Also, what a great time to take a look at what are my dreams for my career and my life, what’s important to me, and possibly redefine what I view as success. To develop my writing I use a book that provides short writing prompts; for today that prompt was “I come from...” As I built off that prompt, I realized that I have come from many experiences, learnings, successes, and failures, all of which contribute to who I am today. The other important key thought is that I AM still here today! I’m certainly not the same person I was a year ago, 5 years ago, 25 years ago, but all those experiences are part of me and help shape the future me. All this means I have a lot of opportunities to change, grow and develop, and in turn experience many new opportunities and adventures in life for however long I’m here. According to Tao, no place is forever. Change and movement is stream of Tao, and in turn the flow of life. So take some time during these changing times to see where you have some new opportunities, challenges and adventures and where your life seems to be leading you.

Frustration, it's a good thing!

As I was reading one of my meditation books this morning, today’s message was about frustration.

Frustration is a sign that raw energy is at your fingertips, waiting to be dealt with. Frustration often signals the moment before a breakthrough, and if we stick with the frustration and work through it, our insights will expand tremendously. (Angel Wisdom; c. 1994.)

I was thinking that things aren’t progressing quite as quickly for me as I would like for them to be at this moment in my life. So I stopped for a minute, did a bit of journal writing around the theme – What has yet to happen – and realized that a year ago I was still living in Los Angeles, unemployed, and trying to figure out how I could move to New York City. After this “re-realization,” I could again acknowledge that I am now living in New York, working, and know that my life continues to move forward. In thinking about what has yet to happen, I looked back over my life and recognized, I’ve done a lot! Some things have been more dramatic, more involved; some simple and spiritual; some painful or boring, yet always something. So why should I believe that this should stop – it only stops when I do!

Now with Fall, my favorite time of year approaching, I look forward to what lies ahead. Frustrations and challenges, lead to new insights and direction, ultimately leading to new and exciting experiences and opportunities in life.