dear self

Is self awareness the key to success?

Interestingly enough, an article in the New York Times suggests that self awareness is the key to success the same week I begin reading What Color is Your Parachute?

Check it out here.

how to find hope

Whether you're on the job/career hunt or not, I found that the advice given in Chapter 1: How To Find Hope of What Color is Your Parachute? is useful for anyone. 

There are times in life where we might be feeling beaten down and wonder, "Where do I go from here?" During this time one of the most important things you can do is NOT lose hope. It might sound easier said then done, but taking into consideration Dick Bolles Four Keys to Finding Hope might get you thinking differently. Take a look below.

First Key to Finding Hope

Hope depends upon taking care that we have at least two alternatives in every situation we find ourselves, and with every task confronting us. For example, not just having one way to hunt for a job, but two ways, at least. 

The Second Key to Finding Hope

In any situation, no  matter how much we may feel we are at the mercy of the vast forces out there, that are totally beyond our control, we can always find something that is within our control, however small, and work on that. It may only be 2 to 5 percent, but find it! For example, getting more sleep. 

The Third Key to Finding Hope

Assume that nothing that happens to us is just senseless and meaningless, including being out of work for a long time. In the context of our total life, it will eventually turn out to have meaning. 

The Fourth Key to Finding Hope

Pay no attention to statistics if they discourage you. If you do pay attention, be mindful of which you're considering. 

These four keys struck home to me and instantly brightened up my mood last evening. Hopefully you too can see the importance in hope and incorporate it into your job hunt or even just daily life. 

*some of these ideas are taken directly from Chapter 1: How to Find Hope in What Color is Your Parachute? I do not claim them as my own but as the ideas of Richard Bolles*

what color is your parachute?

I was just introduced to the book What Color Is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Bolles. At first I questioned how well it could relate to the situation I'm in being that it was first written 40 years ago. To my surprise, Dick, as he goes by, rewrites the book every year! What a noble feat. 

So last night, I went to my local Barnes and Noble (one of my favorite places to get inspired) and picked up a copy. I read the first two chapters before I even left the store. Finally! The book I've been looking for!

If you're like me, a 23 year old college graduate with a desire to grow and an ambition to find meaningful work, this book is for you.

If you're unfulfilled at your current job and want to see what else is out there, this book is for you.

If you've just been fired or let go and are feeling discouraged, this book is for you.

To check out some more information about Richard Bolles and absorb some of his great information, take a look at his website http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/.

our favorite quotations

I think this an an appropriate quote for my 100th post.

When I was younger I used to keep an notebook full of quotes. Whether it was a song lyric, a poem, a line in a book, I needed to write it down and keep it with me. From time to time I would flip through the pages when I needed some inspiration, but mostly to find the rights words to my feelings. I never truly felt able to express myself with my own words and found comfort in seeing how others could so effortlessly. 

With my discovery of the blogging world I was finally able to start my online notebook and share it with whoever was listening. I'm sure there are people out there that feel exactly the same as I do and I hope they find comfort in my findings.

If there is one thing I can suggest to them it would be to still carry a little notebook. They may get lost at times, but you will stumble upon them later in life. And when you do, take a second. Flip through the pages, feel the crinkle of old, maybe coffee stained, paper and let yourself travel back in time. I promise it will leave you with a smile on your face. You may even see a quote in a different light. 

So yes, John Green, my favorite quotations say a lot about me...probably more then I know. 

a love like that

what do you need?

hang me up to dry

new years resolutions

While catching up on my design*sponge I fell in love with the new year's resolution post. Low and behold I found one that is similar to a resolution of mine! Bring it 2013.

(resolution of design*sponge reader melissamlee)

check out some others here!

nothing negative

challenge yourself for the new year