Monday Muse: Eye Poetry

If you’re looking for that great gift. So calming. Also, a 2012 Calendar available.

The Bran Flakes of Life.

Sexy title, right?

But, how would you describe your life right now?

Mine feels like marathon training or a commitment to healthy eating. I’m trying to do those things that move life forward . . . things you know are good like pursuing healthy relationships, managing your priorities and making wise decisions. . . but quite honestly you just don’t want to.

It’s like getting up for that 5-mile run. You know it will prepare you, you know you’ll enjoy it once the sun is shining and you’re jogging in the early morning mist, but quite frankly none of that is appealing when you’re in bed. You’re comfortable and you want to stay there. I like the unnecessary organic sheets that my mom bought me last Christmas. But, you know if you just get out of bed and do it every day you’ll begin to see results. Your muscles will get stronger. Your endurance will grow. You’ll achieve distances you never thought possible.

That’s why people do boring, unpleasant, and repetitive—BUT ultimately healthy—things. Because it will take us somewhere and make us grow. So, we eat the bran flakes of life. Because they’ll make us stronger, more resilient and we’ll achieve something we never thought possible.

You Are Here.

Sorry for the hiatus! I’ve missed blogging! This little guy has been keeping us busy.

We’ve struggled as clueless puppy parents who perhaps launched a little impulsively into pet ownership. One day, after major biting, accidents, and watching Max run off with my nice pair of black heels, I got in the car and drove to the library. Hoping for some miraculous puppy owner’s manual, I grabbed book after book off the shelf. Each beckoning me with their cover photos of happy, smiling *well trained* dogs. HA! But, I’ve kept reading and THIS is one of the most powerful things I’ve learned:

Dogs don’t remember the past or plan for the future. They don’t need therapy for something that happened in their childhood. They are at their best when they can live in the moment. Whether they are fetching a ball or napping at your feet. That is where they are and all they are thinking about.

I’m challenged by this. I know (and am thankful) that humans are far more intricate and well-designed than dogs, but what a lesson. As I was shopping at an over-packed discount superstore this weekend, it reminded me what weighed-down, frustrated, and stressed creatures we can become. I was managing lists and budgets in my head. Some lady just rushed her mega-sized cart by me with her two screaming kids. Then, I looked up and saw a sign with three simple words:

You Are Here.

Not at work. Not having that difficult conversation with the friend you’ve been thinking about. Not in that situation that hurt you five years ago. Not cooking dinner. Not in that meeting. Not in whatever THAT place is. You are here. In this moment that has meaning. So, just be there.

Here at the Moment,
Lindsey

Glad You Didn’t Get What You Wanted at 19?

I am.

Yesterday, a friend and I laughed about our first blogs. Oh the drama with which they were filled. (I wince at the thought of a post that compared men to designer jeans.) She actually found hers online and was frantically trying to delete it while we were on the phone. (My is still out there lingering.)

What no one tells you at 19  . . . is that what you want will change. Male or female, at 19 you’re only beginning. Things get better. You learn more. Become a refined version of yourself. Can establish your own life. Think your own thoughts. And, THAT is an incredible feeling.

What did you want at 19? If you had gotten it, how would your life be different?

What I Wish I Knew When . . . I Had My First Job Interview

This week, I wrote a recommendation letter for a friend starting her career and it reminded me of all those “first” interviews—the black suit, crisply printed resumes, and hopes of dreams realized. As we joked about how great it would be to have an “interview coach,” it made me think of what I wish someone would have told me . . .

1. Listen More. Say Less.

Yes, the traditional interview is an opportunity to share your experiences and strengths, but don’t go overboard. A job interview, just like every other interaction with people, is a conversation . . . i.e. there are two voices involved. Don’t feel the need to over explain. Give short, descriptive answers and watch for body cues. If the other person looks bored . . . they probably are!

2. Show That You Want to Give, Not Just Get.

After only a few hiring situations at CreatePossible, I quickly realized how easily you can tell when someone is just looking for an opportunity for themselves. Yes, jobs are about “us” and we all need them to earn money to take care of our needs, BUT they are also opportunities to use your skills, abilities and talents to help others. Particularly, the people on your team. You will spend more time with these people on a daily basis than you will with your family. They don’t want to work with someone who only cares about themselves. Would you? So, show how your skills can help the team . . . not just give you and your reputation a kickstart.

3. If You Want This Job For the Title, It’s Just Not Worth It

Especially early in your career, it can feel tempting to want the nice title so you can easily impress your friends still struggling through grad school. Reality? You’re probably not ready for that job. Ouch. I know that hurts. I’ve been there, but it’s true. Positions with the words “coordinator” “liaision” and “specialist” don’t sound sexy, but they are opportunities to LEARN the skills you will need to get those jobs you really want. It reminds me of an opportunity early in my career where I was one of two people for my “dream job” and I didn’t get it. Looking back, I am so thankful! I wasn’t ready and wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. Things happen for a reason. Enjoy that!

4. If You’re a Woman, Don’t Apologize or Downgrade Your Achievements.

Don’t be arrogant about them either! Seriously though, women have a harder time with this. Quit! Men will go in to an interview and they have no problem confidently stating what experiences they’ve had. You are no different. Just objectively state the work you’ve done. Don’t over or under compensate. Let the work speak for itself.

5. Enjoy the Process

What?! How is applying for a job and facing rejection enjoyable? Because it teaches you about who you are, where you will go and what you will become. Think of some of the talented people you’re meeting, organizations you’re meeting with, and the connections you’re making. Yes, the job market is incredibly tough right now, but each of those interactions is a chance to build a relationship that could matter down the road. Remember that. Even if you work in the nonprofit setting. Each industry is actually a big network made of much smaller networks, so although a job may not work out it may build a connection for where you can serve later. So, learn from those moments. Take them in.

Good luck!

Success.

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

- Maya Angelou

Monday [Muse]

I’m lacking on a Monday Muse today because this guy took up my weekend.
He loves to stare at himself in the mirror and he’s currently chewing on Andy’s socks.
The adventures of Max are surely forthcoming.

New Beginnings + People to Avoid

As the fall weather transitions, I like new beginnings.

Things that beckon you to become something you’ve never been before. Ideas that push you to think like you’ve never thought before. New ways of living that make you feel more alive. It’s as if we’re going back to school for the real world, but the people and places around us are the teachers.

This year though there are a couple of “teachers” I would rather avoid. People who like to smash dreams like neighborhood kids running around on Halloween do with jack-o-lanterns.  We face these types of people in our careers, circles of friends, churches, families and schools.

When I was much younger, I thought you could change those people. Now, I realize that’s impossible because the GREAT news is that the problem isn’t you . . . it’s them.

So, keep creating, writing, thinking, dreaming, exploring and starting things new. As I overheard someone say last week, “Time and truth will always tell.”

PS. A friend releases his new book today for creatives who work in churches. Great vision!

A New Year on September 13.

At the beginning of this year, like many, I sat down with a group of friends and made some resolutions. Not the kind that have to do with working out more or pleasing someone, but the kind that have to do with becoming the kind of person you want to be.

One of the friends reminded me what I wrote this week:

Own it. Learn to pursue dreams together. Get a core creative outlet. Explore business while helping others.

I’m not sure if I’m there. I think I’m on the path. [Maybe?] This is the hard truth won through my ups and downs though, “You can’t become who you want to be unless you begin making decisions aligned with who you really are.”

Just pondering on that today.

Be Well,
Lindsey

Monday [Muse]

What makes a good entryway?

This weekend, a massive living room re-arrange left me sitting among stacks of books that were in transit to the office asking that very question. Is it form or function? (Aka attractive, yet unpractical or the horrendous-looking landing strip where all your things are dropped when you walk in the door?) Living in Chicago, you also have to think about where people will put their coats in the winter.

Apartment Therapy had a nice article over the weekend on creating a welcoming intro space. What would you add?

Photo Prop to Simplified Bee

Happy Week [end].

Some boxes, like these are nice. Others aren’t.

Like boxes people try to squeeze us into. You weren’t created for those boxes. Neither was I. We grow and change over time—not contained by four sides but gifted with hands, eyes, hearts, thoughts, and feet.

Enjoy that uniqueness this weekend!

Be Well,
Lindsey

If you’re around the Web . . .

I’m excited to feature more creative women in the Change series over the next few weeks. (Check Hanna’s and Ilene’s posts!)

Remembering 9/11 this weekend. I’ll never forget sitting in senior government class and Mr. Reeves running in to tell us the news. Everyone was sent home from school early and as I pulled into the driveway my dad walked out the front door. I guess that was a day parents needed to hug their kids a little tighter. Thoughts and prayers for those who lost their children, friends, spouses, and partners that day. The Tribune did a nice piece on some of those survivors.

One of these is opening near my house and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

Goal to read this during the fall. I took a quick glance yesterday. It’s so artistically arranged.

Also, if you have a moment to become a friend of SuLu I would love to connect and visit your blog! Can’t wait to learn from you.

[Photo Props]

Lessons from the Road.

Back from two days of work travel, I’m reminded of several things.

1. Hotel beds, no matter how nice just aren’t like home.

2. Laughing with your team makes the hard work worth it.

3. Guys do weird things. Like keeping giant bottles of Herbal Essences in the backseat of their car.

On the road weird things happen. We all know that from family vacations. But travel also takes people out of their normal routines and exposes you to a side of them  . . . you’ve never seen before. (A theory definitely proven true by family vacations. A two-week road trip to Canada is flashing in my mind.)

Sometimes it bonds you closer together. Sometimes it shows flaws and weaknesses. (Like when we all get tired and cranky.) I’m reminded how important it is to replenish myself during those times.

Not selfishly . . .

Not with jaded motives . . .

But to continue to do those things that give me joy (laughing, eating good food, learning, spending time alone reading) and finding ways to incorporate those while still spending time with others (laughing with them, convincing them not to eat at Arbys, learning from the talented people I work with, and taking 15 minutes to read before bed rather than trying to catch up on email.)

If those little things that give us the momentum to be who we are . . . sort of like food, without those behaviors we starve . . . becoming cranky, depleted versions of ourselves. And that’s not the “me” anyone would want to hit the road with.

What are the things that bring you joy? Are they a part of your everyday life? Or, are they the last items on your to-do list—always there but never checked off.