After a week of being unplugged from the world and obviously some reflection, I’ve come to realize the importance of relationships and the power you and I have to make them better and more meaningful. Oh, and the outcome- a happy, rich and meaningful connection with others.
There is something about this week I spend on the shores of Lake Champlain each summer that grounds me. It forces me to look at where I’ve been and where I am going and the bigger picture of this life you and I live. I missed blogging, my form of journaling thoughts and ideas and of course opinions about careers and job search. But the absence of blogging is replaced by journaling of a more personal nature. Before you had a career and a job, (and after you are done working) you and I have relationships. We have family and friends and we have values that form who we are and how we interact.
As I observed happy people of all ages (2 to 90) these are the promises I made to myself this week:
- Make others feel good.
- Chose laughter over tears.
- Trade memories for dreams.
- Value what exists in the present.
- Be the best YOU and stop making excuses.
- Do not judge, criticize or compare.
- Be generous and do not expect anything in return.
- Give and be more than expected.
- Honor friends, family and each person with care, respect and dignity.
My challenge to you is to sit quietly today and reflect on where you’ve been, where you are going and who you want to be- not professionally, but as a human being on this planet for a finite period of time.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
