Love and Laughter

Valentine’s Day is a nice reminder to give our relationships the attention they deserve. I wish we had a Valentine’s Day every month… or maybe even every week! That is why the focus of this blog is love and laughter.

Daily frustrations can intensify into larger issues. Thank goodness we have something to ease ourselves through frustrations that come our way: humor.

Using humor during communication has advantages:

• Laughter brings people together – you make a connection when sharing a laugh.
• Using humor can help smooth over differences – gentle humor can reframe problems and make it easier to bring up sensitive topics.
• Humor also helps maintain resilience – it is easier to overcome problems when you have humor in your toolbox.
• Laughter is good medicine – you can relieve tension in your body and recharge yourself with a good laugh.

Making a conscious effort to air frustrations using humor and agreeing to be more lighthearted in approaches to everyday hurdles works great for my hubby and I. You don’t have to be super funny, just put a smile on your face and in your voice. Learn to laugh at yourself. Crack yourself up!

What are some ways you use humor to positively impact your relationship(s)?

Peace to you and yours - Jackie

Standing Out in a Tough Economy

Several people I care about have had their lives turned up side down due to a change in their employment recently. As I was thinking about sound advice for those friends, I decided to share my thoughts with everyone. 

• Be open to unconventional employment opportunities. Accepting a gig that is less than full time and may be temporary can keep your resume fresh, bring in money and offer opportunities for networking.
• Making a geographical change may be scary (or exciting depending upon your view). It certainly opens you up to more employment opportunities.
• Job opportunities at a lower pay grade may be offered. It is not an insult. Think of it as another opportunity to remain in the market and network. (As a side note, you don’t want to fill your resume with a bunch of short time gigs – avoid playing fast and loose with job-hopping).
• Get involved in a professional group and network with members (especially hiring managers and decision makers).
• Speaking of networking, reach out to those you know for job opportunities. Once you have spoken with people you know, ask those people for referrals to others who would be open to meeting with you.

Peace to you and yours - Jackie

Blogging Maiden Voyage

Hello blogging companions. I am a Twin Cities mom of two who has been working part-time from my home on various non-profit consulting gigs for the past several years. I left my full time employment with an awesome Twin Cities non-profit after having my first child seven years ago and have stayed involved in the non-profit world mostly working from home and volunteering my time in our community. My background is full of career counseling and non-profit project management and I am itching to connect with those who could use some sound advice from someone who will be honest with them.

Here’s some history - Ever since I was in high school people would come to me for advice. I have often hoped this lasting pattern in my life had something to do with me being approachable, but it seems the more simple explanation is that people can count on me to be honest in the advice and feedback I give them. I have been working on being more delicate in the manner in which I put my thoughts out there without straying from what is genuine and truthful. Please wish me luck!

I have decided to publish a blog offering support and honest advice to those who are interested. I hope you are one of those people.

Peace to you and yours - Jackie