PUSH AND SOAR

Weekly Nudge | Keep your dreams alive

2012-03-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

Gratitude Monday | 3/19/12

2012-03-19T11:31:00.002-04:00

“Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend… when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present — love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure, the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.”

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for all the signs and guidance I've been receiving leading me to where I need to be.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Go-Getter Spotlight: Régine Roumain of Haiti Cultural Exchange

2012-03-15T13:46:00.002-04:00

Born in Brooklyn, NY from Haitian parents, Régine Roumain is a hard-working woman whose passion is to cultivate, empower and bring awareness of Haitian culture to New York City through community based events and experiences. She is a co-founder and the executive director of Haiti Cultural Exchange, a non- profit organization, whose mission is really facilitating Régine's vision to come to pass. Through founding and working with her organization she designed a way to make her passion a big part of her life and is really enjoying the joys this brings.

P+S: Tell me a little bit about yourself and Haiti Cultural Exchange.

RR: Who am I? Always evolving… I am an advocate for Haiti and our culture. A mother, wife, daughter, sister, community advocate… Haiti Cultural Exchange was born out of a strong desire to see Haitian culture grow and thrive, to provide positive experiences for people from diverse backgrounds to experience Haitian culture, and to use the arts as a platform to discuss social issues and foster community.

P+S: Have you always been passionate about Haitian culture?

RR: I was raised partially in Haiti, from 1986 to 1992. I was exposed to the culture from a very early age – the music, the art, the craftsmen and craftswomen. In my twenties, I started a small business, called Kreyòl Creations, to import Haitian crafts to NYC; I think that the seed of HCX was born from that experience.

P+S: Did you work a 9-5 job prior to launching the organization?

RR: I have always worked in the nonprofit sector. I started my career at a Haitian-led community organization, worked as a nonprofit consultant for a time, and most recently was a program officer at a foundation serving women and girls. I want to be engaged in work that benefits underserved communities, has strong community involvement, and supports our development as agents of change in this world.

P+S: What was the pivotal moment that led you to decide to pursue your passion full-time? How did it all start and how has Haiti Cultural Exchange developed since the launch?

RR: I decided to devote myself full time to HCX in 2009. The organization was founded by 6 other phenomenal Haitian women who have dedicated themselves to the development of the organization. We have added new board members since that time who have been instrumental to our growth. Over the past few years, we have developed ongoing and signature programs like our monthly An n’ Pale | Café Conversations, youth development programs, Haiti Film Fest, and community collaborations with cultural institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the New York Historical Society. There is much more work to be done!

P+S: How has the response been so far?

RR: The response has been phenomenal! HCX is clearly filling a need in the community. Having a platform for artists to present their work and present Haitian/Diaspora issues within a cultural context is critical. The artists we have worked with are extraordinary and I am delighted to provide an outlet for their voices and ideas to be heard.

P+S: What do you think has been most instrumental to your success?

RR: A strong conviction in the value of the work as well as familial and community support have been key.

P+S: Did you find it difficult to learn the different aspects of launching a non-profit organization? If so how did you get over the hurdles?

RR: I have been working in the sector for over 10 years. It’s definitely hard work, particularly for small, under-resourced organizations. You just have to believe in the mission and vision and keep at it!

P+S: What gave you the strength to keep going when faced with challenges?

RR: A strong belief in the importance of the work has kept me focused. HCX supporters, friends and family have been instrumental in helping to address challenges.

P+S: How has the decision of launching Haiti Cultural Exchange changed your life?

RR: I’m surrounded by amazing people and I get to do what I love every day.

P+S: Has your family been supportive of your decision? If not, how did you deal with it?

RR: I could not do this work without the ongoing support of my mother and my husband.

P+S: How do you balance running this organization with taking care of a family? Do you have a great support system?

RR: Balancing HCX with family is definitely tough, particularly since my second child was born last May. This work is more than full-time – it’s my passion. I’m still striving to find balance.

P+S: What would you say to other women out there who believe that they can’t pursue their passion because they have a family/children to care for?

RR: Go for it!

P+S: What’s the best part of living your passion and launching the organization?

RR: The community support has been terrific! Being surrounded by artists pursuing their passions and constantly creating is really invigorating. Working - even in a small way - on behalf of Haiti and Haitians feels right.

P+S: What future plans do you have for Haiti Cultural Exchange?

RR: There is a lot to do! We need to continuously grow and develop our programs, conduct more outreach to under-served communities, and work to establish a cultural center in NYC! We hope that as we become more known in the community, more and more people will not only support the organization by participating in our programs, but also by providing much needed financial support.

P+S: What is the most important lesson going through this journey has taught you?

RR: Just do it! We have a lot more agency and power than we think.

P+S: Do you have any tip, advice or word of encouragement you can give the P+S readers who are also looking to live their passion?

RR: Dream big! Work hard! Have fun!

P+S: How can people stay updated with the work of Haiti Cultural Exchange and connect with you online?

RR: Visit our website: www.haiticulturalx.org

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/HaitiCulturalX

Twitter: @HaitiCulturalX

And join our mailing list!

Thanks Régine for your time and for sharing your journey with us. I wish you the very best and continued success with your organization and living your passion.

Weekly Nudge | Don't entertain defeat

2012-03-14T10:40:00.000-04:00

Gratitude Monday | 3/12/12

2012-03-12T11:31:00.001-04:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for having great people in my life that love and support me.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Nudge | We can all achieve great success

2012-03-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 3/5/12

2012-03-05T12:49:00.000-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for waking up this morning and starting this new week with excitement and positivity.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Celebrate Small Victories | P+S in the blogosphere

2012-03-01T12:11:00.001-05:00

P+S' guest post for "Peace Love and Pretty Things"

I've found myself in the past feeling like my life was not going anywhere, like I wasn't progressing. I have since then gotten rid of this feeling and can now live my life aware of my progress and appreciating where I am now.

Read my post "Celebrate Small Victories" to find out how I was able to start feeling differently about myself and my life and how I managed to start moving forward again.

Reasons why worrying is counterproductive

2012-02-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Racheal Anilyse | Copyright

"There are people who are always anticipating trouble, and in this way they manage to enjoy many sorrows that never really happen to them." - Josh Billings

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Life is full of uncertainty but certain situations such as being self-employed, or pursuing certain types of dreams full-time can bring another set of worry that most people with a stable job probably don’t have.

When I stop believing in my vision, myself, my abilities and talents the worries set in and I start to ask myself many of the following questions: what if I’m going in the wrong direction? What if I can’t do this? What if I fail? What if it doesn’t work out? When and how is the next paycheck going to come? What if I run out of money? Can I really achieve this? What’s going to happen next? How I am going to move from point A to point B? What do I do? And from this negative inquisitive state come the stress and/or the feeling of being depressed.

What I’ve come to realize is that worry comes from and leads to a negative state of mind. It doesn’t have the capacity to solve any problems or change any outcome. Nothing good comes from it. All it does is rob you of your time and energy that could’ve been spent problem solving, being productive or enjoying your time.

Most of us have found ourselves worrying about the future at some time or another. None of us know what it holds. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the next hour much less tomorrow. So why waste so much time worrying about something that may never happen. The impending trouble we worry about is imaginary and this imagined outcome could make the problem seem bigger than it actually is which can then stop us from being productive or moving forward.

We all want to succeed in the things we undertake and care about. One of the most important steps to achieving this success is to believe in yourself and that you can indeed achieve it. So keeping the faith as much as possible is important. But as human beings, sometimes our faith wavers and when this happens it’s good to try to bounce back quickly and start believing in ourselves again. In order to do this we have to be aware of when our faith decreases and one easy way to notice it is by checking if you started to worry. Feeling stressed and worried indicates a decrease in your faith in the moment. Because I believe that faith and worry/fear can't coexist. So find ways to increase your faith so that it becomes stronger than any fear that may come.

You have to trust in yourself and your abilities. Believe that your dreams and your goals are achievable; believe that your current situation isn’t a permanent one and that no matter what you will be okay. Just because you are unable to see your path in its entirety doesn’t mean that you should begin to worry about it or that it’s leading you somewhere undesirable. It may lead you to an amazing place if you believe it to be possible so just trust that things will work out.

Worry can stop us from living, achieving and taking bold steps when it counts the most. So focus on what you have to do today, right now and don’t waste time guessing what tomorrow will bring because it might hold something totally different from what you expected. Just take it as it comes and deal with whatever comes when it does. Remind yourself to not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow just might be beautiful.

Weekly Nudge | Connecting the dots of your life

2012-02-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 2/27/12

2012-02-27T11:58:00.001-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for great friends who always show me love and are willing to embark on crazy adventures with me. I'm also grateful for my health and all the possibilities that a brand new week brings.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Nudge | Don't listen to people who underestimate you

2012-02-22T13:59:00.000-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 2/20/12

2012-02-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for my health, my family and for having supportive people in my life that I can lean on.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Reasons to stop playing small | P+S in the blogosphere

2012-02-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

P+S' guest post for "THE FAB LIFE PROJECT".

There are times where you might start to feel insignificant, worthless, less than...small. This is definitely not a good place to be and these feelings can take a toll on your self-esteem and your level of productivity in your work environment.

Read my post "Reasons to stop playing small" for my thoughts on the subject, what I've learned and what I did to get out of this negative place.

Weekly Nudge | Resolving to amount to something

2012-02-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 2/13/12

2012-02-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to see another day. Some people didn't get that chance. And I know that with everyday comes a new opportunity to get closer to my goals.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

2012-02-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Written by GG of Peace Love and Pretty Things

Photo by Brittney Bush Bollay | Copyright

Imagine that you are in a room full of wrapped boxes. Each one is wrapped differently - some are decorative and some are plain. Some are ugly, dirty and scary looking. You have no idea what is in each one.

Here is what you do know:

You know there is something to be discovered in each one.

You know that the outer wrapping does not necessarily indicate what's inside. For example, an ugly box may have something wonderful inside.

You know that in one of these mysterious packages is your dream come true - just waiting to be opened.

All you have to do is remember that if you are determined enough, success is guaranteed. The only way you can fail and not open up your dream is if you give up. As you open each box, you may grow weary and tired. Some of the things you discover along the way will discourage you. But you know that if you keep looking, your determination and faith will reward you. You may even be pleasantly surprised at all the cool things you find during your search. Maybe you will even feel empowered by your ability to open the unpleasant boxes and still keep going. With the knowledge that you cannot fail, you know that the only thing that can stop you is you.

What would your world be like if you believed without doubt that you have the power to open up your dreams? If you believe that life is full of opportunity, and you understand that you are here for a purpose; you will always have the motivation in your heart to keep going. You will know that you have to open other boxes to get to the one you want. And most importantly, when you finally open the one that you've been looking for, you will realize that the prize isn't contained in one particular box at all. The prize is what you've learned about yourself along the way.

This box analogy is my crafty way of trying to convey to you the following truths:

*The only thing that can prevent you from achieving what you want in life is your belief that you can not do it.

*You must keep a clear vision of your purpose, no matter what distractions come up along the way.

*Sometimes blessings will come in unexpected packages.

*The world is as you believe it to be.

If you believe that every experience is a package that you must open in order for you to advance, you will become more resilient and you will prosper from creating this atmosphere of growth for yourself. Once you start to believe that you cannot fail, that is when you are truly ready for success.

Weekly Nudge | Be very patient and persistent

2012-02-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 2/6/12

2012-02-06T08:54:00.001-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for the perfect strangers who provided me with great resources that will allow me to take my work to the next level.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Go-Getter Spotlight: Victor Lau of Kapo Clothing

2012-02-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

Victor Lau is a talented designer who has merged his interest in design and t-shirt to launch a thriving t-shirt line called Kapo Clothing. He is a true go-getter and is very dedicated to seeing his vision through. He shares with us his journey and some invaluable tips and advice that may prove to be helpful to anyone who wish to follow a similar path.

Make sure to read all the way through the interview to get Victor's great tips and find out how you can help him launch his spring 2012 line.

P+S: Tell me a little bit about yourself and Kapo Clothing.

VL: My name is Victor Lau, originally from Peru, but a proud New Yorker for the last 18 years. I’m a director/motion graphics freelance designer here in New York. I direct music videos, commercials, and on-air design for different TV networks freelancing under my production company called Kapo Entertainment.

Kapo Clothing, the sister company of Kapo Entertainment, was launched in the summer of 2011. It’s a small t-shirt line that I started as another outlet for creativity. As a freelance designer who gets paid to create COMMERCIAL work for other companies there was just a need to produce something more personal and meaningful for the world. The word Kapo, is a hispanic/latino slang, which means master of your craft. It's a word that it’s in the collective consciousness of latinos. For example, one might say that Michael Jordan is the KAPO of basketball etc.

P+S: When did your interest for design and t-shirts start?

VL: I believe that I was born with the itch. Growing up I was always involved with art in some way or another. In school and at home I was always drawing and painting. I can recall when I was about 6-7 years old I grabbed a rock from the street and carved number 1’s on the hood, the roof, and the doors of my dad’s silver Toyota. I guess I wanted to transform his car into a racing car. Fair to say my father was not pleased but in retrospect I feel like it was probably my very first canvas. Then in High School, I designed my graduating class of 99’ senior t-shirt that should have been a sign of what was to come. But it wasn’t until I got to the School at the School of Visual Arts that I took some silkscreen classes that really made it possible for me to materialize some of my ideas. Maybe that is where my interest for t-shirts started.

P+S: What motivated you to merge your love for the two to launch this line?

VL: When I started buying and collecting t-shirts it’s when I started to pay more attention to the details of the t-shirts that I definitely loved and the details that I would definitely improve on if I had my own line. I guess you could say that my t-shirt collection was my field research into the different brands, cuts, and designs out there. After I had collected enough t-shirts from independent companies and big brands I had a good idea of what the market had to offer me. Then, I decided that I needed to make my own since there were a couple of ideas I had not seen yet and a lot of the t-shirts I had purchased were lacking a real sense of quality when it came to materials used, bothersome tags, or real rough silkscreen prints. I took all of these details into account when making the Kapo t-shirts and as a result our t-shirts are made with fitted fine Peruvian cotton 40/1, have silkscreened tags, go through a dye emulsification print process, and are prewashed for no shrinking.

P+S: How did it all start and how has it developed since the launch?

VL: I had been talking about having my own t-shirt line for years but the reason why it took me so long to get it started was that I had trouble finding the right manufacturer. I didn’t want to use American apparel like many other independent companies did. I wanted an original cut and wanted the control of using our very own materials. Luckily, in 2010 I found a great company that I work with from Peru. The quality of the t-shirts are amazing, the t-shirts feel good on you, and that really sets the brand apart from the majority of the t-shirt lines out there. I’ve had to learn a whole lot very quickly and roll with the reality of what sells and where it sells. In a way I have been living the “how to make it in America” scenarios in order to get the brand out there. Kapo has only had 1 run of 6 t-shirt designs so far but since our launch I believe that we have honed in our key demographic and who our key customers really are.

P+S: How would you describe the style of the Kapo Clothing t-shirts? Who is your target market?

VL: I would say Kapo has a unique hand drawn/renegade style that addresses unique subject matter that is both relevant and historic. The concepts of the first 6 designs that we launched this summer have a more ethnic feel. That's partly because I was born in Peru but grew up in New York and I wanted that duality to reflect on the concepts and artwork of the line. Kapo tackles certain racial issues with wit (sudaka t-shirt), pays tribute to certain war heroes (bolognesi, tupac), and brings a little quirky humor to people live's (pisco, llama love, this is love).

I would say people ages 25-34 are our main buyers and followed closely by people ages 18-24. I believe that our buyers are independent thinkers that are a little bit tired of the big brands, overpriced clothes, and are looking for designs that are original and well made.

**P+S note: Read about some background information on the design concepts behind these 3 Kapo Clothing t-shirts at the end of the interview**

P+S: What inspires your work?

VL: Anything and everything: culture, music, history, travel, movies, love and current events.

P+S: Did you find that learning all the nuts and bolts of putting together a t-shirt line difficult?

If so how did you get over the hurdles?

VL: I am a designer so for me particularly making the artwork of the line and choosing the cut of the t-shirts and materials wasn’t the difficult part. I feel that the biggest hurdle is actually selling and marketing your self. There is a lot of competition out there and you have to make a lot of calls, have active social networks, send out many samples, and knock a lot of doors to get your foot in the door. But you have to push through. You can’t give up the first time you get turned down by a store. It is also really important knowing what part of the city has the biggest market of buyers for you. As much as you’d think that having your t-shirts in as many stores as possible might be good for you. Finding the right places to position your t-shirts is even more important (talking strictly about the independent lines).

P+S: What gave you the strength to keep going when faced with challenges?

VL: I have an innate drive in me. I put 100% of myself into everything I do and just the thought that you can’t fail if you never give up.

P+S: Do you work with a team or is Kapo Clothing a one-man show?

VL: Right now Kapo Clothing is just me handling the design and finances but have a lot of support from my girlfriend Bella and Luis Alberto Zarate, my partner in Peru.

P+S: How do you balance running a business with the other work that you do as a freelance designer?

VL: It is not easy but since my work requires me to be behind a computer all day. I am able to stay on top of all the communications necessary to run the business. Also my free time I have devoted to going to festivals, calling stores, sending out samples, promoting the line, and making new designs. Getting the different stores to carry your line it’s really a full time job. I visited all the small stores/boutiques in New York that carried independent designers this summer and that was very time consuming ordeal.

P+S: How has the response been so far?

VL: Response has been great considering the fact that this was our first run and that we are a new brand. We have sold half our inventory and we’ve also had some achievements. In 2011 Kapo t-shirts were worn by the following artists: Enanitos Verdes, Charlie Parra, Salim Vera (libido & royalvalet), Pepe Alva, and rapper Mr. Naughty Pants.

We have been featured and reviewed on many blogs as well which are listed on our website- http://www.kapoclothing.com/

We were featured on Peruvian television when Charlie Parra wore our “sudaka” t-shirt. Time 2:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZvGCg23qBs

Our “llama love” t-shirt was featured on “La Ruta” music video by Royalvalet as well.

http://vimeo.com/33088780

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCyv6g8CJK8

P+S: What do you think has been most instrumental to your success?

VL: Doing what you love. You’ve got to believe it yourself before anyone else can actually believe in you and/or your project.

P+S: What’s the best part about launching this line?

VL: I love seeing people wearing something I’ve made. It is the same feeling as when I see music videos or commercials on TV that I have directed. It is that sense of fulfillment that translates into happiness.

P+S: What is the most important lesson going through this journey has taught you?

VL: It has taught me how to be more organized and efficient with my time. It has also taught me that you get back as much as you put into it.

P+S: What future plans do you have for Kapo Clothing?

VL: I'm currently working on new designs that are NEW YORK themed. Plans are to print new designs for the spring 2012. I just launched a KICKSTARTER page this week to help gather funds to print our new tshirts.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kapoclothing/help-print-kapo-clothings-spring-2012-t-shirts

The people that donate to our KICKSTARTER page will get free t-shirts in return for their PLEDGE and the ones that make big donations will get to choose which designs get printed.

Additionally, I would also like to get into bigger chain stores and more boutique stores in New York and other states.

P+S: Do you have any tips, advice or word of encouragement you can give the P+S readers who are also looking to start a venture like yours?

VL: Register and incorporate your company. Make sure you copyright the designs you print. Additionally, I would recommend printing more designs and less quantity. Make limited edition runs. Be a shameless self-promoter and send your samples to the right people. Use the social networks to your advantage. Buy from independent companies and big brands. Compare and contrast design and quality. Be optimistic.

P+S: Where can we find Kapo Clothing?

VL: On our online store:

http://www.kapoclothing.com/

We also have a list of stores on our website that you can visit in New York to purchase our t-shirts.

P+S: How can people connect with you online?

VL: We have very active facebook and twitter accounts.

https://www.facebook.com/kapoclothing

http://twitter.com/kapoclothing

We also post pictures that customers send us wearing our Kapo t-shirts. The picture album is called “Kapo Clothing in the World”. It's a fun way to keep in touch with our customers and see who is wearing our brand.

Thanks Victor for sharing your journey with us and congratulations on launching the line. I'm looking forward to seeing Kapo Clothing in many stores in the future. I'm rooting for you!
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Some background information on the design concepts behind 3 Kapo Clothing T-Shirts:

TUPAC AMARU II
Did you know that Tupac Shakur, the rapper, was named after Tupac Amaru II? The famous rapper was named after this Peruvian martyr who was quartered in a main plaza by Spaniards for trying to free his people from Spanish rule. Shakur's mother heard the story when she was a black panther and named her son after him.

PISCO
Pisco is a distilled brandy from Peru that it's being compared to the Peruvian hairless dog in our t-shirt. The reason being that there are similar stories happening with both Pisco and the hairless dog. Nobody wanted Pisco until it started making millions in sales for Chile when they started exporting their own copy of our Pisco. Currently, the long forgotten hairless dog is regaining popularity because of their high demand in Europe. And in our illustration "Pisco" – the hairless dog is marking his territory.

THIS IS LOVE
A humorous poke at what love can mean to certain people. The praying mantis is known to bite of the head of their male counter part as they begin mating to increase the production of sperm.

Weekly Nudge | Surrender...

2012-02-01T13:26:00.001-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 1/30/12

2012-01-30T12:03:00.001-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for waking up this morning, my health and my family.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.

Hold on to your passion

2012-01-26T17:24:00.000-05:00

Photo by Robbie Veldwijk

Many of us desire to follow our passion and maybe even make a living out of it. The latter can prove to be a bit difficult for some. Especially with the market the way it is now, this can be that much more challenging and can cause people to seek safer, more stable jobs or anything they can find in order for them to financially support themselves and their family. Whatever you feel is best for your family and yourself is fine but I would encourage you to not give up on your passion, to continue to practice it as a hobby and to get involved in different activities pertaining to it.

Everyone is not going to make a living from what they are passionate about, some will, some won’t. Some will try and fail, others will succeed and some won’t even try at all and just make it their hobby. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just a matter of how you choose to live your life and what you are willing to accept, put up with and sacrifice.

If you decide to make a living from your passion you might be embarking on a bumpy ride, the failures will try to break you down, the successes will feel oh so sweet, doors will open and others will close, some people will support you and others will run for the hills or try to discourage you. There will be sacrifices to be made and obstacles to overcome. You’ll have to learn to say no, when a situation doesn’t fit your moral standards and what you’re about. This is not for the faint of heart but the lessons you’ll learn and the rewards can be so great.

There might come a time where you might get so discouraged that you might start thinking about quitting. But before you do, think about how you can be more innovative and creative. Can you modify the steps you’ve taken in the past? Can you take a different approach? How can you marry your passion with another skill that you have? Maybe you can take a class to educate yourself in an area that would support your passion or in the area of your passion itself. Can you use your talents to serve others? Can you use your skills to serve a higher purpose? Keep an open mind and learn to be flexible about the different ways that you might be able to use your talent and skills. Be persistent but also be mindful of the fine line between persistence and annoyance. Think about how you can add a bit of yourself into what you do? If you incorporate yourself into you work you will find that no two talents are the same, even if on the surface they appear to be similar because no two people are ever the same. You’ll always have something different to offer as your talent or along with it.

Most passions are worth following. I say most because there are some people whose passions is to harm others. That kind of passion is most definitely not to be followed. But if your passion doesn’t cause harm to yourself or others, follow it in a way that fits your lifestyle. Passion is what keeps us going. It’s what makes you wake up the next day wanting to go to work. Even if it’s not your career, don’t give up on it. It can always be your hobby. Either way, be creative, innovative, resourceful, resilient, and passionate, be happy and serve others. And always keep pushing on.

Are you following your passion? What are your thoughts on the subject and what are some tips you can give someone pursuing theirs professionally?

Weekly Nudge | I will actualize my dream

2012-01-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

Gratitude Monday | 1/23/12

2012-01-23T10:31:00.001-05:00

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"Gratitude Monday" is an effort to encourage you and myself to start out the work week in a place of gratitude. You can express what you're grateful for each week and encourage others to appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful everyday for all you are given and share with us throughout the entire week what you are thankful for. It might help someone else realize their blessings.

Today I'm grateful for my drive to learn different things.

What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments.