2007 was a year of big changes for me. In fact, I changed more things that haven’t worked for me anymore than I did in the last years.
I changed work assignments twice; I changed my hair colour and my hairstylist. And I decided to end friendships with people who drained my energy for a long time. And until now it hasn’t stopped.
I feel like a snake throwing off the old skin. It was also a painful time, because I had to let go of plans I thought they would work out, but in the end they haven’t and it is better to stop what keeps you from moving on.
Clearing off clutter in my home is next on my to-do-list. I don’t want to start the New Year with old ballast.
What will 2008 bring for me? On my wish list for the next year are:
Writing more articles and getting paid for. A new job that not only pays the bills but provides me with a decent income. Working with optimistic people, who have goals no matter what age they are. Spending my vacation (if there is any vacation) in Dallas. Winning a makeover from one of my favourite magazines. And of course, health for friends, my family and me.
Oh and there are my secret wishes, buried for a long time now, but who knows, maybe they will be fulfilled next year.
Whatever your wishes for 2008 are, I hope you get everything you dream of!
X
Christina
Saturday, 15 December 2007
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Don’t burn the candle at both ends - relax before you burn out
Last week I did something very unusual. On Wednesday I went straight home from work without stopping to run any errands. At home I turned on the TV curled up on the sofa and for the rest of the evening I did – nothing!
“So what,” you might say “I do this every day” but for me it is highly unlikely to come home and simply relax. The reason for my strange behaviour was, I didn’t feel well. I had a cold for two weeks and it wasn’t getting any better. Overall I had a problem at work and I couldn’t find a way out, a situation I genuinely hate.
Burnout syndrome – not only manager and so-called high achiever are suffering from it. A survey found out that this syndrome could befall everybody in every profession. Especially people who define their self-confidence and self-worth through their jobs.
Also the year is coming to an end and there are only 3 weeks left until Christmas and for many this is a very hectic and stressful time. There seem to be a heavier workload at the office, there are Christmas Parties to attend and gifts to buy. Not to forget the decorating of the house and the tree.
Why don’t we allow ourselves enough time to relax and recharge our batteries before an illness forces us? From childhood on we are told to be perfect and strong, that we only can achieve something when we work hard. No wonder, that we don’t allow us the “weakness” to call it a day and enjoy our leisure time.
We don’t have to do everything. It is true that nobody else can do a job as we would do it, but it is healthier to delegate things and accept that nothing has to be perfect, so let go of the need to be in control. This way we have much more time and energy for our other interest. The time before Christmas should be a time to enjoy and not a time to run us into the ground.
My to-do-list for the coming week contains things I like: meeting with my former colleague for shopping and fun, treating myself to a new nail polish, spending the next weekend with my Dad and spoiling the cats.
And most important having a good time and relaxing!
“So what,” you might say “I do this every day” but for me it is highly unlikely to come home and simply relax. The reason for my strange behaviour was, I didn’t feel well. I had a cold for two weeks and it wasn’t getting any better. Overall I had a problem at work and I couldn’t find a way out, a situation I genuinely hate.
Burnout syndrome – not only manager and so-called high achiever are suffering from it. A survey found out that this syndrome could befall everybody in every profession. Especially people who define their self-confidence and self-worth through their jobs.
Also the year is coming to an end and there are only 3 weeks left until Christmas and for many this is a very hectic and stressful time. There seem to be a heavier workload at the office, there are Christmas Parties to attend and gifts to buy. Not to forget the decorating of the house and the tree.
Why don’t we allow ourselves enough time to relax and recharge our batteries before an illness forces us? From childhood on we are told to be perfect and strong, that we only can achieve something when we work hard. No wonder, that we don’t allow us the “weakness” to call it a day and enjoy our leisure time.
We don’t have to do everything. It is true that nobody else can do a job as we would do it, but it is healthier to delegate things and accept that nothing has to be perfect, so let go of the need to be in control. This way we have much more time and energy for our other interest. The time before Christmas should be a time to enjoy and not a time to run us into the ground.
My to-do-list for the coming week contains things I like: meeting with my former colleague for shopping and fun, treating myself to a new nail polish, spending the next weekend with my Dad and spoiling the cats.
And most important having a good time and relaxing!
Don’t burn the candle at both ends - relax before you burn out
Last week I did something very unusual. On Wednesday I went straight home from work without stopping to run any errands. At home I turned on the TV curled up on the sofa and for the rest of the evening I did – nothing!
“So what,” you might say “I do this every day” but for me it is highly unlikely to come home and simply relax. The reason for my strange behaviour was, I didn’t feel well. I had a cold for two weeks and it wasn’t getting any better. Overall I had a problem at work and I couldn’t find a way out, a situation I genuinely hate.
Burnout syndrome – not only manager and so-called high achiever are suffering from it. A survey found out that this syndrome could befall everybody in every profession. Especially people who define their self-confidence and self-worth through their jobs.
Also the year is coming to an end and there are only 3 weeks left until Christmas and for many this is a very hectic and stressful time. There seem to be a heavier workload at the office, there are Christmas Parties to attend and gifts to buy. Not to forget the decorating of the house and the tree.
Why don’t we allow ourselves enough time to relax and recharge our batteries before an illness forces us? From childhood on we are told to be perfect and strong, that we only can achieve something when we work hard. No wonder, that we don’t allow us the “weakness” to call it a day and enjoy our leisure time.
We don’t have to do everything. It is true that nobody else can do a job as we would do it, but it is healthier to delegate things and accept that nothing has to be perfect, so let go of the need to be in control. This way we have much more time and energy for our other interest. The time before Christmas should be a time to enjoy and not a time to run us into the ground.
My to-do-list for the coming week contains things I like: meeting with my former colleague for shopping and fun, treating myself to a new nail polish, spending the next weekend with my Dad and spoiling the cats.
And most important having a good time and relaxing!
X
Christina
“So what,” you might say “I do this every day” but for me it is highly unlikely to come home and simply relax. The reason for my strange behaviour was, I didn’t feel well. I had a cold for two weeks and it wasn’t getting any better. Overall I had a problem at work and I couldn’t find a way out, a situation I genuinely hate.
Burnout syndrome – not only manager and so-called high achiever are suffering from it. A survey found out that this syndrome could befall everybody in every profession. Especially people who define their self-confidence and self-worth through their jobs.
Also the year is coming to an end and there are only 3 weeks left until Christmas and for many this is a very hectic and stressful time. There seem to be a heavier workload at the office, there are Christmas Parties to attend and gifts to buy. Not to forget the decorating of the house and the tree.
Why don’t we allow ourselves enough time to relax and recharge our batteries before an illness forces us? From childhood on we are told to be perfect and strong, that we only can achieve something when we work hard. No wonder, that we don’t allow us the “weakness” to call it a day and enjoy our leisure time.
We don’t have to do everything. It is true that nobody else can do a job as we would do it, but it is healthier to delegate things and accept that nothing has to be perfect, so let go of the need to be in control. This way we have much more time and energy for our other interest. The time before Christmas should be a time to enjoy and not a time to run us into the ground.
My to-do-list for the coming week contains things I like: meeting with my former colleague for shopping and fun, treating myself to a new nail polish, spending the next weekend with my Dad and spoiling the cats.
And most important having a good time and relaxing!
X
Christina
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Reasons to celebrate
On my way to work this morning I thought about the fact, that my day job is still the same for 6 month now. Today exactly 6 month!
Well, this could be a reason to be frustrated, or even depressed, but I decided it could also be a reason to celebrate. The same day 6 month ago I started my job at this company and I have successfully resisted the urge to quit. Enough to be proud of, because I was tempted to no longer show up there many times in the past.
But the good things about this day job are the short way to commute, the flexible working hours and more important it brings in the money while I follow my new career.
So, I raise a glass of Champagne to my success!
X
Christina
Well, this could be a reason to be frustrated, or even depressed, but I decided it could also be a reason to celebrate. The same day 6 month ago I started my job at this company and I have successfully resisted the urge to quit. Enough to be proud of, because I was tempted to no longer show up there many times in the past.
But the good things about this day job are the short way to commute, the flexible working hours and more important it brings in the money while I follow my new career.
So, I raise a glass of Champagne to my success!
X
Christina
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Are you sure, you are on the right path?
For a few weeks now, I'm more confused than ever. I think about my coaching business, that I'm still struggling to get it off the ground. I also think about my day job, when will this assignment finally end?
I wonder if I'm following the wrong path. What if coaching other people was never meant to be for me? Why am I stumbling from one bad assignment to another?
Now the fog around these problems lifted a bit. I will keep up the website for my coaching business, but I will try out more other things, like writing articles. And I will follow more my intuition, when it comes to making decisions.
I remember when I went to the Temping Agency to sign the contract. I had a terrible feeling in my gut, everything screamed this is wrong. But stupid me wouldn't listen, I wanted a new job, no matter what. And now I have to pay the price, I'm feeling miserable.
But the main problem was, I left the decisions to other people. In my case that is always wrong. I have to be in charge whether it is in business or regarding the day job.
Now I have finally decided I will stay at this assignment until Christmas, than I have two weeks off and I'm not going back. I know I find something else to support myself, maybe the Temping Agency finds something too.
I hope I remember next time, that I'm the only one who can make the decisions about my life.
I wonder if I'm following the wrong path. What if coaching other people was never meant to be for me? Why am I stumbling from one bad assignment to another?
Now the fog around these problems lifted a bit. I will keep up the website for my coaching business, but I will try out more other things, like writing articles. And I will follow more my intuition, when it comes to making decisions.
I remember when I went to the Temping Agency to sign the contract. I had a terrible feeling in my gut, everything screamed this is wrong. But stupid me wouldn't listen, I wanted a new job, no matter what. And now I have to pay the price, I'm feeling miserable.
But the main problem was, I left the decisions to other people. In my case that is always wrong. I have to be in charge whether it is in business or regarding the day job.
Now I have finally decided I will stay at this assignment until Christmas, than I have two weeks off and I'm not going back. I know I find something else to support myself, maybe the Temping Agency finds something too.
I hope I remember next time, that I'm the only one who can make the decisions about my life.
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Is your net working?
I wonder how many people have a so-called network of business contacts they can turn to. Networking groups on the Internet, or business clubs whose members attend regular meetings should bring them new contacts and of course, work.
I belong to a business club a few months now, but the mere thought of walking in a room full of strangers makes me cringe. I have attended the club meetings two times in the past and although there were great guest speakers and delicious food, there was no time to really talk to others and I was forced to move on and talk to the next available person.
My ears were ringing because of the noise from too many people talking at the same time and I left with a bunch of business cards in my purse and had no idea who these people were.
Obviously the speed of speed networking is not working for me.
After these meetings I asked myself, if the main purpose of business clubs is only to make money through membership fees and not helping their members to make money.
What happened to the good old chat with people on the way to work, at the train station or in the grocery store? Are our lives so busy that we don’t have time for a few words that can lead to a great friendship and instead spend precious time and money at speed networking or speed dating that leads to nothing?
My 82-year old Dad is great in networking, no matter where we are, he always knows somebody. He even flirts with women in the bakery who are much younger than I am and they love to treat him to free piece of cake or a cup of coffee.
Another good example of a successful net-worker is his friend. He is self-employed, sells decorating items on trade fairs and without a website or email account, he has a flourishing business. His secret? He is open and friendly and always finds time for a little chat, no matter how busy he might be. If I would suggest to him that he should join a business club, he would think I’m out of my mind.
What both have in common is, they network all the time. Not in scheduled meetings, not with the intention to make business or to schmooze their way to a free meal. I guess we can learn from them, you never know who knows whom.
I belong to a business club a few months now, but the mere thought of walking in a room full of strangers makes me cringe. I have attended the club meetings two times in the past and although there were great guest speakers and delicious food, there was no time to really talk to others and I was forced to move on and talk to the next available person.
My ears were ringing because of the noise from too many people talking at the same time and I left with a bunch of business cards in my purse and had no idea who these people were.
Obviously the speed of speed networking is not working for me.
After these meetings I asked myself, if the main purpose of business clubs is only to make money through membership fees and not helping their members to make money.
What happened to the good old chat with people on the way to work, at the train station or in the grocery store? Are our lives so busy that we don’t have time for a few words that can lead to a great friendship and instead spend precious time and money at speed networking or speed dating that leads to nothing?
My 82-year old Dad is great in networking, no matter where we are, he always knows somebody. He even flirts with women in the bakery who are much younger than I am and they love to treat him to free piece of cake or a cup of coffee.
Another good example of a successful net-worker is his friend. He is self-employed, sells decorating items on trade fairs and without a website or email account, he has a flourishing business. His secret? He is open and friendly and always finds time for a little chat, no matter how busy he might be. If I would suggest to him that he should join a business club, he would think I’m out of my mind.
What both have in common is, they network all the time. Not in scheduled meetings, not with the intention to make business or to schmooze their way to a free meal. I guess we can learn from them, you never know who knows whom.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Confessions of a Beauty and Fashion Addict
I’m happy to renew my subscription to three women’s magazines every year and I can’t await the arrival of my trusted beauty and fashion advisors.
Nothing beats an evening curled up on the sofa with my favourite magazine and a glass of something sparkly. Who needs a social life when beauty forums are just a mouse click away? Nobody else would understand the excitement about the hottest nail colour or why it is necessary to have more than one eyeshadow. Other people might collect art - I collect lipsticks, I only wonder why their colours are not very different.
Who said that men are hunter-gatherers has never seen a woman on the hunt for the latest fashion item.
Mulberry, blackberry, elderberry – when it comes to fashion, purple is the new black for me this season. Every woman needs to update her wardrobe and no matter what dress size I am at the moment, a new handbag will always fit. I remember how happy I was when I carried my new bag home and it was a bargain too! Not to mention the envious looks my colleagues gave me, the first time I had it with me at the office. What I still need is a matching pair of shoes - and gloves maybe?
Cashmere sweaters? Give it to me! With cashmere sweaters in all the classic colours a girl is always in style. When I see the colour-coordinated piles in my favourite department store, I would love to roll around in them.
I don’t like to workout, but browsing through the drugstores in search for a new perfume is like an exercise for me. I’m sure this way I burn off a lot of calories and have fun too. I can spend hours testing all the new arrivals and convincing the salesperson that I need more samples before I can decide what scent will have the honour to grace the shelf in my bathroom. Along with the other countless perfume bottles which found their way into my home over the year.
And who can resist scents that claim to be “voluptuous feminine, floral, rich sensual and full-bodied, with sweet musk and powdery amber.” They promise to wrap you in like a warm blanket on a cold winter night and before my mind clears and reality kicks in, I see myself handing over my credit card.
I hear you Sarah Jessica Parker – I had to have it too!
X
Christina
Nothing beats an evening curled up on the sofa with my favourite magazine and a glass of something sparkly. Who needs a social life when beauty forums are just a mouse click away? Nobody else would understand the excitement about the hottest nail colour or why it is necessary to have more than one eyeshadow. Other people might collect art - I collect lipsticks, I only wonder why their colours are not very different.
Who said that men are hunter-gatherers has never seen a woman on the hunt for the latest fashion item.
Mulberry, blackberry, elderberry – when it comes to fashion, purple is the new black for me this season. Every woman needs to update her wardrobe and no matter what dress size I am at the moment, a new handbag will always fit. I remember how happy I was when I carried my new bag home and it was a bargain too! Not to mention the envious looks my colleagues gave me, the first time I had it with me at the office. What I still need is a matching pair of shoes - and gloves maybe?
Cashmere sweaters? Give it to me! With cashmere sweaters in all the classic colours a girl is always in style. When I see the colour-coordinated piles in my favourite department store, I would love to roll around in them.
I don’t like to workout, but browsing through the drugstores in search for a new perfume is like an exercise for me. I’m sure this way I burn off a lot of calories and have fun too. I can spend hours testing all the new arrivals and convincing the salesperson that I need more samples before I can decide what scent will have the honour to grace the shelf in my bathroom. Along with the other countless perfume bottles which found their way into my home over the year.
And who can resist scents that claim to be “voluptuous feminine, floral, rich sensual and full-bodied, with sweet musk and powdery amber.” They promise to wrap you in like a warm blanket on a cold winter night and before my mind clears and reality kicks in, I see myself handing over my credit card.
I hear you Sarah Jessica Parker – I had to have it too!
X
Christina
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