The Journey of Persistence, Optimism & Timing

The Journey

Persistence, optimism, and timing is absolutely crucial. In fact, sometimes, timing is everything.

Many of you may know that for the past 5 or so months I've been on a roller-coaster ride. Post grad, I was happily working at MySpace Canada until the operations came to a sudden close in July due to global reconstructing. Since then, it's been a challenging yet fulfilling experience. I say "roller-coaster ride" for the past 5-ish months have literally consisted of endless meetings, interviews galore (7 interviews..or more?), conferences (I even spoke in San Jose), travel (San Francisco & New York), and incredibly valuable yet expirery-dated contract work (3 different contracts). Needless to say, it's been quite the ride in landing that "perfect" career.

Networking Will Save Your Life

Throughout the course of my overwhelming journey, networking saved my life (metaphorically speaking). I've always been a social butterfly so introducing myself to talented professionals, avidly participating in the online community, and attending events with the intention to learn comes quite naturally. Mind you, there are days when I feel drained - both mentally and emotionally - and exhausted, quite literally. Days when I think how much longer...? Ironically, it's these days that remind me just how lucky I am to have such a strong CV, professional network, and support system of friends and family around me. When these not-so-good days strike, I simply reflect on my goals and remind myself of what I have achieved already.

However, on a typical day, I'm forever optimistic and eager; for you never know what opportunity awaits you. After what seemed like many months of persistent meetings and hopeful interviews, I was suddenly overwhelmed with a number of opportunities and exciting offers. Amazingly, I was in a situation where I was able to choose what I wanted. Not gonna lie, it felt pretty nice.

Networking: Proof in the Mix

Networking is precisely how I landed my new job. Just last week, I attended a Wired Woman event and happened to sit at the right table. When I arrived at The Sutton Place Hotel and checked in with Wired Woman, I didn't recognize anyone I knew at the event. Slightly hesitant of where to sit, I confidently approached a table of three women. After a few firm handshakes, friendly smiles, and genuine conversation I was at ease in no time.

The event was a great success. I walked away with new connections, knowledge, and mentorship; the exact Wired Woman slogan, "Network, Educate, Mentor". Within 24 hours, I met with one of the ladies for an interview. Within days, I was presented with an offer.

And so? I am about to embark on a new journey! Come Monday, I will be joining Thornley Fallis - renowned PR agency and digital leader in Toronto - and I couldn't be more excited. A brand new job :) *sigh of relief* After all my hard work, never-ending persistence, and untiring optimism (minus those blah days), I think it's safe to say that my "big break" is finally here.

Moral of The Journey

If there is one thing to take from my ramble, it is this: lead with presence. Network yourself and don't be afraid to explore the unfamiliar. Chat and engage with others online via social media but don't forget to establish that connection offline and IRL (in real life). Follow up with people you meet, add them on LinkedIN, and most importantly, never ever loose your motivation and child-like optimism. Life is a journey. Enjoy it.

Hello & Smile

As I sip on my vanilla roobios tea I can't help but smile. Why? Because life is beautiful.

I'm contently working downtown - Starbucks at Yonge & Bloor with my friend @seanbons - on my portfolio for an incredibly important interview tomorrow ;) We're both in positive spirits. Not only do we have the best booth to ourselves but we're toasty warm and deep in 'work mode' (minus my quick blog break of course)

[photo cred]

2010 is slowly but surely beginning to take flight; and so, a smile is plastered permanently across my face..where it should be. Alas, sometimes it's easier to say than do (this is what I call 'life') but sometimes you just gotta give it all you got and smile.

I hope you're all having a wonderful day, I just wanted to say hello and smile!

A Poem: My Redeemer

Where are you, my redeemer? I’m alone again.

I long for you, as I did before.
Familiar patterns emerge:
pessimistic scrutiny, cold hands, and sleepless nights.
Reluctant to conclude that you were never in armor.

Yes, you were never in armor.

My redeemer, I betrayed you.

I misjudged you, but never before.
Comprehendible realities digest:
complicated endings, genuine laughter, and new beginnings.
Steady to conclude that you, my redeemer, are still within myself.

Yes, you are within myself.

- Jess Muhlbier

I haven't written a poem in what feels like ages. Actually, it has been ages. I felt a little rusty, quick to criticize my santza structure and lack of rhythm. I'm glad I ignored the inner signs of 'rust' because once my pen hit paper, it felt nice. Familiar. And to think.. I almost forgot just how much I love to read and write poetry.

My 2010 Detox Recommendations

A detox is nearly not as challenging nor uncomfortable as you may think. A simple detox can (and should) be both appetizing and enjoyable. There is no need to a) starve yourself or b) chug nasty mixtures of special "herbs". Yuck. My detox recommendations begins with this notion: the more enjoyable your detox is, the more you are likely to stick with it. Well, duh. Right? :)

Pre Detox

Before committing to any detox, I urge you to listen to your body and to think about what it is you want to achieve.

It's also important to refrain from strenuous exercise such as high impact cardio and weights. Low impact exercise such as yoga, walking, stretching, etc is the safer way to go. Not only are these options less harsh on your body but they keep your body moving, which will ultimately speed up the waste-cleansing process.

Getting Started: Tips & Tricks

1. Create a Plan

Without some sort of plan, your diet may be in trouble. To save yourself from strolling up and down the grocery aisles it's best to make a few lists.

List 1: Foods you want to incorporate into your diet.

List 2: Foods you want to avoid on your diet.

You may also want to shop in advance as well as create some specific menus for yourself.

2. Think Whole Foods

Many people think that a detox diet requires oodles of supplements, fat-be-gone herbs and detox starter kits. This is definitely not the case. The more natural you go, the better. Think whole foods. Obviously cutting back on foods that are chemically enhanced and commercially packaged is a must. This means no instant meals, canned foods, and preserved items. In other words, raw veggies are your new best friend.

3. Green & Leafy

Veggies are one of the best and most effective detoxifying agents. They help to rid your body of environmental toxins and stress. Clearly, the more veggies the better. With that in mind, try to create a meal plan that has no less than 50% of dark green leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus are all great choices.

4. Apples

Apples are low in sugar, high in fibre, and have antiviral properties. I love apples because they can be used in so many different ways. In the mornings I often sweeten my oatmeal by grating apple and adding a dash or two of cinnamon. Trust me, it's delicious.

5. Flush it Out

Water, water, water, drink more water! Aim for at least 8-10 classes of water a day. Sometimes it helps to add a slice of lemon or cucumber. Most detox diets recommend a warm glass of water with lemon upon rising. To intensify this great detox-combo, add a teaspoon of ground flax seed.

I highly recommend opting for rooibos or detox tea in the mornings instead of coffee (don't worry - you can do this). Caffeine, especially coffee, can be is very dehydrating. Try "detox" tea sold at Davids Tea, it's blended with lemongrass which will help to detox your liver.

Post Detox

Hopefully post detox you feel fresh, rejuvenated, and clean. Don't forget to ease your body out of the detox (eating steak and potatoes immediately post detox is probably definitely not a good idea). The easiest way to ease your body out of a detox is to slowly increase your meal portions i.e. by adding some peanut butter to your apple etc.

Recommendations

For further information check out this detailed list of various detox and cleansing diets.

I recommend the raw food diet and or raw food detox diet since it's both flexible and gentle on your body.

Good luck and happy detoxing!

xo Jess

2010 Unfolds

As the New Year unfolds my excitement begins to boil over and my motivation heightens; suddenly, the anticipation is unbearable. Yes-siry, it's a New Year! 2010 (yikes - I am getting older! Then again, I suppose we all are :)

Amongst all the excitement, I hardly know where to begin. It's in this moment, amongst the New Year jitters, that I am completely and utterly ready to embrace 2010 in all its glory. Are you with me?

As my Father says, "you gotta begin somewhere". That you do. Although my know-it-all-Dad speaks truth, it's still tricky to pin point that perfect starting place. How do I best decipher my priorities when my mind is on overdrive with new "to do" lists, goals, challenges, and obligations. I have a mountain of books to read, emails to follow up on, people to see, work opportunities to explore, post grad courses at The University of Toronto in sight, and extracurricular actives to commit to. Needless to say, my iCal predicts an incredibly busy yet exciting year ahead.

(and this is only January!)

However, before I can nose dive into 2010 (literally :) I need to sit back and reflect on 2009. Self reflection is a must before tackling new goals and setting high expectations for yourself. I believe that a good self reflection should include your career, financials, family & friends, loved ones, and above all your self happiness and well being.

In my own self-reflection, I ask myself what goals did I surpass in 2009? Likewise, what goals fell short? Did I really increase my savings by $5000? Well, no..not quite. And more importantly, what have I learned and where do I see myself in the years to come? I ask myself these questions and ensure to write down the answers.

Thus far in my self-reflection slash kick-ass-resolution(s) I am on a tight budget so I can enjoy more vacations - one to come in April! - and so someday I can retire early - here's to hopeful thinking. I'm also tweaking my workout/health routine by adding hot yoga into the mix once a week and by cutting meat out of my diet. Since I haven't eaten red meat in years, this shouldn't be too hard...or so I think. As well as my new budget and health regime I am also making time to read at night as opposed to Tweeting till the wee hours (this may be the biggest challenge of all :P)

In my heart I know where I want to be in five years, so it's up to me to lay the appropriate foundation in order to meet my end goals. In a nutshell, I'm creating my own luck.

2010, bring it on ;)

And best of luck with all of your goals & resolutions!

xo J