Archive for 'family'

Wrap Your Love in a Big Ol’ Hug

Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at 10:58 PM  
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Merry Christmas!
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There’s just something in the air this time of year, isn’t there? For me it is the sight of bare trees silhouetted against a pale blue sky, the sound of Christmas carols floating through the air, twinkling lights brightening up the neighborhood, and holiday cheer beaming through the smiles of friends and strangers alike. It just makes life so magical, doesn’t it?

The Chapman family had our Christmas early this year because (as I’m sure is the case for many of you) it seems impossible sometimes to get everyone in one place. So this past weekend I found myself comforted by the smell of delicious Southern home cooking as wrapping paper flew through the air. As excited “ooh’s” and “thank you’s” filled the room, something magical happened.

For just a few moments everything slowed down for me. It was as if someone had hit the slow motion button to my life so that I could notice and soak up the joy all around me.

A special someone caught my eye –  my little 3-year old nephew as he started opening the mountain of presents that laid in front of him. Some gifts were taller than he was! Little Buddy couldn’t wait to discover the treasures inside.  Read the rest of this entry

On Love and Marriage: 18 Success Tips from Professional Women

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 11:30 AM  
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As a proud member of Connect: Professional Women’s Network on LinkedIn, I enjoy reading and engaging in discussions relevant to women’s issues. The fellowship with other professionals is priceless, especially in light of the growing importance of online networking. Recently, Christine Sternfels, Founding Director of A Dollar A Day For A Year, posed an interesting question to members of this group:

If you knew then what you know now,

what advice would you give your younger self? 

In the discussion that followed, several incredibly talented and accomplished women offered a wealth of candid career and life strategies. I felt compelled to share them with you – not only because I am a sucker for a good quote, but because I believe there is value in taking a moment to learn from those who have gone before.

The advice that follows is categorized based on focus and will be presented in three parts. This is the second post, which focuses on advice specific to relationships and raising a family. The first post in this series focused on career advice, while the final post will offer success tips related to life in general (finances and health/diet). I hope you’ll find the comments as inspiring as I did!

On Relationships

1. Stay focused on your core values and don’t worry about the small stuff. - Elena Filimonova - IT Manager at UnitedHealth Group

2. Your real friends show up when your life is a mess and help without being asked. Embrace these people and always be there for them. - Catherine Clinch - Columnist at MEDIA GRAZING column in Film News Briefs Read the rest of this entry

Career v. Life

Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 9:27 PM  
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Work is part of life; it is healthy and constructive. It pays the bills. It gives the reward of real accomplishment and useful participation in community and society. It doesn’t matter if you are a Career Counselor like I am, a pizza delivery girl, a corporate executive, or an aspiring rocket scientist. Work can be wonderful and fulfilling if the fit is just right. However, as you might have learned, if not managed correctly, a job can also take a toll on your relationships, health, and overall sense of well-being.

The harsh reality of the current economic climate is that most of us are forced to do more with much, much less – both at work and at home. In today’s chaotic world, it is a safe bet that there just isn’t enough time in the average day to meet the responsibilities of work, family and friends. And, since our bosses hold a tight rein on our paychecks, it is likely that our family and friends are the ones who suffer. If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t find the time to return phone calls or remember to send a birthday card to your Aunt Betty. Thank goodness for Facebook! That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
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