So they didn’t pick me…

(Note: I wrote this post a few weeks ago and sort of sat on it, not sure if I should share it while I am looking for a job. But, I realize that these are the times and many of us are out there searching for our next opportunity and may meet with rejection regularly. The key is to keep on going and searching for that amazing place that will be the right fit. It will come.)

So, there’s this company that I really, really wanted to work for. I won’t mention their name here, but let’s just say they’re an international organization that most people are familiar with.

I’ve applied three times. I’ve gone to three group interviews. I’ve then met with the person in charge. And then I’ve been rejected.

I’m trying not to take this personally, but seriously, how can you not?

Funny enough, I fit the entry position to a ‘T’. I have the background experience, my extracurricular activities are well aligned, and I love working with people. But for some reason, I’m just not this company’s material. And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why.

The point of this isn’t to ramble on about why I can’t get the job, the point here is more about how I can’t seem to handle this rejection well. Every time this happens with this particular company, I take it to heart and start to question myself as a person. Are they seeing something I’m not seeing? Do I have a horrible personality trait that the people in charge don’t seem to like? These thoughts really do go on and on.

Anyone else who’s been rejected by a company that they really want to work for can probably relate. When you feel like a certain role would really align with your life and you can’t seem to get there, you really start to wonder what you’re doing wrong… Or, if this is what you really want. Goals and dreams start to crash around you and sometimes you don’t know where to go from here.

I read a lot of self-motivating books and blog posts that tell me to get out there and achieve my dreams. Life is there for the taking! But what about when you don’t achieve those goals? How many times do you try? I’ve tried three times, and I’m starting to think that’s enough. And I’m not looking at this as if I’m giving up. This is moving on. 

This is reconfiguring my goals and finding another approach to getting to the end result. I don’t need this one company to get there, it just would have been a big help to work in the proper environment. But I believe I can find that atmosphere elsewhere.

I want to surround myself with amazing people who are doing great things, who are also elevating those around them. I want to share what I have with them, pushing them to see their greatness as well. Sharing and caring environments are out there, you just have to look for them. Sometimes, one place is not the be all end all of your life. Plus, there’s only so many times I can try to convince a company how awesome I am. If they don’t see it, then it’s their loss. Time to move onwards and upwards where I can spread the joy and with others who will love and appreciate it.  ॐ

What’s your best strategy for dealing with job rejection? 

One goal down…

Yesterday morning I woke to some awesome news in my inbox – my article was published on elephant journal!

How exciting is that? I’m still pretty pumped about it.

This all started a few weeks ago when I had a chat with my friend and yoga teacher about which direction I’d like to take my life in after recently finishing a contract role. I mentioned that I enjoyed writing and hoped to have some articles published in different online publications someday, like elephant journal. To which her reply was just do it! I stared blankly at her like she was crazy, so she told me to write her something about what I am experiencing right now and she would take a look at it. She gave me a week.

To be honest, I felt panicked about this. Even though I currently write and share stories on this blog, I felt even more nervous about writing something for just one person to read. But, I did it. A week later I sent her my article and she gave me great feedback and told me to send it. So, a few days later I prepared my submission and sent it into elephant journal with my fingers crossed. And well, the rest is history! I really would not have sent something this soon without her extra push, and I thank her for that.

You can check out the post HERE, titled To Teach or Not to Teach. In this post I share some more private details about my life and how I am working to stay on the path I love, instead of returning to old patterns. It was a little scary to write, but I am definitely glad it is out there now. Check it out, let me know what you think, leave me some comment love if you have a minute.

Hopefully you’ll be seeing more of me on elephant journal in the future. Just have to keep putting it out there! ॐ

Logo from elephantjournal.com

Yoga Weekend Bliss…

Now that I’ve had the time to let the adventures of this past weekend sink in, I wanted to sit down to write and reflect on the awesome events I had the pleasure of participating in. It was a yoga filled weekend, and even now I am still feeling the buzz that comes from this great practice.

On Saturday I had the honour of attending Yoga Unite here in Toronto, which is a fundraiser in support of the New Leaf Yoga Foundation. For those unfamiliar, New Leaf is a non-profit that offers yoga programs to youth who are facing barriers such as neglect, abuse, involvement with the criminal justice system, socio-economic issues and more. Needless to say, this is an amazing organization doing great things with the youth in the community who deserve access to healthy activities, such as yoga.

The event had silent auction items (of which I won one!), massages by donation, Vega samples, live music, and more which everyone was able to take part in before and after the yoga. Right away I will tell you that the yoga class taught by Chantal Wade, Ella Isakov, Duncan Parviainen, Ashley Holly, and Jordana Halpert was AH-mazing. These teachers were able to make this class flow seamlessly, which was certainly helped by the transcending music of Darren Austin Hall. Darren sang, played the guitar, and the crystal singing bowls so well that I felt like I was taken away out of the room, out of Toronto even, and placed in a yoga sanctuary. Seriously, if you have never experienced crystal bowls before, give it a try. Right now. The vibrations from the sounds are extremely relaxing and healing, I just can’t get enough. I left this event on such a yoga high that it was difficult to imagine topping this afternoon spent with friends and the community, all while giving back to such a great organization.

Sunday followed up with another afternoon spent in the bliss of yoga. This time in a workshop held by Ashley Holly and Jordana Halpert called Vision Flow. This workshop involved the theme of ‘letting go’ paired with restorative yoga poses and guided meditation. For those that know me, guided meditation works best for me right now, so this practice was both relaxing and revealing. Ashley and Jordana work very well together, again seamlessly, transitioning between sections of the class with no effort or disruption to flow and relaxation. I left this class feeling so serene, I barely remember the hour long transit ride home. I was off in yoga-mind-land somewhere and it was great.

In the end, this past weekend had me feeling positive and in a sense, ready to take on the world. Such an amazing feeling, that I don’t want to lose it. Situations will arise that will challenge this feeling and the key is just to take things as they come and never let that feeling of positivity and hope go. Being surrounded by passionate and engaging people certainly helps and I am very glad to have made these connections since living in this new city. I look forward to what is next and am taking it one day at a time, it’s the best we can really do. ॐ

Setting up at Yoga Unite

16 things you can do to get out of the ‘dumps’…

pic via My Holistic Coach on Facebook

Let’s say you’re having a bad day… ok, week. You’re having a bad week. It happens to all of us – could be that things just aren’t connecting, you received some bad news, got laid off, had a bad break-up, etc – these things happen to each and every one of us. How we react is what sets us apart.

Some people have the ability to brush things off and keep moving forward, and then there are those of us who don’t take these situations as easily. Each response is neither good or bad unless the brushing off becomes avoidance and the difficulty dealing becomes depression. Hopefully in these situations we have the awareness to acknowledge the path we are going down and seek help, so that we can keep our heads above water in tough times.

I will be honest here, sometimes I handle things relatively well, sometimes badly, and occasionally avoidance. It can depend on the situation really. But during times when my reaction is sadness, I have to find ways to get myself up and out of the ‘dumps’.

How do you pick yourself up after a bad day (errr, week)? Here’s a list I’m starting, what can you add to it?

1. Talk to friends – best friends know exactly what to say, whether we want to hear it or not. Reach out and don’t be ashamed today.

2. Watch funny movies – laughter can be uplifting and funny movies can take our minds off our troubles for a little while.

3. Listen to music that lifts you up – dance around the house if you have to!

4. Listen to music that makes you cry – sounds weird, right? Nope. If you’re holding in something and needing a release, cry away here.

5. Spend time with family – being with that special person you connect with in your family can be very healing.

6. Get outside – get some fresh air, go for a walk, run in puddles… just get out there!

7. Do some Yoga – you had to know I would say this one. If it’s not in the budget, try doing it at home or seeking out karma/free classes in your area. You’ll be glad you went.

8. Exercise – go running, get a workout done, go walking, do a fitness DVD, doesn’t matter to me. Just get those endorphins going!

9. Eat healthy, whole foods – food is medicine, so have a look for great mood boosting foods that are healthy and whole (no junk food, sorry!).

10. Read a good book – take your mind off things with a great novel or pick up a book that could be helpful for what you are going through. Motivational books can be inspiration to getting you back on track.

11. Journal – write your feelings out in a journal, record motivational phrases, write about what you are grateful for, draw pictures… anything that helps you feel better.

12. Eat dark chocolate – ok, this one might just be for me, but a few bites of delicious dark chocolate can really hit the spot. Don’t eat the whole bar though, don’t want to feel worse or end up on a weird caffeine/sugar high ; )

13. Play with your pets – have a dog or cat? Spend time playing with your pets, this can really bring a smile to your face. Take your dog for a walk and enjoy the scenery together while getting exercise – fun!

14. Avoid things that anger you more – if social media is getting to you or bringing drama into your life, avoid it for awhile. You can do it and you will feel better for taking time away to do other things.

15. Do the little things you love – do you like crafts? Coffee? Cheesecake? Then go ahead and do the little things that make you happy and don’t feel guilty about it. But, remember moderation. Have a nice small cup of coffee, not the whole pot. Grab a few things to start your scrapbooking, don’t buy out the whole Michael’s store. See what I’m getting at? : )

16. Meditation – now, this may bring up more thoughts and issues in the beginning, but working through them and taking the time to meditate can be very rewarding. Start with guided meditation for 5 minutes and be easy on yourself.

17. Check out the Humour category of Pinterest – submitted by @JDtrains as something you can do if you need to brighten up right away (ie., at work). Scroll through these, you’ll laugh for sure.

(I’m not claiming to be a medical doctor or have all the answers, but just want to share the little things that have helped me pick up after a tough day. If you feel like things may be a bit more serious in your situation, please seek out help in your family or with a doctor. Take care and be gentle with yourself.) ॐ

Bad yoga day…

What do you do when you have a ‘bad yoga day’?

You head to class with the best intentions, have a delicious protein smoothie an hour before, and once you get on the mat you are uncoordinated and floppy… How do you react?

Well, today I didn’t react in the best way. I focused on how my poses were going wrong. I over-thought about why my balance wasn’t with me today, and I started to let it fester in my mind. Not a good idea mid-yoga class.

Not a good idea in general.

This doesn’t happen to me too often in yoga, this is usually the time I take away from berating myself. But every 2-3 months or so, I have the kind of class where I let my mind get the best of me and go down a negative road in the class. My inner voice starts telling me I’m not good enough to do this class, I’m too clumsy, I can’t do the poses as well as everyone else there… Etc etc. Even while this conversation is going on in my mind, I know it’s a bad idea. I know I need to stop it and just go with the flow of the class.

But it’s not always that easy, is it?

I already know that our bodies respond differently and can feel different each and every day. So sometimes, just like bad running days, I can have ‘bad yoga days’. And that’s ok. We’re not at optimal performance every single day, even if we want to be. Sometimes that little bit of sleep we missed can affect us. Maybe something else going on in our lives is tying up our mind. And maybe, just maybe, the time change throws us off a little bit. (Anyone else feeling a little sluggish?!)

Presently, I think I have a lot on my mind and I wasn’t fully letting it go for the yoga class today. Other thoughts were creeping up in my mind when I was supposed to be focusing on the flow and the enjoyment of the poses. And I have to realize that it’s going to happen sometimes and that it’s not the worst thing in the world. I also have to work on letting it go when these things creep up in my mind. I’m usually pretty good, but I find verbal and visual queues can be helpful.

Maybe the teacher sensed my tenseness, maybe she could read my face when I was struggling in balance poses, but she gave the right verbal queues when I needed to hear them. She told us to breathe and say in our minds “let go”, which after a few breaths really started to work. My mind went to that mantra and the negative thoughts started to fall off me to the floor. I dropped them for the rest of the class and even still feel pretty good as I’m writing this a few hours later. Amazing how those two little words can adjust your thought pattern and bring about peace in your mind. That’s powerful.

In the end, I probably shouldn’t say it was a ‘bad yoga day’, but it was an experience. It was part of the journey. And it served as an awesome reminder that when the mind is going places that don’t serve us, switch up the thoughts, say a mantra and move the mind into a more peaceful place. This doesn’t just apply to yoga classes either, do this anytime… At work, on the bus, in a long checkout line. Whenever you feel like your mind is wandering into a dark place, work on your own little mantra and bring it out into the light. We can do this!  ॐ

Have you ever had a ‘bad yoga day’? How did you turn it around?

Something weird is happening to me…

What in the world is happening to me?

I’m experiencing this strange, new feeling…

I’m starting to like… Running.

Yes, running.

I think I need to take my temperature.

If you recall, I wrote a post about “hating” running back in 2011, I’m not sure what has changed. I even found myself missing running this winter.

Do I have a fever?

Here’s what I think is really happening – I think it’s that I miss the outdoors and warm weather and I get to enjoy these things while running. Makes sense right?

Oh damn. I’m starting to like running. How did this even happen? It weirds me out even telling you this. But it’s happening.

I like the great active-wear, lacing up my runners, listening to fast music, zooming past people on the sidewalk, sun shining on my face, and the great burn I feel from moving and sweating. Feels great to see improvements in runs and to analyze (not too much!) why I had a bad run when it happens. Most of all I think I like it now because I took the competitive nature out of it for myself. Before, I used to put tons of pressure on my self to run fast and far. I would feel like garbage if I didn’t finish my 5K in 30 minutes… I would over analyze. I don’t do that anymore. Over the past 2 years I have got myself to a mindset of running for fun and fitness. Of course, I still track my times and progress because I like to see how I am doing, but it’s not for the point of competitiveness and berating myself.

I will sign up for races, but I also won’t pressure myself to overdo it just to make certain times. If I run 5K in 36 minutes, oh well. That’s good in my mind and at least I am doing it. I’m not going to feel bad if I only do 5K max runs this season. As long as I’m happy with my goals and progress, that is what matters. I am bringing the idea of ‘no ego’ from yoga into running. That’s right. Look out fellow runners, I will be out there and I’ll just be happy running along and enjoying myself. Going at my pace and enjoying the scenery. And that’s how why I’m starting to like running. See ya out there!  ॐ

Is self love possible…?

Photo credit: blogs.prevention.com

Is it truly possible?

Or, will most of us spend our years trying and trying to fully love the person that we are, but always come up a little bit (or a lot) short?

I asked myself this question yesterday after a serious discussion with a close friend.

Both this friend and I have spent many years trying to fully love ourselves as we are. We’ve read books, talked to numerous people, immersed ourselves in yoga, and did workshops… and yet, we still struggle with being happy with who we are. What’s worse is that we’re fully aware of our negative self-talk, but the story in our minds still goes on.

During this conversation I gave advice to my friend in an effort to help her feel better. Honestly, I know I was saying stuff that she already inherently knew. Later on though, I really thought to myself… do I take my own advice? Partially, yes. But in reality, I am still struggling with the same story myself. I’ve only mentioned this briefly in other posts, but I’ve been dealing with some health issues lately. These issues are really starting to take a toll on my inner voice and depleting the self love that I worked so hard to build up over 20 years. Why am I letting this happen? In short, I believe it’s just what we do.

When something is going wrong in our lives – health, career, relationships – more often than not we look internally for blame. This doesn’t last a long time for some people, but for the rest of us we dwell on it for too long (sometimes even years). Our negative voice comes in telling us what we did wrong, what we neglected, or karma is getting us for that time we didn’t hold a door open for someone. Our inner voice tries to tell us we’re not good enough.

The hard work is shutting that negative voice up and changing it to a positive commentary. Learning to change negative thoughts into thoughts of love and acceptance for ourselves. This is the stuff that takes work. I know it, my friend knows it, and damn, I’m guessing you do too.

How can you make small steps towards a more positive inner voice?

- Yoga: Over time yoga has helped me to progress bit by bit into accepting my body as it is. I used to fuss over every little pound gained or if my hair wasn’t pretty enough, etc etc. Yoga helped me drop a lot of those worries up until my health issues and now I know I need it more than ever, so that I can be more accepting of what is happening to me now.

- Talking: Seriously, talking helps. To a close friend, mentor, counsellor – whoever it is, get out there and talk. Internalizing everything and running more negative thoughts through your head isn’t going to help, I know this. Talk with others who see the great person you are and try to see what they see. Having a support network is so important these days, especially with the world becoming more online and impersonal.

- Reading: Seek out amazing books that are going to lift your spirits or help you see another perspective. Good books include exercises and meditations that help you think and journal about what you’re experiencing and how you’re progressing. Some books are just incredibly motivational and they can lift your spirits, which is a nice kind of therapy.

- Writing: Get yourself a journal today. Or, start an online blog or private journal on your computer. I find hand-writing can be much more therapeutic for this, but if you prefer typing than go ahead! Journal while you read amazing books, journal while you go through everyday life, journal while you travel. Getting your thoughts out on paper can be so good for the soul, you’ll be amazed. Record inspirational quotes, moments of joy, and what you’re grateful for everyday.

I’m not claiming to have all the answers, I’m still a work in progress myself. But these things have definitely helped me over time and I know I need to turn to them now. Self love takes work and it’s a major investment in you – know that you are worth it and if you need to take baby steps, do it. You’ll be happier and more at peace with yourself in the end.  ॐ

What else would you add?

And the winner is…

And the winner of the MyInsens incense giveaway is…

Rachel H!!

Congrats Rachel, I hope you enjoy MyJoy as much as I do!

A special thanks to everyone who entered. Be sure to check out MyInsens online for great products and friendly service!  ॐ

MyJoy incense from MyInsens

 

 

New Year fears and goals…

Happy New Year!

Ok, I know I’m about a week late, but better late than never, right?

Seems like only yesterday I was writing a blog post about how my 2011 went (not great) and here we are, a full year later. Time sure does fly. Unfortunately, I don’t have the best things to report about 2012 either. I had high hopes for 2012 and I even mentioned a few things I wanted to accomplish during the year.  Let’s just say that most of them didn’t happen.  I was unpleasantly surprised with career and health issues in 2012 and those became my focus for the rest of the year.  Still unresolved, still a work in progress.

Because of this, I am extremely hesitant to make any goals for 2013.  On New Year’s Eve I felt awful about the things I didn’t accomplish due to these speed bumps and I don’t really like that feeling.  I don’t like feeling disappointed with myself.  So, I’m not really in the mood to feel that way again in less than 12 months.  Yep, that’s me living in the fear I guess.  Trying to convince myself that if I do accomplish anything, than I’ll be pleasantly surprised instead of let down if things don’t work out again.

Well, I know I can’t think like that.

I have to plan and at least have a few goals for myself.  Need some direction.

Broad goals for 2013 include going on a small trip outside of Canada, gaining some clarity on “what I want to do with my life” (or at least for the next 5 years), and improving my health.  These aren’t huge goals – well, maybe the career one is!  I’ve never really been able to figure out what it is I want to do and it’s a challenge.  But, I know I’d like to find a role in an organization with great people where I continuously learn and give back to the community… with an alright paycheque. ; )

In the end, I’d just like to make a few steps forward after 2012′s setbacks (especially in the health area). Feel a sense of accomplishment and have a smile on my face.  Sounds good, right?

Another goal I have already started for 2013 is to do a yoga pose per day.  I can’t make it to a yoga class everyday and there are definitely some days I don’t feel like working out, but I am committing myself to get into a pose at least once a day. Yoga always makes me feel better and doing one pose shouldn’t be hard. Plus, it’ll probably lead into more poses, so at least I’ll be getting a little yoga series in once a day all year long. It will be a random pose everyday, whatever my body feels like doing at that time.  I’ll also post it to Twitter at some point in the day with the hashtag #yogipose365 if you want to follow along (or check up on me!).  This is definitely one step in the right direction to feeling great!

So, wherever you are and whatever your resolutions for 2013 are, I wish you the best in all areas of your life.  Let’s make this a great year together!  ॐ

Cleansing for the new year… myInsens Giveaway!

Is it just me, or did 2012 really fly by?  Seems like only yesterday we were ringing in the new year and beaming with excitement for the things to come.

And now we’re at that time of year again, the time to wish and plan for the new year ahead.  Soon we’ll be ringing in the new and and reflecting on the old.  How did 2012 go for you?  What are you hoping to accomplish for 2013?

Some people at this time of year might need to cleanse out old thoughts, habits, and behaviours.  Maybe even cleanse out the space they are in to start fresh for the new year ahead.

One great way to cleanse and clear the space you live in is to burn some refreshing incense.  This can create the essence of clearing the air while creating a relaxing space – especially when the incense is made from all natural ingredients, such as those by myInsens.  Or, maybe you would just like to enjoy myInsens while doing yoga or relaxing in the tub with a good book, either way their scents create a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere that make me feel like I’m in a beautiful yoga studio.

Why am I telling you this?  Well, not only because I love the myJoy incense, but I also wanted to tell you about this great company that gives back to the village in India where the product is made. How amazing is that?  Oh, and how could you not love a product with such wonderful Ambassadors as Michelle Vogiatzis (@VogiYogi) and David Good (@DavidGoodYoga)!

Benefits of myInsens scents include: soothing the nerves, promoting balance in the body and mind, calming stress, and bringing about spiritual wellness. Personally, I’ve experienced calming wellness and clearness of the mind while using myInsens during yoga or relaxing with a book.

Now, here’s the exciting part – myInsens is giving away one box of incense to one lucky reader here!  Their products come in lovely velvet boxes with a beautifully crafted holder and there are 6 amazing scents – myZen, myJoy, mySerenity, mySpark, myMantra, and mySensuality. They even have a fun little quiz on their website to help you pick your scent, which is surprisingly accurate!  ॐ

To enter – tell us in the comments which scent you would like best.  You can also share this tweet for an extra entry:

I want to win rejuvenating incense with @YogiCrystal and @myInsens to balance mind and body! http://wp.me/pIR1v-gX 

** Contest closes 11:59 pm EST on December 31, 2012 – open to American and Canadian residents, Good luck! **