Shedding bad habits [Part I]

Photo by Jamie Beck via Ann Street Studio.

Do you have those pesky bad habits that you just can’t seem to ever shake? Over the years, mine have grown and developed to a point where they’re just part of my life. Soon enough, these habits don’t even seem so harmful anymore, after all most everyone you know does them too and they’re all fine. And you’re fine as well, except for the dark moments when you lack energy, clarity and motivation…and those  habits are entirely to blame. With spring lining the streets in pretty blooms and sunshine, my soul aches to shed all the negativity and toxicity in my life.

Like with any problem, the first step is to admit it’s a bad habit – call it what it is and shine a light on it. It’s time I did this, no matter how long the list is. My toxic habits include:

Before the Search Bar: 3 Steps to Identifying Your Dream Job

Check out The Daily Muse today for my latest article on what to do before you get to the search bar and the three easy (and fun!) steps to identifying your dream job! 

It’s always an honor to write for The Daily Muse (check out a list of my other articles here) – their site is a daily read for me. The curation of articles on being a successful young professional, whether in entrepreneurship or a big-shot corporate job. 

-YB

 

Featured image of Emerson Fry via the EveryGirl. 

She decided to start living the life she imagined

Photo via Amanda Catherine Designs.

Christy’s recent dilemma got me thinking…I love being a student – I like the schedule, the learning and the community of being in the cacoon of like-minded people. But, being a student, working two part-time jobs and extracurricular activities takes up all the hours of my day. Over the years I’ve learned so much about time management and priorities, but some days, I still get to a point of being exhausted, stressed and unhappy.

Over the years, one of my creative outlets has been blogging (on and off) and of course, reading dozens of others blogs for inspiration. And anyone who has ever blogged or read a blog, would agree that there are times you read a post and a burst of envy claims that you too want that kind of life – the adventures, the pretty photos and the pure happiness you see on your computer screen.

Random acts of kindness

Photo via Pinterest.

Last week, after an exhausting day at work when I was juggling way to many responsibilities at once, I began thinking about acts of kindness. Sometimes, they’re simple things, like holding a door open for someone whose hands arefull of stuff. Other times, it’s bringing dinner to someone who’s bedridden. It’s those acts, both large and small that show a stranger or a close friend that you care enough to mak their life’s burdens just a bit easier to carry.

Anyway, as I was complaining about how I wish someone would have done something special for me on above mentioned work day, a voice in me nudged me to the opposite – do I do the same for others? What do I do to make the lives of those around me a bit more easier to navigate, a bit more happier?

I found the following quote on Tumblr the other day and it made me think….

My generation is gruesomely lonely, but in response, we don’t need another handout, another kind gesture, or a better bible study. We don’t need more people that will merely know our name and address or care for us sporadically and at arms length. We need big, reimagined, Jesus kind of love, and people willing to sacrifice themselves in order to live it with us. We need people who will love us enough to get messy. So be deeply involved. Be covered in someone’s tears.  Be the person who gets the call at midnight. Be the person who hears the gory details when someone’s marriage or career falls apart. Be the person who tells someone the hard stuff that they need to hear but no one wants to say. Be the person who repeatedly gets someone else’s mud and blood all over you. Be the person who goes home a little uncomfortable at night, not because of your behavior and thoughts, but because you’ve been near enough to someone else’s. Be a family member to the lonely, messy people of this world, and to my generation.  -Josh Riebock

God calls us to sacrifice our own lives and comforts to do His work, which includes doing good and making everyone’s lives around us easier and more blessed. Even if it’s giving up the shirt on your back or the last of your paycheck – that’s what we’re created to do.