Nutrition for Your Soul When Sucess Equals Stress

Do you ever have those days where you feel amazingly, astonishingly productive but overwhelmed at the same time?

Your heart races, your head spins and somehow minutes turn into hours. I suppose the feeling I am describing is equivalent to that of hiking the highest mountain; adrenaline pumping disbelief meets a combination of your sappy self functioning on total sleep deprivation.

Wait, what did you say Sarah Jessica Parker voice that I hear through this blog?

That's the feeling of: SUCCESS? 

Are you sure? 

Why does it always seem to be that the actions associated with success often equal STRESS?

Now, I am not talking about stress in a "bad" context. Admittedly, stress is a huge source of many people's motivation.

Stress creates a sense of urgency when you need to meet a deadline. It can help provide that extra push you need to make sure you aren't late to a meeting. We experience stress so subliminally that it takes a lot more to stress us out then it should. To add to this, many of us experience the symptoms of stress--headaches, loss of energy and appetite, grinding our teeth, insert your stressful symptom (___________)--without even realizing that any of those things have occurred until the work day is done. And, we collapse into bed.

Sucess Equals Stress Examined Further
Is this an ideal imposed on us by society or worse, by ourselves? Can we celebrate a day that does not start off with formulating the "to-do" list, working through the "to-do" list then thinking about the next "to-do" list while we have yet to finish calling, faxing, emailing, texting and tweeting? (some people still fax!)

What can we do to shift the energy from stress into the positive energy force of momentum?

The Jaclyn of All Trades acronym for MOMENTUM is:
Making Opportunities Match Expectations Necessary To Unleash Magic

I shift the gears into momentum mode by seeking "nutrition for my soul."

Yes, you heard correct. When I need to be less stressed, I look for things I can listen to or read that revert me back to childhood when stress wasn't on the daily menu. Back then, life was about having fun, dreaming big and exploring childlike wonder.

As an adult, nutrition for my soul helps reorganize the way I spend my energy by placing the concept of time into total perspective so that life is fun again.

And my most recent favorite source of this soulful juice is the Holstee Manifesto.

Beautiful, right? Read it again. How do you feel? A little less.....stressed?

The brains behind the Holstee manifesto definitely practice what they preach. As their website points out, "Holstee began as a dream (that it's founders) Mike, Dave and Fabian had to create a lifestyle for themselves - a lifestyle which reflects their manifesto. Holstee designs and curates with the hopes that each product and its inherent story inspires others to follow their dream. A closely knit community of fans has been growing around Holstee products, curated items, the music they listen to, and experiences they share."

When I need to be recharged, when my momentum is starting to diminish, I pick any one of the quotes from above and apply them in the appropriate context to the actions of my daily life.

Which of the quotes above really speaks to you? Do you think the actions of success equal stress? What do you do to manage it all? Inquiring minds would like to know, we can all benefit by learning from eachother.

All in all, I hope you like the Holstee Manifesto as much as I do. I hope it replenishes you in the areas you need most. It's mid week. We still have those goals to accomplish. Celebrate each step and stride and even if you fall short or get off track, remember: "Getting lost will help you find yourself." Or at least help you find some nutrition for your soul.

Signing off,

The Jaclyn of All Trades 

 

Feel Good Fridays-Follow Your Yellow Brick Road

"As you journey through life, choose your destination wisely, but don't hurry there. You will arrive soon enough. Wander the back roads, the forgotten paths, the unknown ways, as you keep your dreams in your heart as the light that guides you. 

Seek out new voices, strange sights, and bold ideas. Such things are riches for the soul. 

And if, upon your arrival, you find that your destination is not exactly what you dreamed it would be, don't be disappointed. Think of all you would have missed if not for the journey there, and know that the true worth of your travels lies not just in where you've come to be, but in who you become along the way." ---Linda Staten

 When all is said and done, I hope my journey takes me back here.

Photo: Jaclyn Mullen. Cancun, Mexico in July, 2010.

Upon waking up this first Friday of February, I grabbed a book that was gifted to me by my college roommate Nicole (who happens to be one of my closest friends). The title "GO FOR IT--A Celebration Of Your Dreams" just called my attention this morning.

As most people do when reading a book, I flipped open to the first few pages and came upon the paragraph above. Then, I paused in my tracks. For some reason, the Wizard of Oz popped into my head and I thought about the "yellow brick road."

We all have a journey; a yellow brick road but where is it leading us? 

Does it matter where we are going so long as we grow along the way?

More importantly, have you ever arrived at the destination of the road feeling like you went down the wrong way?

Each new year is a new road to follow. That's why we create New Years resolutions and set annual goals. Some years are better than others. And for those that may not turn out as we had hoped, are we able to see who we have become along the way? 

I, unlike a lot of other people, have the fortune of pursuing various yellow brick roads. For one, I have a risk taking spirit by nature, not in a wild sense. I am a gypsy. I can live out of a suitcase without any discomfort. I am single, no husband, no kids, no pet. I can roam freely and have always taken advantage of that.

Plane picture I took circa 2007

There was the time I left my hometown at eighteen to move to Florida and start completely anew. Several years later, I moved to LA. There was the time I quit my corporate job working for a commercial real estate firm to pursue my passions and joined a hip hop dance crew. These days, I'm on a whole new path and have to work really hard not to rush to get "there."

But what about you? Are you frustrated that the route "there" is taking so long? Do you stop and make a list of accomplishments you have achieved along the way? Daily, weekly, monthly? Do you venture off into the unknown or is fear holding you back from pursuing something you REALLY want to do?

Read the statement above from Linda Staten again. Seek out a new sight today in your hometown, drive or walk a different route home. And if you can't enjoy the journey because you're pressed for time, have no fear. I'm happy to provide one new voice, one strange sight and one bold idea this Feel Good Friday. 

1. New Voice...sort of. These guys are definitely guaranteed to make you get up out of your seat and move, courtesy of many other people's voices. I don't know how "they" do it but I LOVE IT. Check out Hood Internet vs Chicago, these dynamic DJ's mix up an amazing assortment of hip hop, rock, 80's music. Whenever I need to be productive, I listen to a Hood Internet mix. Being 'hood never felt so good.
2. New, strange sight. I don't mean strange as in funky or weird, I mean strange as in new--something you don't see everyday. Newsflash, you don't have to fly anywhere to see a new sight. Check out National Geographic--with a few clicks of your mouse, you can see the sunset in Kenya.
3. One bold idea. Apple, one of America's most popular brands, has always been bold, brave and bad ass! This article from The99Percent.com demonstrates how a brand like Apple can think different and find success. Perhaps it can inspire a bold new idea or approach in you.

As this post proves, you don't have to go very far to find something new. After all, it was the wise Lao Tzu has said, "the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." 

Beneath--not ahead of one's feet, or behind. Right where you are. Follow the yellow brick road, even if you don't end up at your desired Emerald Castle, for maybe, as it's been in my case, it will be a Ruby Castle instead.

Feel Good Fridays (Inspired by Dr. Deepak Chopra)

Today, I finally understood the statement "I'm so happy I could cry" because I almost did, 3 times to be precise.

To preface this post, earlier today I was fortunate enough to hear Dr. Deepak Chopra speak on "The Soul of Leadership" courtesy of Step Up Women's Network, and the Drucker Business Forum. As you can imagine, not many people get the opportunity to hear Dr. Deepak Chopra speak in the flesh (let alone thank him personally afterward). 

And yet, in one hour, at least 100 "Angeleno's" were profoundly impacted by what he had to say while I was moved to tears (twice).

Well, what was this emotional advice you may be asking? The following are my cliff's notes versions of Dr. Chopra's great wisdom which impacted me so deeply.

• Take 5 to 10 minutes every day to focus on your reason for being here, try to visualize and really feel these desires straight from your heart.
• Speaking of feelings, it is very important to feel your fear. What you resist, persists. DO WHAT YOU FEAR THE MOST.
• Our "set point for happiness" is determined within the first three years of our lives.
• A lot of people are spending more than they've earned to buy things they don't need to impress people they don't like. Money isn't the root to happiness.
• If you had all the money and time in the world, how would you express yourself?
• Of his experience in teaching at the Kellogg School of Management Dr. Chopra stated, "A lot of students slowly realize that they thought they were "just running businesses". When they review their desires, they want to change the world too." As employees, business owners, entrepreneurs--we can change the world and we should want to.
• When you start to experience a stimulus that "pushes your buttons" and triggers a resentful response from you STOP, focus on the sensation then do nothing. Whatever the annoyance, it will slowly fade away.

The last bullet point is very true and perhaps the most difficult to execute which is why I cried a third time (in my car, on the drive home, while listening to Neil Diamond).

"I Am...I Said" one of my favorite Neil Diamond jams

You see, over a month ago, I was going through some difficult, personal challenges that really tested my emotional strength. I wanted to react, to be angry, I was upset and very unhappy. It seemed as though every week for at least 8 weeks straight, something difficult would continue to happen building upon the original reason I was upset to begin with. By week 6, I threw my hands up in the air and said, "Ok world, I get it. I need to let go. Until I let go and change my attitude, things will continue to negatively impact me."

The moment I stopped and stood still, the moment I didn't rehash my old wounds was the moment I became free and saw my circumstances in an entirely new light.

I realized the beauty in the flexibility of my new situation. 

I appreciated the opportunity to close a chapter of my life and move forward. 

And I more or less realized that had it not been for those circumstances and changes, I wouldn't have been able to listen to Dr. Deepak Chopra speak on a Friday morning in January, 2011.

So I leave you with this. To those of you going through tough times right now, hold on. Sit still as Dr. Deepak Chopra encourages. Things will get better. Once you make it through the tough times and see the light, you'll be so happy you could cry (and appreciate that statement).

I know I do and I know I am.

Signing off,

Jaclyn M Mullen

Commitment in 2011-An Exercise for Inspiration

You see this good looking couple pictured above? They are my grandparents and this past December, I was HONORED to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary with them.

61 years....that's a long time! How did they do it? How did they manage to stay together? 

Marriage wasn't the most difficult obstacle that my Grandparents had to face. Try fleeing communist Romania, immigrating to Greece, Lebanon and Israel all BEFORE finally making their way to the United States. Thankfully, New York City greeted my grandparents with open arms however, they did not speak English and were in total culture shock.

That did not matter to them. Their challenges were merely a part of life, something they had to deal with and overcome for my grandparents knew the meaning of commitment. 


I can't help but examine this topic. After all, we live in a world of "here one day, gone the next." We live by the principles of the instant gratification generation and have no problems moving on (again and again) whether it be from people, jobs or even our personal aspirations. As entrepreneurs, dreamers and members of society...we can't afford to lack commitment.

By definition, Commitment means: to show loyalty, duty or pledge to something or someone.


Could you commit to something for 61 years? Honestly, I'm not sure if I could but that doesn't mean I won't try. 

What are your commitments? 
When was the last time you asked yourself this question? 
How do you maintain them?

Personally in 2011, I am committed to blogging daily, exercising and reading more often. Aside from identifying these tasks as my commitments, I am also holding myself accountable. Everyday, these 3 things are the most important items on my "to-do" list to ensure I can get them done.

I'm trying to get back my youthful physique. (Jaclyn of All Trades, 3 years old.) 

That's me, smiling and sitting behind the boy hunched forward.  

It also helps that I have an example of commitment right before my eyes. Which is why I have chosen to share this with you! 61 years of marriage for my grandparents....reading, writing and working out for me.

What about YOU??? Could you use a little help in the commitment department?

Write down one thing you are committed to this year. Heck, you can even place it in the comments box on my blog then use this post as a reminder to, "show loyalty, duty or pledge to something or someone".

(Even if that someone is you!) 

Being Brave-Putting The Big Girl Panties On (And Other Lessons Of Adulthood)

Facing our fears is NOT a fun task. 

As Natasha Sunshine, owner of Byuti Salon in Santa Monica, taught me last year when I attended a SMARTY entrepreneur event she held, FEAR "should" stand for:

FALSE
EVIDENCE
APPEARING
REAL 

So, if that's the case, what are we supposed to do when the evidence isn't false? When we find out that a friend may have lied to us? When we suffer the loss of a loved one? Or perhaps, when we get diagnosed with a life threatening illness? These aren't my fears but they could be some day.

Just last week, as I faced my current fears head on in Los Angeles, I heard the following statement...TWICE.

"It's time to put your big girl panties on."

(Thanks Liz Dennery Sanders and Nada Jones)

What does that mean? Can men have "big boy panties" too?

Of course they can, since the statement, by my definition, means:

• To deal with things like an adult. 
• To find a solution for your roadblocks. 
• To take care of your health. 
• To prioritize your time. 

These tips have helped me be brave and forge ahead, big girl panties and all. (For my part, it took big girl panties to post this.) 

1. Don't get mad, get clear. What is it that may be frustrating you about the situation? Concentrate on the facts. Do you feel as though you have not been heard? Can you see the other persons perspective? What is the solution? I am all about expressing one's feelings so I am not saying don't feel "mad." Take it from me, being Armenian and Irish, sometimes getting mad about something is only natural. But it won't do me (or you) or the other party any good to fester. Take time to collect your thoughts and figure out a way to communicate your disappointment or frustration without finger pointing.
2. Take responsibility for yourself.  You always have a choice when it comes to your life. At some point, you have to accept that good or bad childhood, your dead end job--you control your choices. If your career isn't going in the direction you want it to, perhaps you should take a class or seminar. Expand your network. Launch your own business. The possibilities are endless. All that matters is you remain in control and accept responsibility. 
3. Your health is your wealth.  When I woke up this morning, one of the first things I came across on my Twitter feed was an article entitled, "Pizza and Ramen Are Hurting Your Start Up." So true! We are what we eat, we are what we think. Having realized this (for the 100th time this weekend) I finally went to the grocery store and stocked up on groceries; most importantly breakfast!!!! No time, no problem. Toast an english muffin, spread some peanut butter on top and pair that with a glass of Orange Juice and you've got some of those basic food groups covered. Make sure to balance the diet with exercise, get plenty of rest. Nothing can happen, good or bad in your life, if you aren't here. 
4. Accept criticism but don't hang around with too many skeptics. You and I are not perfect so there may be a time when you hear that feedback. Hard as it is, I read a quote that summed it up best. "Criticism is a part of life. Sometimes it's warranted. Address the valuable, ignore the juvenile and move on." Sure, there is a little truth in everything. The last part of this quote is key--move on! You don't want to be around someone that ALWAYS brings you down. Find your support group, be it friends or family. Balance is essential to helping you remain in reality. Criticism helps you change (hopefully) and praise keeps you motivated. 

And there you have it. The brave way to deal with life. Sure, it's not always going to be as simple as I have made it sound HERE. Hopefully the fears will be false. 

But if they aren't, just think of that Pampers Song "I'm A Big Kid Now."

You sure are. And when a big kid gets knocked down, they get back up AGAIN and AGAIN. 

It's Coming Along (Or So I Think)

Bon jour. Happy Sunday! If you've been to my blog before, you know that it is undergoing a transformation. I changed the design and layout, added my Twitter feed and a section for the blogs I frequent often. Totally tubular, right?

Towards the end of last year, I had also changed my hair color. I'm a brunette now.

This Blog is still a work in progress but I REALLY enjoy it! (and I hope you do too).

The more I try to develop TheJaclynOfAllTrades, the more I am reminded that we are all a work in progress.  

With this new year, I know we are all assessing our goals, our wants and our desires for 2011. 

And just as my blog has transformed these past few months, I am undergoing the process of transformation too (aside from hair color). Some of my growth experiences have been within my control while others were not. But I've realized, this is all happening for a reason (cliche...yes, but true indeed!)

So why do I chose to share this? Why post this online? I've always enjoyed communicating and I know there may be people out there that need someone they can relate to. Most people aren't willing to share their innermost thoughts, let along blog about them and that's ok because I am. 

Personally, my transformation involves writing, taking pictures, singing and networking with some of my closest friends. I am helping people and I am helping myself. All of this would not be happening if I wasn't willing to change.

 Santa Monica Sunset photo by yours truly

Why change? Things are fine the way they are. Why stir the pot and stray from normalcy?

The old me wasn't expressing my inner artist. The old me was on a hamster wheel and couldn't get off. The old me was stagnant.

The new me has open eyes (see picture above). The new me is on an open road with tangible goals. The new me is in charge of my life again.

Sure, you can stay comfortable. You can have a wish list that you'll never get to cross off. But for what? Life is uncomfortable. Life is meant to change so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Think of one thing you want to accomplish this year in 2011 and set into motion the plan to make it happen.

Enjoy the transformation. Here, within, anywhere.

If You Blog It, They Won't Come. But That's OK (For Now)

Well......if you read yesterday's post, I have news for you. Maybe the news is more for myself. The term Blogaholic has existed FOR AWHILE. There seem to be some pretty creative people out there online that have beat me to the punch (and that's ok).

A Snapshot of some other Blogaholics Online

http://www.blogaholicdesigns.com/

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=blogaholic

http://www.theconfessionsofablogaholic.com/

Speaking of blogging (while poking a little fun at myself), just because people offline always ask for your opinion or advice does not mean that when you transfer "said advice" and information online, you will automatically have an audience for your Blog. (Are you listening Jaclyn of All Trades???)

And you know what? I am ok with that. Part of this Blogging process for me is experimentation, trial and error, uncovering my audience--which is a good metaphor for life.

This is the heartbeat of my Blog. At least it's alive

None of us should shoot in the dark but how many of us are? You wake up, you go to work, but what do you want out of life? Do you even know? Are you getting what you think you want out of life?

I am guilty as charged, guilty of shooting in the dark. Of having great ideas and aspirations but being "too busy" to really sit down, to slow down and create the action plan necessary to put those ideas into effect. It wasn't until recently that I started the self examination process and began saying to myself "I don't want to shoot in the dark anymore. What do I offer? What am I good at versus what am I passionate about? How do I WANT to spend my life?"

I owe the beginning of this process to the mentor I was paired with through Step Up Women's Network, Nikki Hamedani, who pointed out that there is a distinction between a JOB and a career. Sure, the job pays the bills, puts food in your mouth, it most likely even provides health insurance.

My Step Up mentor and I. Skybar Los Angeles circa August, 2010.

But is that what you dreamt you'd be doing when you were a child? Would you be willing to do your job for FREE if you had to?

These are the questions to ask yourself. What if you already pursue your passion but want to crank if up a notch? Then, I ask you this.

• What do you define as success?
• What is your expectation regarding the growth and fruition of your goals?
• Are you shooting in the dark?

If the answer is yes, at least you are shooting. But take a step back, identify a way for you to obtain tangible facts or answers. For examples sake, I will use my blog. The answers I need to "shoot in the light" come in the form of page views, key words and traffic sources.

So take it from me-if you blog it, they won't come (at first). But maybe you will learn a thing or two about yourself and how to fine tune. With that information, you can build from there.

If you don't plan it, it won't happen. Take a small step...today. I double dare you.

Signing off,

Jaclyn M Mullen

The Jaclyn of All Trades

Have you started following me on Twitter yet???

http://www.twitter.com/jaclynmullen

Ask Jac--An Advice Forum

Hello! Happy Holidays! I hope this Tuesday, December 28th, finds you all in good spirits.

This time of year, (aka the end of the year) often initiates reflection upon our lives!!! What did we accomplish this past 12 months? What could we have accomplished? What did we learn?

We, or maybe just ME then take this information and regroup for our beloved New Years resolutions. Yes, I said resolutions--plural. Personally, I will have a lot of marks for myself to achieve this year.

Often times, my friends and I get into discussions about our lives, goals and where we see ourselves down the line. And dear old father time has taught us all that, sure--you can plan but things will change! Trust me, things will change dramatically and often when least expected, causing chaos and growth yet that is the beauty of life. Finding our way amidst the mess, forging "our own path."

I have undergone A LOT of change over the years. I've worked in different industries, lived in different cities, I've traveled to different places. And so, I have become a resource for my friends and family.

"Jaclyn, how can I launch my blog?"

"Jaclyn, what did you like best about being a business traveler? What's the best way to fly from x to z?"

"Jac, I don't know how to word this, can you help me?"

Needless to say, I LOVE to help people! I should rephrase that, I LOVE to analyze and find solutions to things that people need help with. We all need help, myself included. And it is more natural for some of us (ME) to help others.

So-to share, one of my resolutions this year is to get more focused with my blog and I believe an "Ask Jac" column will allow me to do this. I can share my expertise while assisting people with advice or guidance they may need in their life. This is a formal invitation where I now invite you to think long and hard of a creative question and "Ask Jac".

I will post your questions and my answers here then link back to you (or allow you to remain anonymous if you so chose).

Whatever the case, 4 days remain in 2010. Reflect back and regroup for 2011 then get ready to ask for advice regarding your goals--not just from me, from anyone. Before we know it, 2011 year will be over too. MAKE IT COUNT!

Signing off,

Jaclyn Mullen
The Jaclyn of All Trades

Follow me on Twitter @jaclynmullen
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