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Nobody’s Perfect

“Perfectionism is self destructive simply because there is no such thing as being perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal.”  — Brene´ Brown

I’d love to get a perfect score for this blog challenge and write a post every single day. But, let me be perfectly clear, it probably won’t happen. There is too much going on in my brain. And it isn’t just one thing. It’s everything.

This morning, I was beating myself up for not writing a post yesterday. Since I’m not working right now, I was home all day. Couldn’t I have found an hour to put something together? I’m sure I could have, but I didn’t. What was my excuse? I have none. Does that make me lazy? Not talented enough? Or worse, a failure?

No. Hell No. and No.

I’m just tired and my heart wasn’t into it and that’s perfectly okay.

Today wasn’t much better. I had an appointment early this morning, and for some reason, it threw off my routine and momentum. I blame it on the lack of coffee. It took me a while to get going afterward. Tonight, I’m writing myself a to-do list so I can start tomorrow off right. I’m not expecting a perfect day. I’m expecting a better day than today and yesterday.

It isn’t just this blog. I haven’t written a lot of my book lately. And I should be posting consistently on LinkedIn to stay front of mind to future employers and recruiters. Some weeks, I have plenty to say and others I’m stuck. I am noticing that when I put less pressure on myself, I do much better. I can get those posts close to perfect, but unless it’s a fantastic post that gets me a new job, I will likely miss the mark.

Basically, if I wait for perfect timing, or the perfect fit, or the perfect storm, I’ll never get anything accomplished. They say that practice makes perfect, but I’m not finding that to be the case. So, I’m fine to keep on practicing to be more productive instead.

I hope this is making sense. It’s been a weird week. But remember nobody’s perfect. 🙂

XO,
Elisa

The Hope is Still Real

It is so hard for me to put together a blog post today. Everywhere I turn the news is not good. I continue my job search today with a heavy heart as I think about everyone living in Israel. We know so many friends who know and love people who live there. I have family in Tel Aviv who are thankfully safe. But the social media posts and text messages have been ongoing.

I thought I’d try to stay off of Facebook this morning to give myself a break. I had no interest in opening Twitter/X, which I’m sure is filled with messages of antisemitism and hate. I don’t need to see any of that.

As I do every Monday, I logged on to LinkedIn to look for new jobs and start applying. I was surprised to see that LinkedIn was chock-full of supportive messages about Israel, the hostages, the safety of its soldiers, and the war against terrorism.

Even on LinkedIn, everyone seems to be distracted today for good reason. It’s not just me.

This morning, I took a walk and tried to enjoy the beauty of this day despite what is happening in the Middle East. And then, out of nowhere I started humming a song to myself. Feeling a little better, I took a selfie and posted it on Facebook with my Star of David necklace in full view. I also shared the following story.

I bought this necklace at a Hanukkah Bazaar years ago for no more than $40. I have gotten many compliments on it every time I wear it. Each of the six points on the star forms the colors of the rainbow. In the middle of the star is the Hebrew word and symbol  “Chai” which means life. (Side note: Chai is not pronounced like the tea. You have to make the “kh” sound as in challah).

Anyway, last week I was in The Fresh Market by my house and the woman at the cash register wished me a Happy New Year. I looked at her strangely and asked how she knew I was Jewish.

She smiled and said, “Your necklace is beautiful.”

I thanked her and told her she made my day. I forgot I was wearing it even though it is always a part of my wardrobe.

It goes with everything.

It goes with me.

That was last week.

This week, I know some people who are afraid to wear their Stars of David jewelry in public or choose to hide them under their shirts for fear of hateful remarks that may come at them. I understand this, and I don’t blame them one bit. But as you can see from this photo, I wear my necklace for everyone to see. Of course, I am afraid someone might come up to me spew their hate to my face. But just like the terrorists on 9/11, I don’t want them to win. I can’t. I wear my necklace for the same reason that I still fly, travel, go to concerts, and enjoy life. Terrorism cannot win.

I also believe in the kindness of strangers, like that cashier. My faith is everything to me, and it tells me that Israel is strong. Her people are strong. Our community is strong. But, I know we are also hurting, so please check in on your Jewish friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Call your representatives to say you stand with Israel and they should too. And if you feel compelled (and are able to) make a donation to places like American Friends of Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of the Red Cross), please do.

Oh, and the song I was humming during my walk this morning was “The Hope” by Jewish musician, Rich Recht. Is it too soon to hope? Maybe. But it reminded me that sometimes hope is what gets us through the dark times. Please take a moment to click and listen and keep praying for peace.

XO,

Elisa

Friday Musings

I’ll be honest. It’s hard to come up with topics to write about when I’m home most of the day. And I don’t want to spend this entire month writing daily blog posts about my job search and bore you with all the details. I do have some random items on my mind that I thought I’d lump together in today’s post.

World Smile Day

Today is World Smile Day. I like to smile. Who doesn’t, right? But, I don’t think I have a resting bitch face in me. I like to stay positive even in the most trying of situations. My kids may say that I have a “mom face,” but that’s different. That face only comes out when I’m annoyed when they don’t do the dishes or clean up their rooms like I asked them to do a hundred times. And yes, they don’t live here anymore, so I may have retired the “mom face.”

I’m sure when they read this, they will let me know.

I try to take smiling to the next level whenever I can. I like to share a smile with perfect strangers as I go about my day. If they smile back, I may comment on the book they are reading on the train or make small talk at the self-checkout as I attempt to plug in the right numbers for blueberries. If my smile is not returned, I don’t sweat it. Smiling is just as much for me as it is for them. It keeps me in a positive frame of mind and often random acts of kindness will follow. And don’t we all need more of that these days? Give it a try!

My Reading Life

This week, I am diving into two books about personal branding. Fun, right?! Actually, I’m kind of enjoying them. They are well-written and extremely helpful at the moment. I’m also looking forward to reading the new Madonna unauthorized biography. I’m third on the wait list to get it out of the library, so I’m excited. But, it is nearly 800 page, so I’ll have to read fast. Henry Winkler (“The Fonz”) has his autobiography coming out at the end of October, and I’ve heard mixed reviews. I’ll probably read it anyway. He is such a mensch.

I decided I can’t read in bed anymore after 9 pm. No matter how good the book is, I inevitably fall asleep. I have a couch in my office that is comfortable, but not as much as my bed. I just need to get rid of all the clutter piled up on that couch and claim it is as mine.

Halloween

So, if the Phillies make it into the World Series, Game 4 is on Halloween. My costume will not be a problem. I’ll be head to toe in Phillies gear, which will be scary to anyone rooting for the other team. And while I love giving out candy and seeing all the kids in their costumes, there is no way I’m leaving my TV every few minutes to answer the door. I’m going to need a Plan B.

But, I’ll worry about that later. First, we have to beat the Atlanta Braves. Game 1 is tomorrow, and I’m a little scared. They have a good team year, but then again so do we. Go Phillies!

On the Health Front

This week, I received my flu shot and scheduled my COVID-19 shot for two weeks later. I know some people get them at the same time, but I’m not comfortable with that approach. No judgement here. To each his own, I say. I’m more comfortable putting a little time in between.

Next week, I’m going for my mammogram and breast ultrasound. It’s not how I necessarily want to spend my morning, but I never skip these appointments. They are too important. And afterwards, I stop at Dunkin Donuts to give myself a treat. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so ladies, if you need to get “the girls” checked, make an appointment today.

Job Search

Funny story – One recruiter reached out to me about a great job opportunity. I thought we established a nice rapport over email, but in her last message, she called me “Tara.” So, I’m not sure if my resume made it onto the short list or if Tara got my spot. When I pointed it to the recruiter for clarification, she ghosted me. Oh well…

On the professional development front, I’m working on an online ChatGPT certificate. When I’m done, I’ll have a badge to add to my LinkedIn profile. Since AI doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, I guess I’d better start embracing it, add it as a new skill, and get ahead of the competition.

I bet Tara doesn’t have a ChatGPT certificate. 😉

XO,

Elisa

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