Tag Archives: improve

Sep12

Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

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Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

Hello!! Earlier this week I had the really cool opportunity to facilitate and create a presentation for my boss, Tim, at Kent State University. It was an amazing project to sink my teeth into and I loved joining Tim on campus for his talk. We had the best time! After the presentation, we had a Q&A session followed by a meet and greet. As the students waited in line for me to take their pictures, a gaggle of freshman and sophomore girls were patiently waiting on deck. They were the absolute cutest.

Once they got closer to me, they approached and sung the praises of my outfit (Peep that later!) and asked questions about how I got started with my job. They told me they were eighteen and nineteen and were simply shook when I told them I was thirty! I have got to admit, talking to these teenagers made me feel insanely old lol but I was delighted by the encounter. I am very rarely around people that age and the fact that they thought I was some semblance of cool made me feel… Well, cool.

As I drove home, I thought about my nineteen year old self. I was insanely depressed, engaged in self harm and an eating disorder, and everything sucked. I was working a crappy job in the mall, had no goals, and no sense of self worth whatsoever. Then, I flash forwarded to my life as a thirty year old. I have the best jobs, best friends, best family, and am so happily married. If you would have told me that as a nineteen year old, I wouldn’t have even been able to fathom it.

It took me a long time of struggling with my mental health to get myself to a good place and it was far from easy. The girls I met were none the wiser to any of this and were able to see me as a confident and stylish woman. After our brief meeting, I came to the conclusion that my nineteen year old self would have looked up to who I am now too. This was a very fulfilling feeling because I associate that period in my life with a lot of shame. I was now able to give my young self credit as a kid who was trying her best and I know for a fact she would be proud of who I am today!

Sometimes the smallest encounters are the most meaningful and this one gave me the opportunity to see how far I have come. I am so grateful for it!

What were you like as a teenager? Who do you look up to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Decision Making 101

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Decision Making 101

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I have a very difficult time making decisions. I stress, ruminate, and let anxiety build up until I just keep doing the same thing without making any changes. It’s understandable – any kind of change can be scary and I find a lot of comfort in the same old, same old. This past week, however, I had to make some really big work related decisions and it sucked lol. I am pleased to report that I made it through on the other side. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t still feeling some residual stress about it, but I know that I will feel much better in time. These are some of the things that helped me as I made choices and maybe they will help you too:

Deep Breaths:

If you’re like me and simply the thought of major changes puts you into a tailspin, then first and foremost, you need to chill. Sound decisions can’t be made when you are in distress so try and relax. Take deep breaths, sip a cup of tea, or have a hot shower. Whatever you need to do to put you in a calmer state of mind. Then, you can revisit the decision that needs made when you are feeling less frazzled.

Pros & Cons:

The most common way to make choices is to weigh the pros and cons and there is a reason for it – it is always effective. Grab a pen and paper, pull up a notepad on your phone, or type on the computer and start thinking about the good and bad that could come with each option. It will be so helpful to see your thoughts right in front of you rather than let them swirl around your head. Your initial pros and cons might be subject to change so don’t make a split decision immediately. Give it a day or two, revisit it, and see if anything or nothing needs reevaluated.

Think About You:

There is a high chance that whatever you are struggling to decide might effect other people. This can throw a huge monkey wrench in the process because, of course, we don’t want choices to negatively impact others. This is where I have the most difficult time and often just resort to doing the same thing. However, you need to think about yourself. Sometimes, what’s best for you isn’t best for the people that it might effect and that’s okay. Yes, you read that right: It’s okay. Doing for you isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to keep moving forward in a positive trajectory.

Go With Your Gut:

Maybe you have weighed your pros and cons and are still nowhere closer to a decision. If that is the case, think about your gut, heart, and mind. This is what it ultimately boiled down to as I made my work related choice. I knew exactly what I wanted and I had a hard time working up the nerve to just do it. Listen to yourself and what your body is telling you. The answers you need are all there so don’t swamp yourself down with the “what ifs” or you might end up getting stuck. I admit that I was stuck for over a month until I was able to do what I needed to do for me. All it did was cause me more stress as the situation festered in my head and that could have been easily avoided. Changes take time, though, and if you need extra time that is totally fine but it might make making the choice even harder if you drag it out.

I feel good about the decision I made because I know it will be good for me, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. I also feel like I have a better grasp on making choices for the next time a situation arises – hopefully!

How do you make decisions? What is something you struggle with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul23

How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

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How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

Mastering a new language isn’t just about ordering a coffee in Paris without pointing wildly at the menu or watching anime without subtitles. It’s an exhilarating adventure in self-improvement that stretches the boundaries of your mind and heart. It’s about connecting with people in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience, and yes, it’s also about feeling ridiculously proud of yourself when you finally understand what that fast-talking Spanish soap opera character is plotting.

Of course, it’s also great to be able to drop in on people who are speaking the language you know or even reading a manga that hasn’t been translated into English. There are so many benefits, but the biggest one is how it changes you. Here’s what you need to know and why learning a new language can be one of the best decisions you can make:

It’s About Breaking Down Mental Barriers:

Learning a new language is a fantastic workout for your brain. It’s like taking your neurons to the gym. Not only are you memorizing vocabulary and grappling with grammar that sometimes feels like it was designed to be as confusing as possible, but you’re also training your brain to switch between different systems of speech and thought. This mental flexibility is a superpower in its own right. For example, if you’re taking beginner Chinese reading classes, you have to think pretty hard and stimulate your brain. Your brain has to think more, so it’s getting stronger. You’ll be able to learn easier with time, understand better in time, and become mentally sharper as well.

Cultivating Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity:

Beyond the cognitive fireworks, learning a new language is a deep dive into another culture. You have to understand that words are the keys to unlocking how people think, laugh, and live. Each new word you learn is a glimpse into the values, humor, and essence of another community. This isn’t just educational; it’s a form of connecting on a human level that can profoundly alter how you see the world.

Here’s a great example: when you learn Japanese, you’re not just learning vocabulary. You’re learning concepts like “wa” (harmony) and “omotenashi” (hospitality), which are central to Japanese culture. It’s the same for Dutch, their culture is very direct, and in their language a lot of words and phrases are blunt too (it’s hard to sugar coat things in Dutch like you can in English). Overall, understanding these concepts can change how you interact with others, making you more considerate and aware of the subtleties of social interaction.

Enhancing Personal and Professional Opportunities:

We can’t forget the practical perks! Speaking a second (or third or fourth) language can open up incredible career opportunities. In our globalized world, companies are always on the lookout for individuals who can navigate different cultures and languages. Whether it’s closing deals in China, managing a project in Mexico, or helping solve a customer’s problem in French, each language you learn adds a unique string to your career bow.

With so many amazing language learning apps and programs available, adding a new language to your arsenal has never been more accessible. Give it a try and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul19

Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

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Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

The idea of hiring a tutor for your child may seem like a questionable expense when they go to school all day. However, if your child is struggling at school to keep up or they have asked you for extra help, then getting a tutor is a great idea. It may seem like a luxury to have, but in today’s fast pace of education, sometimes you need to slow down a little and give your child the extra support that they need. Today’s tutors and tutoring programs such as the TSI placement math preparation program, can make a big difference to your child’s education. If you’re still on the fence about it, take a look at this list of positive reasons that you should say yes to hiring a tutor:

Tutors will be one on one with your child:

Tutors have the ability to give that personal attention that your child needs. Rather than feel lost in the classroom trying to answer questions and understand the concept that’s moving too quickly, your tutor could keep your child focused on the task at hand and answer any questions directly.

They can support a specific area of weakness:

Some people choose to hire specifically math tutors or English tutors because they know that their child is struggling in a particular area. Bringing grades up to scratch is so much easier if they have a tutor to help them concentrate on those subjects that they are struggling with.

Your child can grow their confidence:

Oftentimes, pupils with a tutor do not feel as self-conscious about asking for help in their subject areas that need further explanation. There’s no need to feel self-conscious because they have somebody who can help them understand at the level they are at.

It’s easier to absorb skill based learning:

Every skill can be learned, and tutors will check for understanding as they go and use practical explanations and demonstrations to help. Repetition can help students to grasp concepts easier, and when it’s in a one to one model, there’s less classroom noise and more concentration.

You can boost their existing skills and talents:

Maybe your child is already doing really well at school. Tutors are still valuable in these cases because they’ll know the potential, and they’ll know that increasing your child’s potential can improve their level of learning. The same goes for talents. Children with exceptional talent in certain learning areas can have a tutor to encourage that specific area. For example having a tutor to help learn to play the piano or grasp mathematical concepts that are a little bit above their grade is going to help them to feel more excited about learning and doing more.

Back to school is almost here and it’s important to think about how your child can succeed academically this year. A tutor can be a huge help!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun24

Squeezing In Some Fun

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Squeezing In Some Fun

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I still mourn summer vacations even though it has been years since I was in school. Sometimes adulting can feel cruel and unusual and this is definitely one of those times! With an insanely busy work schedule it can be hard to Squeeze In Some Fun, even if it is sweet summertime. I know that it is often difficult for me to muster the energy to do much over the weekend, but I have been trying. And, although the sleepies never fully leave me, I do feel better when Johnny and I have plans for our time off and we have been putting the effort in!

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The past year and change have been trying times for yours truly and it was almost impossible to pepper joy into limited downtime. This is in stark comparison to when Johnny and I first started dating and we were constantly going here, there, and everywhere. Then, the pandemic hit, crisis in my life happened, and we never got back into the swing of things. Until now, that is. It has felt like we have had plans every weekend for months and it has been really great! Whether it be get togethers with our friends or going out on the town, I feel like I’m on cloud nine afterwards because it’s fun to have fun. 😀

The best thing about this change of pace is planning dates with Johnny. While we enjoy our video game or movie nights, there is nothing better than stepping out in style with my main squeeze. It is also amazing to always have something to look forward to during the work week! I feel like I have been in a bit of a rut lately and this has really helped turn my outlook around. I have loved our dinner dates and meeting up for drinks with our friends at all of our favorite spots. Even returning home afterwards is exciting because we have also shook up our weekend evening activities.

For the last of Johnny’s birthaversary gifts, we picked out a good but budget friendly record player. Johnny has an expansive collection of records but no functioning record player and our purchase was a game changer. My boo spent so much time after we brought the record player home turning our “game room” into an actual game room. He cleaned, he added more artwork to the walls, and he cleared out the closet in the room to house the records in and give us more space. This has given us plenty of room to break out all of the board games we haven’t played in forever. While we play, we take turns picking records at random and listening to one side before swapping it out. We still are all about our video games, but this switch up has made our evenings feel like true quality time and it is a beautiful thing!

Even though we have no plans for a summer vacation, we are making our best efforts to make plans, actually stick to them, and enjoy our weekends more fully. It has definitely helped lift my spirits and I love having a calendar full of activities to motivate me during the work week!

Do you have any big summer plans? What do you do when you feel like you’re in a rut? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun5

Clear The Clutter & Improve Your Business

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Clear The Clutter & Improve Your Business

As a small business owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re trying to do whatever you possibly can in order to have a steady future for your business. It’s a lot of hard work. Just think about it: you’re dealing with managing talent and employees, handling customer inquiries, juggling inventory, and keeping the finances in check; it can feel like you’re constantly spinning plates. If you don’t have a team, just yourself, well, the plates are about to overflow and keep stacking up!

When you’re busy and doing everything, clutter will happen more and more. Yes, clutter as in physical clutter like your workspace but technically your schedule too. Decluttering is not just for aesthetics. It’s not just for your house. You need this in your professional life too and it doesn’t always mean tidying up. It’s about creating a space that fosters productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Let’s explore how decluttering can transform your small business and the detrimental effects clutter can have on your operations:

How Clutter Can Be Awful for Your Business:

Again, clutter can come in a variety of ways, from a daily cluttered schedule to your actual surroundings. You might be aware of the effects when it comes to your home, but it’s true for work, too. There are plenty of articles that say a “cluttered and messy desk means you’re a genius,” but no, don’t fall for that. It’s actually bad for you mentally.

Increased Stress and Anxiety:

Walking into a cluttered workspace can immediately elevate stress levels. There is absolutely no one who likes that! Piles of paperwork, scattered office supplies, and general disorganization creates a chaotic environment that can make you and your employees feel overwhelmed. When stress levels rise, productivity tends to plummet. A cluttered workspace can make it difficult to find what you need, leading to frustration and wasted time.

Less Productivity:

Clutter is the enemy of efficiency. When your workspace is cluttered, you spend more time looking for things and less time doing meaningful work. Imagine the minutes or even hours lost each week just trying to locate a specific document or tool. Over time, these little disruptions can really add up.

You Won’t Look Professional:

First impressions matter, especially in business. If a client or potential partner walks into a cluttered office, it can create a negative impression. Clutter can make your business appear disorganized, unprofessional, and unreliable. A tidy and organized workspace, on the other hand, conveys professionalism and attention to detail

How Decluttering is Good for Business:

Decluttering can be as simple as sorting through what you need and what you don’t or even just moving everything into reliable storage solutions until you need certain tools or equipment. But, of course, you’ll also need to learn how to let go of things that have absolutely no use. Space planning can help, too. For the most part, decluttering is a mental challenge more than anything else. So, with that said, how can it be good for business?

The Productivity Will Be Never Ending:

Decluttering your workspace can lead to a significant boost in productivity. When everything has its place, and you can easily find what you need, you spend less time searching for items and more time focusing on your work. Having an organized environment allows you to streamline your processes, reducing the time spent on mundane tasks and freeing up time for more important activities. Plus, when you can’t find something, it usually puts you in a bad mood, too, right? That will be a thing of the past!

A Little Less Stress:

There’s no guarantee that the stress will drop down by a lot, but it will at least drop down a little bit, and that alone is super helpful. To a degree, decluttering can create a sense of calm and control, reducing stress and anxiety. When your surroundings are orderly, it’s easier to maintain a clear mind and stay focused on your goals. This improved mental state can lead to better decision-making and overall well-being.

Better for Content Creation:

If you have a cluttered workspace, it’s going to be hard to create behind-the-scenes marketing content for your social media profile. Having a cleaner space makes it easier to create content and help give your social media pages a boost.

Decluttering aspects of your business is only going to help you – start now and reap all of the above benefits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May20

8 Ways To Make Your Home Look More Expensive

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8 Ways To Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Every homeowner wants their property to look the best it can possibly be. When it comes to making a great first impression on your visitors, you may want to opt for trends that showcase your home in the best light and make it look super high end. Adding expensive-looking touches to your home that don’t break the bank could be one of the best design choices you make. Whether you’re planning an entire home renovation, or you want to make just a handful of tweaks, here are eight ways to make your home look opulent and expensive:

New Windows:

Getting new windows installed is sure to give your property an instant lift. Looking into window options will show you just how many styles there are to choose from. You may also want to look into residential and commercial window tinting if you’re not quite ready to upgrade your windows altogether. Window tinting can provide you with the look and privacy of etched glass without the additional expense. This is a great way to make your home look more expensive using a simple and affordable technique.

Don’t forget that your windows will need blinds and curtains to complete the look. Curtains are a great way to add color and texture into a room and can be swapped out seasonally or as often as you choose. Blinds will further enhance your newly installed or tinted windows and provide natural lighting. To get inspiration, simply enter a search for “Window Blinds Nottingham” (or your local area) to schedule a consultation with a professional team. You will be able to discuss the expensive look you are hoping to achieve to really make your house pop.

Add A New Kitchen:

Another option that you’ve got is to add a new kitchen. This screams expensive, purely because it is expensive to get a new kitchen. You can do it on a budget by making some simple swaps like cupboard fronts, or you could get in touch with a kitchen remodeling company, find out how much it will cost, and go from there.

Fresh Flowers:

There is nothing quite like bright fresh flowers to bring a touch of glamor to your home. Don’t wait for somebody to buy you a bouquet of beautiful blooms, you can treat yourself to a new set every week, simply because you and your home deserve it. You can change up the color scheme depending on the season or your mood. Either way, your fresh flowers will be a stunning addition to your home, and it will make everything appear much more high end.

Luxurious Lighting:

The power of lighting should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to creating an expensive and beautiful looking home. The only way you can choose the right types of lighting for your home is by going to look around your local stores and seeing which ones appeal to you the most. Choosing the right lamp shades and lighting fixtures can completely transform the way your home looks in its entirety.

If you are working with an interior designer, then they will be the first to tell you that excellent lighting is essential. Especially if you are allowing for a lot of natural light to be let into your home. An interior designer not only designs your rooms but creates a lighting plan as well which is so helpful if you have no idea where to begin! Researching interior design companies like Haus Interior Design Calgary (or a similar one in your local area) is a great way to start finding the team that will transform your home. Look closely at the completed projects on websites so you have a solid idea of their quality of work.

Minimal Clutter:

Getting rid of as much excess clutter as possible is a simple way to create a sense of lavishness in your home. If you want your home to appear more expensive, you need to throw away any unnecessary items that are cluttering up your beautiful space. This will give you more scope to decorate in unique ways and find more interesting places to highlight.

More Mirrors and Wall Art:

If you have ever walked through a grand home or estate before, you will notice that there are always pieces of artwork and mirrors on the walls. Adding more decor to your walls can help you to inject some of your personal style into your home, and it’s a great way to boost its overall appeal. With mirrors and wall art, there are so many different amazing styles for you to explore. Depending on the look and feel that you’re going for, you may find that certain types of frames or color schemes work better with your home interiors.

Wooden Flooring:

There are so many advantages that go hand in hand with getting wooden flooring installed in your home. First of all, wooden flooring is timeless and will never go out of style. Second, it’s very easy to make wooden flooring look expensive too. As long as you keep it clean and in good condition, wooden flooring will instantly give your home a sense of class.

Patterns and Textures:

Experimenting with a variety of patterns and textures when decorating your home is a brilliant way to add a layer of luxury. From rugs to curtains, you can use patterns and textures to enhance the interior decor of your home and make it a more lavish place to live.

Creating a fresh, stylish and expensive looking home is much easier than you think, especially when you have so many ideas to work with. All of these ideas will work with all sorts of different homes and will help you to feel proud of your property in every single way!

Apr24

Should Your House Differ Dramatically In Style From Those On Your Street?

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Should Your House Differ Dramatically In Style From Those On Your Street?

If you live in a suburb, private housing area, or conventional community, odds are you have neighbors and perhaps a street where many houses are visible. In the internet of community life and connecting to the environment around you, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to style their properties so that a good balance between unique style and wider conformity is achieved. After all, it’s nice to have that aesthetic line through across the street. That might also mean sharing similar driveway designs but with its own twist, such as stone pavers lining the driveway sides or patio area.

But what if you hope to differ dramatically from those on your street? It’s your house after all, and you shouldn’t have to ask permission to enjoy a little fun. In this post, we’ll discuss a few tips for achieving the best possible outcome:

Blending In vs. Standing Out:

It may seem tough to find that sweet spot between fitting in and showing your own personality, especially if the other houses around you are, quite frankly, a little dull. But a property that sticks out too much may seem out of place and even draw attention, which could go against security and safety. An understated approach could be angling for some personal touches that provide unique value, but don’t go overboard and clash severely with surrounding aesthetics. So you may wish to paint your house pink. But if the houses either side of you are softer, pastel colors, it might work better for a lighter pastel pink that fits in, but is clear in its identity. This is just one example, but shows where to start with your planning process. If you want to stand out, CBI Design professionals can help with a redesign.

No matter how you choose to address the exterior of your property, you can still have a ton of fun with the interior! You could fashion an unused room into a mini library. Perhaps you will have a professional flooring installer put in some funky black and white tiles in the kitchen. Or you could transform bathrooms into a luxury hotel experience. There will always be opportunities to showcase your personality so get creative and have a blast.

Considering Neighborhood Aesthetics:

Most communities adhere to some established aesthetic for cohesion among properties, because often, communities are built at relatively similar periods or at least “eras”. There may be unspoken (but still relevant) guidelines around home colors, lawn decor styles, or architectural designs, but you can always balance two differing opinions. Maybe you want a modernist house but are happy to curate the interior to match while offering more robust and rural exteriors to fit in among the landscape. If something happens and you need a roof repair or replacement, it can be a good idea to keep with the current traditional style of those around you to ensure you fit in.

Respecting Your Own Property:

Of course, you get to decide what you do with your own home. That being said, it can feel somewhat inspiring to allow the natural character of the home underneath to come out. If you’re looking for small wins, then you can restore certain elements of a home’s history, such as the vital function to the very unique river water wheel, unblocking the chimney, restoring the window arches, and using reclaimed wood to fashion a door that matches the period of the place. When it’s clear you’re paying utmost respect to the home, who could ever criticize you for updating parts of it to the modern age?

That being said, sometimes modern updates are necessary for comfort as well as style. If your air conditioning system isn’t keeping up with the summer heat, a quick search for “air conditioning repair near me” can help ensure your home stays cool while you focus on making it look its best.

With this advice, we hope you manage your project well, even if you implement changes for a different effect!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr10

Professional Skills That Can Elevate Your Everyday Life

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Professional Skills That Can Elevate Your Everyday Life

Nowadays, it seems as if the boundaries between our personal and professional lives are becoming increasingly blurred. While we often focus on honing skills for career advancement, it’s essential to recognize that many of these same skills can also enrich our personal lives. This isn’t just for people who work in corporate or who are aspiring to be influencers; this goes for all industries, and that even includes those who want to go into the medical field, trade school, and beyond.

Today, we are going to talk about some professional skills that could be fantastic in your personal life, especially when it comes to building up your personal brand. Here are a few that you might want to start perfecting:

Effective Communication:

Is this low-hanging fruit? Probably, but this is still some pretty important advice! Everyone knows the importance of effective communication, but many don’t quite grasp that this is the cornerstone of healthy relationships. Solid communication is so important, and it’s more than just hearing the other party; it’s listening to them and understanding what they’re saying.

The ability to express thoughts and feelings clearly, listen actively, and empathize with others fosters deeper connections and reduces misunderstandings. Just by honing your communication skills in professional settings, you can enhance your relationships, resolve conflicts more constructively, and become a better partner, parent, friend, and colleague.

Time Management:

It’s probably easily agreed by everyone that time is a precious commodity. This is why learning to prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage your time efficiently not only boosts productivity in the workplace but also allows you to make the most of your leisure time. Again, this might be one of those obvious skills; it’s something that children usually learn at a young age, but to this day, people whether in their professional or personal lives still struggle with time management. Learning how to mitigate all of this just makes life so much easier and less stressful.

Being Adaptable:

Life tends to throw curveballs at us every once in a while, and we need to manage it and try to overcome it (or catch it). Since it’s inevitable and can happen at any time, it’s important to understand that the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is invaluable both professionally and personally. No matter who you are, you need to understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, from job transitions and financial challenges to health crises and personal losses. This is exactly why developing resilience equips you with the mental fortitude to navigate adversity with grace, learn from setbacks, and emerge stronger than before.

Basic Life Support:

This one might be a little dark, but if you were to take a BLS class, there might always be the chance that you could one day literally save someone’s life. This is one of those skills that’s mixed. Some industries (like medical) just expect this, while other industries will think it’s an important skill to have in case an emergency happens to a team member.

This can potentially help someone in case of an emergency professional-wise, but it can be just as valuable when it comes to your personal life, too. In everyday life, unexpected emergencies can arise, such as cardiac arrest, choking, or drowning. If you have BLS training, you’re gaining the knowledge and confidence to intervene effectively in such critical situations, potentially saving the life of a loved one, friend, or stranger.

Negotiations:

Negotiating can be a very uncomfortable situation. But you need to keep in mind that negotiation skills are invaluable in navigating professional relationships, whether it’s securing a deal, resolving disputes, or collaborating with colleagues. These same skills are equally essential in personal interactions, from negotiating household responsibilities to resolving conflicts with loved ones (or even just trying to buy a high-ticket item like a house or car).

Emotional Regulation:

When it comes to a professional setting, sometimes you need to swallow your pride and take what’s being thrown at you. It can be so hard not to explode and it might be seen as unprofessional if you show negative emotions when someone is mistreating you. In your personal life, you might be more tempted to talk back if someone mistreats you. Being able to control your emotions no matter how unpleasant the situation may be is an excellent tool. Lacking that emotional regulation and control can get you into serious trouble. This is a valuable skill that takes time to learn, but it’s so worth it.

No one is saying to bring work home with you, but some skills you use in the workplace can be most helpful in your every day life!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Mar27

1250 Day Duolingo Streak

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1250 Day Duolingo Streak

Hello!! I have been using Duolingo for so long that I don’t really think about it anymore. It is a staple in my morning routine of wake up, check Facebook, check my email, and practice a French lesson before starting my day. And, as often as I can, I try to do lessons in Spanish, Italian, German, and Czech too. This past weekend, I achieved a milestone streak of 1250 days of completing a lesson on Duolingo and I couldn’t believe it. That’s almost three and a half years!!

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HUZZAH!!!

In case you haven’t noticed, I am a very routine oriented person and it works beautifully for me. Once something that I am committed to becomes part of my schedule, I do everything in my power to keep it going. Duolingo is a perfect example of that because I love to learn new things – especially languages. Learning French is a goal that I have been working on since high school and I am thrilled to still be going strong with it. Although I wish I could practice my other languages more, I don’t have all of the time in the world in the morning and when I get home from work, I just want to sit lol.

Despite not practicing the other languages I am just okay at, I have noticed a better understanding when I hear them spoken. For example, Johnny has been sick with a nasty virus for the past handful of days. When I am sick, I turn to my comfort shows of anime and reality TV. Johnny, on the other hand, is a history buff and has been watching tons of WWII movies and documentaries. Whenever I am around and French or German is being spoken, he always calls me in to translate and I have a very high success rate! It is rare that I have the opportunity to put my language knowledge to the test and I was reveling in it. It made me feel so good that there were a few things in the programs Johnny was watching that he needed my assistance for. That seriously never happens!

I am so proud of my 1250 Day Duolingo Streak and can still barely believe my own eyes about it. It seems like just yesterday I downloaded the app and it has, without a doubt, been a fantastic tool to use. I can’t wait to get to a 1500 day streak – my next big milestone!

Do you use Duolingo? What language(s) are you learning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah