Finding a Meaningful, Tangible Purpose

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How do you find a purpose in things that aren’t tangible? I’ve found that question tough to answer in a career that’s ever-changing. Not only do I not know what I want to do when I grow up, I feel like I can’t find my footing to even propel from.

For me, tangible accomplishments are a big deal. I know I work hard, but typically, I find myself being “too much” that it becomes a negative energy. Unfortunately, I don’t really know how to dial down my intensity. I don’t know how to communicate to other people that I’m not out for their positions or jobs. I’m sure the way I attack life is a bit off-putting because I work my butt off for what I want or do. I’m a threat to people who can just casually go about their days. Sadly, I find those kind of people frustrating - so much so that they suck the life out of me!

I think the biggest energy suck is not having a tangible, meaningful purpose or goal. I’ve had to step back and refocus myself - some of it at work, but much of it in my personal life. I’m so much more satisfied overall when I workout in the mornings. Giving myself goals like beating my last half-marathon time, finding human marks on the mountain I’m going to pass, and surrounding myself with other crazy fitness freaks. Since I know that, I’m that much more fulfilled when I stick with at least that.

What Gets You All Jacked Up About Life?

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It’s about time. I’ve been in beautiful Arizona for 455 days, or about 15 months. I’ve more or less found my groove with work, love being a student again, and found a bunch of odd things to do around the city (I mean suburbia) of Phoenix. These first few months can be compared to the first year of a relationship: you’re a bit uneasy, posing a little bit to morph to what the other likes, and put on a smile when things bother you after you subtly communicate the issue.

Let’s be real. When do I ever sit in the corner and let life pass before me? Never. Yet, I have morphed a bit to what the majority of people like to do around me. Going out every once in awhile is quite awesome, but when I’m surrounded by people that ONLY do that - I start to get bored. Like I said in my last blog, I’ve identified my missing links. It may sound cliché, but COME ON PEOPLE! We only live once.

What about you? Do you feel fulfilled with the life you’re living? What do you wish you could do, but just don’t? You could be working for a fantastic company you couldn’t even dream of, surrounded by some pretty entertaining people, living a comfortable life.

Continuing the Tradition of a Full Plate

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Moving to Phoenix has been such a blessing. I practically jumped head first into a sea of opportunities left and right, not knowing when to stop or say no. Those closest to me know that's exactly how I like it – a full calendar with her hands in everything.

Working for Yelp with wonderful people I can connect with on different levels is something I was definitely missing in Nebraska, and really, even before then. I’m surrounded by intelligent, forward-thinking, entertaining, and constant-strivers-to-be-better people. I have never been as awestruck by the caliber of so many people working for one company as I am with my coworkers at Yelp. Everyone helps everyone succeed. It’s not a blood bath of ignorant, self-serving vampires whom I have worked with in almost every capacity of my past. OK, minus the fangs. I’ve made so many great memories (among them being annihilated by a swarm of Africanized Killer Bees on Camelback Mountain) with so many more to come.

Simple Gestures Can Make All the Difference

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You never know when a simple hello, hug or smile will truly make someone’s day. A simple gesture of love or genuine care to show someone you notice them, could be the difference that person needs to have a brighter outlook on life.

I should have gone into psychology. I’m naturally good at it (not to toot my own horn, but it’s true) and have personal experience dealing with people or observing their reactions to situations. I’m like a heat seeking missile to people in trouble, who need a shoulder to cry on or talk to, who need a little personal direction, or whatever else someone needs. I just get people. I took enough psychology to understand the underlying relationship between actions and reactions, but I also have the knack of observation. Put all of that together and I’m your unofficial counselor friend!

Going back to the reason for this blog. I’ve been dealing with a few of my students and friends who have troubling outlooks on life. They take reality and create an extreme version in their minds of situations, and then cultivate those thoughts to become their new reality.

Some people don’t understand why others don’t know how to pull themselves together. Don’t understand why others think the way they do. It can be taxing to try to understand, but it can also be difficult for people to express themselves as well. Maybe someday I’ll go into depth about what I’m talking about, but for now, just trust me.

Deeply, emotionally, passionately care about the people around you. If you make their day, someday they’ll be there to make yours.

Boldly challenge status quo.

(To be continued...)

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Lack of Respect with WSU Representation

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I am very passionate about being a good role model for others no mater how old they are. I also have WSU Cougar blood running through my veins. Washington State University is not only an institution, but it's a community of some of the most genuine and hardworking people I know. It may not have been where I wanted to go at first, but it was exactly where I needed to be and I do not regret that and never will.

With that said, I am extremely disappointed in our WSU basketball team, the coach and our athletic director. Three students on the team have been caught with marijuana putting a bad taste in everyone's mouth, especially now with national coverage since our team is in the semifinals. As far as legalizing marijuana, I'm not going to use it but I don't really care what happens either way. It's a personal decision, but I'll be the first to not allow my kids around it. However, that's not what I'm frustrated about. It is the fact that marijuana is ILLEGAL at the moment and students who are supposed to be representing WSU in its entirty as a ball player have been caught with it. Moreover, we have an athletic director that lifted the suspension of a ball player just so he could play in the NIC tournament and a coach who started that same player.

So I wrote a letter to the editor of WSU's Daily Evergreen, which you can read below. What are your thoughts?

Personally, WSU needs to step it up. Regain respect among Americans. And POSITIVELY boldly challenge status quo.

http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/33836

Strength in a Weakness

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I used to hate writing. English was my least favorite subject and I dreaded writing multiple page papers. My love during grade school was dissecting the unknown of science, but most of all living a life to better the lives of those around me. The same still exists. Every day is an adventure waiting for me to take hold and discover its meaning. Each presents opportunities to influence lives and cherish the memories created.

I may not articulate my thoughts perfectly or use the most intelligent words, but I’m not trying to impress you with my words. I’m trying to spark something inside you. Maybe one of my blogs will take ahold of you, or awaken some part of you that’s been dead. Maybe they’ll influence you to pay good things forward instead of hold a grudge about someone who’s done you wrong. Maybe you won’t agree with me, or maybe you will. I don’t mind either way. These are my thoughts. I don’t want to think for you. I don’t want to puppet your life. But I do want you to challenge yourself to be the best you can be. Not to give yourself excuses. Those are worthless. Life will have many obstacles and it’s how you overcome them that makes you who you are or who you want to become.

Craving Mental Stimulation

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Pandora current song: Only Hope, Switchfoot

The last few weeks have made me realize why I NEED to go back to school. Since graduation, I haven’t had to use my noggin as much as I used to. I’ve been working in areas I am good at and have excelled greatly. Yet, my recent projects haven’t been easy. I’ve created and implemented political events, helped sign multimillion dollar leases, morphed an old building into a residence hall, built a positive cash-flow company and managed from the ground up, developed a position for myself within the university and furthermore designed a new position to expand student involvement on campus.

How are You Dealing with Change?

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Pandora current song: Praying for Daylight, The Fray

How are you dealing with change?

On Wednesday, Sept 22 I took the NCTA student senate leadership to a conference in Lincoln, NE. Why, you ask? Well, even if you don’t care, let me tell you.

Back at WSU, I was a part of the Services and Activities (S and A) Fees committee where we allocated over $7M to organizations on campus to broaden their reach or event success for an overall better student experience. The money came from fees charged within the student’s tuition. When I came to NCTA, there was no help from the college for organizations and no way for new ones to start.

I was appointed at the Student Union manager with over $60K in funds available to it for student activities, maintenance, and salaries. I decided this would be a great opportunity to utilize the funds to bring fun entertainment as well as allocate funds back to the students. Why not?

I took everything I knew and created the same kind of committee on this campus with three staff members and seven student members. The committee has to be heavily student weighed because the students need to decide what they feel is important for the entire student body. Old farts like us as staff don’t necessarily “know” what they want.

Anyway, all student organizations who wanted money had to send student representatives to present what and why they wanted the funds. Student senate requested funds to attend a leadership conference for their leadership. So long story short, that’s why we ended up in Lincoln.

The keynote speaker was Gary Bradt, who is an endorsed business speaker who has spent 20 years consulting the nation’s senior business leaders, advising them on how to thrive in the constant change that takes place in today’s business world.

Read on because I promise you’ll be inspired.

My Adventurous Bucket List

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Pandora current song: It's My Life, Bon Jovi

(in no particular order)

Adventures

1. Run more half marathons 
2. Sky dive 
3. Bungee jump off something tall 
4. Learn how to rock climb better 
5. White water raft a crazy river 
6. Ride the tallest roller coaster 
7. Ride the fastest roller coaster 
8. Watch a NY Broadway show 
9. See the Lion King on Broadway in NY 
10. Swim with dolphins 
11. Swim with sting rays 
12. Swim with sharks 
13. Climb/hike to the top of a mountain 
14. Go on a cruise 
15. Hike the Appalachian Trail 
16. Cycle through Provence 
17. Climb Machu Picchu 
18. Swim in the Great Barrier Reef 
19. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge 

What was I thinking?

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Pandora current song: She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5

In my summer blogs, I mentioned I was pursuing a job as a recruiter for Washington State University. I was trying to find something I could hold on to. Something solid. My life is ever consumed with uncertainty. I’ve been blessed with a life full experiences I’ve either forced on myself or have been lucky to be a part of. Yet, there’s still something missing. The satisfaction of accomplishing something, whether for a greater good or for those that need a push to start their own adventure, doesn’t ever seem to ever be completely fulfilled. Is it because I’m alone and don’t have someone to share it with? Maybe. Is it the fact that I am unsure of my future? Absolutely. Or what about the instability of the present? Sure. How about all of the above, plus trying to put a smile on my face so I can create and explore new opportunities for my students so they can get the most out of their college year? Shall I keep going?

What's next in my life?

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Pandora current song: Imma Be, by Black Eyed Peas

What do I want to do with the rest of my life? The fear of the unknown has haunted me since I switch out of veterinary medicine junior year of college. At least with that, hard work and extensive years in school would have assured me of a job in a solid field. With this crummy economy, a communications/advertising degree is worthless. Most companies in the mysterious, artistic world of communications are not hiring. Many classmates are stuck working in temporary jobs and/or living at home to await their future fates. Thankfully, I have a solid job in the crazy world of real-estate management and collegiate student involvement. Unfortunately for me, the location will never satisfy me for so many reasons. The people I converse with are kind and genuine, but I truly miss the city life with endless activities, outings with friends my age, and exciting outdoor excursions. Living in the city is never boring and even in a city where people live in close quarters, there are always places to go to find your peace of mind.