Job Search ~ Stay Positive

As employers continue to start hiring at a more steady pace, there are still lots of people out of work. It is not uncommon to find someone who has been unemployed for over two years. While that may seem hard to imagine, the competition for jobs is tough as older and younger candidates apply for the same postings.

In the meantime, try to keep up your computer skills especially using the Microsoft Suite for Word, Excel and Powerpoint. There are free online learning websites that offer tutorials in these areas along with others. One great website is GCFLearnFree where you can sign-up for free, browse the course categories, and take courses at your own pace. They offer courses on computers, reading, math, and social media to name a few.

Also, do some volunteer work which may lead to a possible job opportunity. Staying active each day in your job search is key even if you think it's been too long. Check-in with your network of contacts who may run across a job lead to let them know you are still seeking employment. Most importantly, stay positive in your job search.

Greet the week with Gusto

It's Monday and hope the day is great already. I say we greet the week with gusto and be the go-getter in our projects and pursuits. Take the "you can do it" attitude with you when pitching to a new client for their business or renewing a contract with an established client. At the workplace, volunteer to help with an important project if your workload is manageable. The enthusiasm, drive and gusto you show will reflect in a very positive way with your boss and upper management.

2000th, but who's counting

It's been a mix bag of stuff for me on TGIF. How about your day? You know what, I forgot to mention that yesterday I posted my 2000th blog. It was the one titled "New Month Marches In."  I love blogging and sharing not only the posts I write but music, videos, and stories around the web. This post will make the 2004th, but who's counting, right;-)

I know you're weekend has kicked off so I won't hold you up. Keep hanging with my blog and getting that groovy vibe that's pure positive!

Goal Each Week

Monday is here and off we go with our to-do list ready for the week ahead. Sometimes it's hard to get into the groove after the weekend and that's why that list is important to get focused and organized. I simply can't live without it! Don't be a stickler to the order of things on the list, just keep jotting down and do them as you move about the day. I find easier tasks get first up in order to get them out of the way. Before you know it, the time-consuming ones are being checked off as done.

Here's a nifty idea ->Set a goal each week to accomplish by Friday. It can be something simple like organizing the files in your home office, taking lunch to work 2-3 times, or put $10 into savings. I'm sure you will think of something and more importantly, achieve it. Good Luck!

New Year's Resolutions

Advice for keeping your New Year's resolutions - USATODAY.com
Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

I like the tips in this read as many people make their New Year's resolutions for 2012. I would only add to be  true to yourself and realistic in setting them, we know ourselves better than anyone. A helpful hint is to jot down your goals as a reference and guide. Take small steps at first and kick it up a notch as the year moves along. One more thing, stay Simply Positive!

Last TGIF in 2011

Credit: Free images from acobox.com

WOW, the last Friday in 2011! I was surprised at the fog and mist this morning, but it slowly moved on to make room for the sunshine that is now filling the blue skies. I stepped out on to the patio before starting this blog post and there was a big cloud still lingering in the sky. I stood with my last cup of coffee to watch the cloud drift from sight. It was beautiful and serene. I have enjoyed typing those capped TGIF letters plenty of times in 2011 and bringing a positive mood to the day. I hope that's how my readers have felt when visiting my blog not just on TGIF, but all those other days in the week. Thank You!

Working Girl

Yep, I'm a Working Girl now after landing a part-time job today. I'm busting with excitement & happiness because I have been seeking work for a long time. A close friend gave me this job lead and I jumped on it. Even when the opportunities for work became few and far between, I never gave up. I truly believe when one door closes, another will open. I have so many people to call & email with this BIG news. In celebration of my new job, I'm going to grill those two steaks my friend gave me a couple of weeks ago. I'm Thankful!

Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

Thought for the Day

Setbacks, we all have had them. Take time to focus on the situation and regroup. Try not to let setbacks in your life become permanent. Make them temporary by staying positive and moving forward.

Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

Motivation Monday

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Here we are back to Monday and gearing up for the many things on our to-do list. In order to keep from getting overwhelmed, start on simple tasks that you can work on and finish in little time. This will help keep you motivated as projects become more time-consuming and challenging. Remember that a positive attitude goes a long way in everything we do, Work It! 

Credit: Free images from acobox.com

Sunny Side of Life

On a day where there is not a cloud in the sky, you just can't help feel the sunny side of life. In all the busy stuff we have going on, sunshine can be the bright spot we need in our day. On the commute home, give the A/C a break and open the car windows and sunroof to enjoy what's left of the sunny day. Stay simply positive along the way!

Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

Goals ->Striving & Achieving

We strive to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. At times, we may need to review some goals to see if there are obstacles that are keeping them from being achieved. Don't abandon or give up, just a bit of tweaking may be all that's needed. I like setting goals for myself especially short-term ones as a way to stay fresh and up-to-date on what's happening in my life. We have to root for ourselves on the notion that the goals we are striving for will be achieved. Our family and friends are great resources for advice and support, but we have to be our own cheerleader on the paths in our lives. Keep striving, stay positive and make those goals a reality.

Marvelous Monday

If the sunshine and 80-something degree temps are any indication, I would say the Atlanta area is looking at a Marvelous Monday. My day is off & running with the infamous 'to-do list' written and already has checked marks on a few finished projects. A good tip for tackling your to-do list is to work on tasks that won't require lots of time, get them out of the way first so more time can be devoted to the longer tasks. I do hope everyone had a good weekend. I will say that mine involved a lot of walking which is healthy good. I plan to step up my efforts in searching and landing an editing or writing gig. I know there are lots of freelance jobs out there and I have been pursuing several, but no hits yet. Keep me in mind if you run across anything. It's nice to get job leads :-) Well, here's to a wonderful week ahead for us all. Stay Simply Positive! 

Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

Just 3 Words

I remember seeing this short segment on Good Morning America from time to time showing people in various places holding signs with only 3 words on them and I thought it was the neatest thing. They would show them usually before cutting to the commercial break. It's funny how much you can say in a few words to relay a message. On GMA this morning, they held a Live Mega Event for Your 3 Words from all around the country. I found the words inspiring, positive and creative. If I had participated in the event, my 3 words would be: Family, Love, Kindness.

Music Monday!

I have always liked the group Sounds of Blackness and it's been a long time hearing any new music. Their music has a positive message and this new single release reflects it. One of my faves from awhile back is the song 'Be Optimistic' which the website included too.


Music by Singersroom.com | More on Sounds of Blackness

Motivation Monday

How is everyone doing on this start to Monday? It's taking a little longer for the sunshine to come out, but hopefully the clouds will make way for them soon. I'm getting focused and have a few things going already on my to-do list. I haven't written about my long-term unemployment in my blog, but it's been tough and the job market even tougher. I am staying positive and have a wonderful support group from my family and friends. I follow many job leads that come my way because you never know when one of them may be the job that says "You're Hired." Those words would be music to my ears. It has been very hard to remain motivated week after week especially on Mondays when others are heading back to work, but I remain just that...Motivated!

Let me end this post on a lighter note ->I read today on the internet that it's National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, now that's Motivation. Have a great week!

Nature Quote of the Day

Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you ~Walt Whitman

Welcome 2011

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2011! I am looking forward to good health, prosperity, and learning lots of new things in the new year. Stay positive in all the goals you have planned for this year!

My Blog Launch

Just launched my new blog today! Please take a look around and read some of my blog posts so far. More importantly, I look forward to your comments and feedback. This is all new for me and I am very excited. Enjoy Simply Positive!

Welcome to My Blog

I am very excited about starting my blog. I finally hit the Publish Post icon after some hesitation, but decided to stop waiting for that so-called right moment. When is that really?

Simply Positive reflects how I live my daily life. I have experienced some tribulations along the way, but really believe in the power of positive thinking to help move life along. I am moving forward with ideas for my life in the new year. I have embraced social media and joined Facebook last spring. My mom and brother were already on the site, and I find that I am posting updates and information daily. I have met old and new friends since joining. My brother, who is very tech-savvy, encouraged me to join Twitter, which I did last summer. Check out his great blog. I have enjoyed the wide-variety of information that people share and find it useful and fun!

I plan to blog about a variety of topics especially budgeting, organizing, and healthy living. I hope you will follow along with me and comment on my posts. Stay tuned!