Happy New Year

This year I partially removed my fears concerning the dangers of exposing myself to the world of social media. I actually became more attached to my smart phone, and developed an addiction to browsing the various social media forums. This became a tool to research the different avenues that lead to successful entrepreneurialship while keeping myself distracted from my daily stresses. During my venture, I came across a number of blogs which I immediately felt a connection. Quite a few had no activity for a year or so. Over the past months, I noticed a couple that I started following had no activity for two to three months. Since I am new to the scene, I definitely did not want that to happen to me since I need to gage a regular audience and gain followers. So here I am after two months; saddened by the fact that I have not been able to write daily and that my time is consumed by my day job and school.

No better time like New Year's Eve to get back on track. I have the ability to juggle many things. I must remain focused. The negative aspects of the world can be quite distracting. I am the greatest motivator for others, and most often my own motivator. So on this day, I am reminded that even after you have achieved your goals and successes, you must consistently live life in pursuit of happiness. 

Live each day to the fullest and do not wait for a new year to set goals. Design your plan for happiness the moment an idea takes hold of you. 

Peace, love, & blessings to whomever is listening...

Brain Power

School is kicking my butt! No need in making an effort to eloquently state that simple fact. Someone recently said that we all have the exact same 24 hours to get things done in life. My question is: “Do we all have the same commitments and obligations each day?” I also argue: “Do our jobs or careers present the same demands and stresses?” It has become an ongoing struggle to muster up the required brain power and energy to transition between a full day of work and school. My days have lasted for 20 hours over the past couple of weeks. I need my beauty sleep and physical rejuvenation! Some days I wish I was a bear, so I could hibernate.

One of the positive outcomes from the deteriorating state of the economy is the fact that various political debates have become a sounding board for education. The importance or necessity for pursing higher education is broadly emphasized. The alternative route to college is to pursue a trade or certification in a rapidly growing field. When I was growing up, it was instilled in me that you must attain independence by immediately joining the workforce upon completion of high school. This was not such a bad concept. I just wish there was more outward emphasis or awareness that college was only within the grasps of families who were financially well off.

Fortunately, this concept is actively drilled into the minds of children (adults as well) from all spectrums of life. Limited access to stable employment, the absence of viable jobs, and an extended pause in upward mobility are the biggest drivers for the national emphasis on education. It is well beyond time to spread awareness among all communities. I do not care where anyone comes from, we are all equally worthy and entitled to a share of the American Dream. Let us not continue to be a nation divided by egregious elitists who greedily lock doors, and hide the keys to success. We all have the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Check out Education Nation to learn more about the necessity for engaging children, parents, educators, policymakers, and influential leaders in the movement to improve the US educational system.

Peace, love, & blessings...

Autumn Exposure

One of the best things about autumn is I have a valid reason to cover up my muffin top and love handles without appearing to be on the verge of passing out from heat exhaustion…you know, from putting on an extra layer to camouflage those little flaws. Given that I love cardigans, I do not mind as much. I have an array of cardigans designated for each season. Cardigans serve a dual nature in my life; fulfilling my modern prepster obsession and detracting from minor imperfections. Okay, so my initial thought was overthrown by the admission of the “cover up tactic”. Moving right along…

What I truly love about autumn is the mystical transformations that the almighty Mother Nature imposes on the trees; the beautiful transition of color which marvelously intertwine with ashen skies. I also enjoy the sound of leaves shuffling under my feet along with the sound of my shoes stepping across the surface beneath me. I feel as though I am walking through a scene in a movie, or experiencing a moment in a visually depicted story; the scenes you read about in well-developed novels which enable you to become deeply submerged. You vividly envision yourself physically living in the moment.

I also find myself feeling captivated by the peaceful scenes and serene sounds of nature. It seems as if my sensory perception is heightened during this time of the year. The sounds of scattering squirrels and chirping birds resonate more vibrantly than they do in the summer months. Is it possible that the bright sky is a distraction to our senses? Maybe the squirrels are more diligent in their efforts to gather and store nuts, because they know the grueling winter is fast approaching. The birds may be singing a different tune with the intent to round up their flock in preparation for southern departure.

FUN FACT:

Squirrels use a whistling call to warn one another of impending danger (National Geographic Society, 1996-2013).

Peace, love, & blessings...

Academic Warfare

Taking a little break to avoid the feeling of not having done anything fun this weekend. I am encountering academic writer’s block, or maybe it is academic brain freeze. When I first started school, I could bang out a term paper in eight hours. Now, it seems to take double the time to simply organize my thoughts. I suppose it does not help that I am mentally preoccupied with entrepreneurial and artistic plans that need to be executed. I cannot wait for the day when I can say, "Do Quit Your Day Job" as encouragement to those of you who know you possess talents and natural abilities that far exceed what you can visualize in your dreams.

I wanted to quickly mention that I have every intention of adding photos. Although I am a passionate writer (outside of a controlled environment that sometimes restricts the inclusion of personal ideas), I understand the concept that "a picture is worth a thousand words". I do not proclaim to fully agree with that, but I attest to being a visual person. Pictures capture the beauty of things or moments in time that go unnoticed while passively observing things or experiences in motion. Also, I believe I have an internal knack for photography.

As always, stay tuned. I am a continued work in progress.

Peace, love, blessings...

The Anti-Morning Person

I do not comprehend the early morning conversationalist. This is typically the person who arrives as early as 6:30am, and does not allow those of us who report to work during “normal” business hours to settle in before relaying stressful news. The person will aggressively stand watch as you put your bags down, unload immediate essentials, and spot check your eyes for neglected crust (hey, anything is possible during the morning rush). In the mist of those activities, she (or he) will proceed to ask if you have read a priority email from the boss. Anyone in their right frame of mind would presume that the probability of seeing an email prior to logging into your system is highly unlikely. #OfficeSpace

I am beyond overjoyed that Friday is officially here. I am running on very limited fuel: sleep deprived. This is the second week of school, and my brain needs to be recharged after having discussions on Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.  

To end on a positive note, Happy Friday! Special salute to my fellow "nine to fivers".

Peace, love, & blessings...

Make Space for Things to Come

The live clutter free mission continues! You must purge your physical space not simply for the visual appeal, but to also clear a pathway for all things to vividly flow through your heart and mind. I have been feeling overwhelmed by my vengefully growing to do list. It has become "normal" practice for me to prioritize my priorities on a daily basis. Anywho...forcing myself to do a little of  everything each day which brings me back to clearing out my closet. Although my IG Shop sales have not taken off as of yet, I remain optimistic. I have many more new to barely used quality pieces to post. My intention is to establish a fully operating thrift business along with all of my other pursuits.

I am discovering a lot about myself these days. I have a number of relatable traits associated with AADD and OCD (not to make light of anyone that has been medically diagonsed with severe symptoms). Chaos puts me far outside of my element and comfort zone.

Friendly Reminder: Please follow me here on the blog and on IG @ceclectic_cw. C'ECLECTIC is an officially registered business. I always look to do things the "right way" aka legitimately. 

Peace, love, & blessings...

Which Way to the Exit?

Last week we were informed that everyone is required to complete a Career Profile. During the two minute overview (or lack thereof), it was explained that this was previously utilized for executive level associates only, and the "privilege" has now been extended to the peons. I went in thinking great; this provides me an opportunity to highlight several achievements and successes from my prior work experience at other organizations where my light brightly shined. Wrong!!! The database is very exclusive, simply allowing for "key accomplishments" achieved over the past 3 years within the company. From my standpoint, I am great asset wherever I work. I have a strong worth ethic, a commitment to delivering excellence, and a desire to continually develop my skills and talents. We were given little time to digest the idea that this is mandatory along with just a few days to compose our information.

I managed to summons up a snapshot of my great contributions, but remained annoyed by the fact that there was no option to demonstrate my expansive skill set. Moving on to the Career Preferences section we go: What are your goals? lank stare…blank fields…literally, blank stare ended in blank fields. This ought to go over well with boss man. If any of you have ever watched the movie, Office Space, you may very well understand my moments of corporate office insanity. When the character Peter Gibbons is asked if he is going to quit, he replies: "Nuh-uh. Not really. Uh...I'm just gonna stop going." Sounds tempting...a nice way to shake things up a bit and take a walk on the irresponsible wild side. This movie is a must see for the corporate office prisoner.

"Do not follow the leader. Do not follow the pack. Follow your dreams." ~ Casey W

P.S. Do not get canned. lol

Peace, love, & blessings…

Bookworms aka Nerds

I am looking to get back into one of my favorite past times: reading. The bookworm in me has been dormant for a while. Although I was considered a nerd growing up, I did not appreciate the value of required readings when in high school. That was some time ago; however, I am reflecting on many important aspects of my life (past, present, and future). I do not watch much television, because many shows are void of substance and family values. I have noted the mention of some great reads in certain sitcoms over the years. I have a lot of "if I only knew then what I know now" moments. On one hand, I feel a sense of knowing to simply be familiar with the readings. On the other hand, I wish I took the time to fully grasp and attain the intended life lessons. I am going to challenge myself to circle back to reread a few novels that immediately come to mind such as:

• 1984 - George Orwell 
• The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger 
• Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte 

*** Bragging rights: I read The Catcher in the Rye in either 7th or 8th grade. I was placed in a gifted and talented class both years. A little #nerdism blast from the past considering this was on the 11th grade reading list two years ago. ***

Additionally, I have a desire to stay abreast of recent and upcoming college reading lists as well as books from the official banned books list. A ban has been requested to remove The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  from the 11th grade reading list in Ohio. I stumbled across the news about the controversy over this book from one of my newest idols, Melissa Perry Harris. She too identifies as a nerd (#nerdland). I recall wanting to read this novel when it was on Oprah's reading list some years ago. A copy may already be stored away in my book collection.

I would like to challenge you to join my bandwagon, bookworm or not. Hopefully we can start a discussion of our readings. First on my list is this summer’s college reading for incoming students, The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea. The story is based on actual events of 26 men who attempted to cross the border traveling across the deadliest section of southern Arizona’s desert.

Peace, love, & blessings...

Embrace & Cultivate

One of my greatest fears, secondary to living a life void of purpose, is growing old. I think about this all of the time. Today I arrived at the library minutes before opening (that is a story within itself). I thought for certain there would already be some elders there to keep me company. A few straggled in shortly after. As each of them individually strolled in, I wondered how peaceful it must feel to no longer have to worry about the hustle and bustle of everyday life that comes along with reporting to a "nine to five". I watched two gentlemen looking through the stand housing various newspapers as they selected their preferred material of reading. They sat and read as if no one else existed which to me constituted divine serenity. I then reflected on a brief conversation I had with a woman I encountered earlier this year. Since I did not pursue my college education immediately after high school as planned, I often wish I can get a "redo", a second chance to find my course earlier on in life when I had little to no responsibilities. When I mentioned this to the woman, she stated that she would prefer fast forwarding to retirement stage. I was very intrigued by her outlook. I know I need to fully embrace my life as it is today, and continue to plan and strive toward the future I want. We have to embrace all of the good that is in front of us. We are all gifted with some form of talent or innate ability that somehow aligns with our destiny. Some of us are fully aware of it, but do not know how to cultivate it. Others will never know unless someone or some defining moment tells them.

Peace, love, & blessings…

Dreams vs. Reality

I have been away longer than I wish or prefer. Some days (most days) I am juggling many obligations that take away from my ability to fully devote the time needed to pursue my dreams. Thoughts of succumbing to the notion that having a job, especially in this economy, continues to dance around in my head. I wish I could abandon my day job sooner than later. Thankfully, I am a believer as well as my biggest motivator. I will not allow time to prevent me from striving toward my goals. It is very tempting to surrender, but I am a fighter. The harder you work, the greater the reward and gratification. I encourage you all to believe in yourselves and keep fighting for things that give you sense of purpose in life. We all have purpose.

I initially speak of fashion in my introduction. I am a true believer that looking good helps to make you feel good about yourself. There is no vanity associated with this thought; at least not from my perspective. I just wanted to emphasize that prior to expressing how much I fantasize about establishing a career as a writer. Writing is in the forefront of my mind today. It is one of the primary reasons I decided to start blogging. Whenever I am mentally devising my plan to attain self-efficacy, I often think of the character Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City”. It would be an awesome experience to have a career as a freelance writer that would allow me to write about all elements of art, culture, and life itself. I also related to Carrie because she was quirky and needless to say, quite the fashionista.

In the next couple of weeks, school will be added back to my agenda. Who needs sleep right???...

Peace, love, & blessings…

Quote of the Day

"The things that have been most valuable to me I did not learn in school." ~ Will Smith

Many of the lessons I have learned (and continue to establish) about life and people have been through intense observation. I love to read and research an assortment of topics for pleasure as well as personal growth. I have been called a nerd on plenty of occasions. In my later years, I find that to be extremely complimentary. Academic learning is rewarding within itself, but there is an undeniable difference in witnessing and actively participating in subject matters. The most profound knowledge I have gained which enables me to maneuver and coexist in varied settings has been acquired by sight. Seeing thoughts, ideas, and words transform into action and watching people from all spectrums of life move about in the world has taught me so much in regards to what it means to live, to be.

I will eventually elaborate on my newly acknowledged habit/practice: people watching.

To my fellow nine to fivers: have a productive and enjoyable weekend intertwined with a twist of relaxation.

Happy Friday!

Peace, love, & blessings...

Dreams vs. Reality

More and more each day, I find myself feeling completely disengaged at work. I do not have the luxury to stare into space daydreaming about my strategy to transform my dreams into my new reality. I spend my days confined to a desk surrounded by dingy, gray, cubicle walls where I am required to meet what seems to be never ending deadlines. When I venture off to that place that tells me I can do what I love for work, I am awakened by the voices in my head that obnoxiously chime, “you should be thankful to have a job”. Logically, I comprehend the necessity of being self-reliant which ultimately begins and ends with securing stable work. Why is it that I possess so many innate talents which are blatantly obvious to people who truly know me, BUT I have only been pushed to strive for average? Average does not really require much effort on my part, despite my proven track record for having to work harder than most to achieve or attain some of the basics in life. Although I accept common sense realities, I wholeheartedly reject the notion of silencing my dreams for the sake of succumbing to other people’s perceptions of reality.

***To be continued…***

Quote of the Day

"If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." ~ Malcolm X

"A silent voice is a voice that remains unheard." ~ Casey W

For every horrible boss I encountered along the years, life’s balance afforded me the opportunity to work with some truly amazing leaders. These selfless champions supported and helped further develop my “corporate talents” by pushing me to embrace my full potential. I will never forget the one manager who shared this quote with me, setting the tone for me to begin speaking up for myself inside and outside of the work place.

Quote of the Day

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~ Albert Einstein 

Peace, love, & blessings...

IG Shop Summer Deals

For sale items will be posted this evening and tomorrow. Follow me on Instagram @ceclectic_cw. Enjoy the remainder of the weekend, especially to my fellow nine to fivers who are forced to live for the weekend.

Peace, love, & blessings...

Quality vs. Quantity

I am a partially reluctant, recovering shopaholic. Over the years, I spent countless weekends engaged in wasteful spending that ultimately contributed to a repetitive cycle of accumulating “stuff” simply because I landed the greatest deals. Shopping evolved into my all-time favorite activity for pleasure – my escape from the daily grind. I am proud to say I am a savvy spender, but I developed an addiction from the adrenaline rush experienced when finding deals, especially on the latest trends. An amazing sale or discount justified my desire to possess countless articles of clothing, shoes, purses, etc. I finally realize that when you consistently buy in abundance, frugal no longer applies to your way of life. I am in the process of downsizing my personal closet (which I have done on numerous occasions) with the primary intent to cleanse my physical and emotional space. I am an organization freak, but too much of everything inevitably transforms into clutter: cluttered space makes for a cluttered mind.

My one saving grace during the purge is that my closet contains quality items (not necessarily high end). During my shopping expeditions, I routinely splurged on sale items that I found to be of higher quality. Several of my most favored Modern Prepster items have lasted beyond a decade or so. The pieces remain in mint condition and look as good as or better than some of my most current buys. I suppose that was the one benefit to being afforded the “luxury” to avoid repeating outfits for weeks or months even – less wear and tear. I have noticed in the past few years that clothing is not as durable as it once was. This somewhat justifies my need to get out there and shop, but not ‘til I drop!

Stay fashionable…stay savvy…stay clutter free!!!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @ceclectic_CW to shop my closet!

Peace, love, & blessings...