Respite Reflections’ purpose is to help people push the “pause” button in their transition work — to take a break from the thinking, researching, networking and preparing for interviews. Taking a moment to center yourself, ponder a positive thought, and focus on a broader perspective is invaluable during a time of transition.

Respite: A short interval of rest or relief

“Giving people a little more than they expect
is a good way to get back a lot more than you’d expect.”

– Robert Half

A “new” year comes in many forms, filled with many expectations. Each day can be considered the beginning of a new year. Perhaps one expectation in this new year I am experiencing, should be “me” expecting “myself” to give a little more – in the way of kindness – to the server at the restaurant or the maintenance person in the hallway or the student intern working in the computer lab. What might each of us receive back, if we were each to make a “new year” resolution to expect more of ourselves, rather than expecting more of others?

Dr. Connie PoppDr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.