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.
“Choose to love and make others happy,
and your life will change
because you will find happiness and love in the process.
The first step towards inner peace
is to decide to give love, not receive it.”
– Bernie Siegel
If we are wondering why we are not getting what we think we should be getting, could the answer lie in some universal equation in which what we give out is equal to what we receive back. Is there some karmic equation that delivers to us in equal measure what we give away?
It’s hard to forget about our own needs, especially when one is miserable and, yet, it is often said that when one is most down and out, that is the best time to do something for someone else. Giving to someone else takes the emphasis away from our own miseries and enables us to feel powerful. “No, I will not allow this circumstance to turn me into a mean and nasty person. Yes, I will focus on gratitude and joy, even in the midst of this hardship. So be it!”
– Connie Popp
Dr. 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.