Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
(Dr. Wayne Dyer)

Do you believe in the power of your dreams? Do you live your life with intention?

It takes confidence, courage and chutzpah to pursue new heights, to go after promotions, to travel abroad, to speak to strangers, to jump from a plane, to share an honest blog post, to go after what you want… to pursue a life full of financial abundance, bountiful creativity and joyful relationships. Daring to dream of an extraordinary life requires trust and faith in matters beyond our immediate sight.

Fortunately, we are surrounded by proof that the universe is remarkable. It also helps that we’re part of a loving, kind and supportive community here on the blogosphere. If you’re reading this, consider yourself a member of the gang.

There’s an undercurrent of energy that influences all of our lives—and we have the unique capacity to tap into that power. By connecting to the creative force that resides within, we can start living the life of our dreams.

I have experienced the power of thought and intention in tiny circumstances and monumental moments throughout my life. Like anything, it’s a practice. Vision boards, journaling, connecting with soul sisters, this blog, even the pursuit of making every day an extraordinary adventure, are pieces of the puzzle.

Take a look around and think about what you can do to encourage abundance and invite joy into your life. How can you share your sparkle and creativity with the world?

image credit: via moi

PS. This post was inspired by @kellyraeroberts’s musings on abundance. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out.

Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no mater how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles.
(Og Mandino)

The middle of 2010 has come and gone, and yet I’m finding it hard to believe that half the year is behind us. For weeks, I’ve been referring to February like it wasn’t that long ago—and I’m still finding myself writing 2009 at the top of my journal.

Time is a tricky creature that I’ve let run wild for the first part of this year. Even though the last 6 months have felt like a whirlwind, I’m proud of my top 6 accomplishments from January to June.

When I sat down to reflect, I came up with the following list:

*Landed a new job that’s better aligned with my core values

*Became a guest blogger and recorded a podcast with Kimberly Wilson

*Celebrated 2 years of love and fun with my mister

*Increased my net worth significantly and took a big chunk out of le debt

*Connected with a rock star mentor, @GwenBell

*Created an inspirational ‘office’ area in a tiny nook of my apartment

The image above is a slice from my journal. I am excited about the goals I set for the 2nd half of 2010. There aren’t a lot of numbers or deadlines (a departure from my typical goal-setting strategy), but more of a focus on how I want to feel when I reflect back on these next 6 months at the conclusion of this year.

What about you? Have you spent some time considering your accomplishments from the last 6 months? This part of the process is often overlooked, but it is just as important as setting goals. Take a moment to praise yourself for all you’ve done!

I’m welcoming June with an open mind and an eager soul. Looking out onto the horizon, I am excited about what lies ahead. Even though I cannot tell the future, I can feel the joy and laughter that summer brings.

This year has continued to fly by and I’m starting to wonder if that’s my own doing. I have made some big decisions, crafted life changes and taken leaps of faith towards the life of my dreams.

In the midst of all this movement, I have lost the sweet stillness of meditation, the strength of daily yoga practice and the comfort of being a part of this loving online community.

In an effort to recapture the mission of this blog, I set out to find the perfect day in May. While my intentions were pure, I have come to realize that the pursuit of perfection may be a distraction from being present. In this moment. Right here.

In June, my goal is to jump into my daily life with excitement, passion and carefree curiosity. To take root in the present, rather than dwelling on the past and planning the future. To be considerate of myself and others. To live mindfully.

image credit: via clickflashphotos

All our dreams can come true–if we have the courage to pursue them.
(Walt Disney)

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, today’s post features my top five (cinco!) tips for landing your ideal job. Although my free time is spent sparkling and shimmering through the interwebs, my days are spent amongst cubicle nation in the world of HR and recruitment. This career path has afforded me experience and insight into one of the most challenging situations in many people’s lives: the job hunt.

Whether you’re making a career change or have recently found yourself out of work, there are simple ways to find success in your search. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Remember the Secret

Stay positive and true to yourself. Looking for a new opportunity can be overwhelming, so keep in mind that a good attitude will carry you far. People are innately attracted to energy, spirit and confidence. Pump yourself up. Be your own cheerleader. Believe that you deserve the job of your dreams.

2. Build a Professional Brand

We live in a remarkable era full of ways to connect with strangers and network with colleagues. If you can become friends with Ashton, you can easily scope out your future boss. Use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to research potential employers and get the word out about your work.

Think about the way you’re packaging your personal brand. Do you have a professional sounding email address? It’s hard for a potential employer to take you seriously with an email address like sexybabexyz@gmail.com. Is your resume comprehensive, easy to read and typo-free? Does it accurately represent the career path that you are trying to pursue?

3. Do Your Homework

Never underestimate the power of being prepared. If an organization requests a cover letter, prepare one with the specific position in mind. Many candidates use a bulk approach to their search, which makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd. Tailoring your application and correspondence will help you glitter in a sea of potential employees.

Before an interview, study up on the company, their culture and key players. Make a personal connection with each individual that interviews you and ask for their card before leaving. Once you are in the safety of your car, jot down notes on each person that will help you remember them in the future.

4. Add a Personal Touch

Simply put, candidates who send prompt and well-written thank yous are hard to come by. Use high-quality stationary, a pen with blue ink and postage that’s classic (not cute). Reference the notes you took on each individual you met and try to tie in a piece of information that relates to your conversation. Finish your message in a way that clearly states your interest in the opportunity.

5. Ask for the Job!

It may seem bold to finish an interview by asking for the job, but it is a surefire way to let the interviewer know you’re interested. So often interviews are wrapped up by the interviewer saying,

“Thank you for coming in. We enjoyed meeting you. Do you have any final questions?”

This is the perfect opportunity to express your desire to join the team! I recommend you reply (in your own words) something like this,

“You did a great job answering my questions and I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. I am really excited about the opportunity and hope to join your team soon. Is there any reason why you wouldn’t endorse me to receive an offer for this opportunity?”

Asking this question gives you one final chance to uncover any hesitations from the interviewer’s perspective, and the opportunity to address those concerns directly. The whole reason you’re in the interview is to secure a position within the organization… go for it!

photo credit: via Cosmo’s 10 Mistakes Even Smart Women Make in Job Interviews

If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’
then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
(Vincent van Gogh)

Do you sit down and set goals or intentions for the month ahead? Do you contemplate where you’d like to go and all you’d like to accomplish?

I find that when I sit down to plan ahead, things go my way much more often than when I go wherever the wind takes me. There is excitement and pleasure in both approaches, but it is wonderful to know that I can influence my life when I set out on a certain path.

This May, I am setting out on a journey to find the perfect day—one that combines the essential elements to my happiness in a seemingly effortless way. I should preface this by saying that I’m not in search of a magical and unrealistic set of 24 hours, but rather one that encompasses all that is wonderfully possible within my given circumstance.

Key ingredients for an ordinarily extraordinary day might include:

LOVE
sharing a kiss from my mister, receiving a letter from a dear friend, making a call to a family member, recognizing the light in a stranger’s soul

PEACE
writing in my journal, meditating, practicing yoga, reading an inspirational book, connecting with nature

HEALTH
getting a good night’s rest, sweating for 20 minutes, stretching my legs, exercising my mind, eating a nourishing meal, going for a run, embracing carefree indulgence

SELF-CARE
lotion after a shower, soft sheets in bed, chic work clothes, fine accessories, positive self-talk, affirmations, smiling from my soul, listening to podcasts, enjoying my own company

DELIGHT
discovering a new blog, watching a bird play in the wind, making a personal connection, succeeding at work, sharing a laugh, breathing deep, living in the moment

ABUNDANCE
finding a $100 bill, coming across an unexpected check in the mail, receiving an unsolicited guest blogging invitation, opening a care package from a friendly acquaintance

SPARKLE
wearing lip gloss, enjoying a mani/pedi, making a stranger smile, singing loudly in the car, shopping for a new pair of shoes, putting glitter on a creative project

These loosely tied ingredients embody the essence of my ideal day. Like most, I wake up and go to work. I get home with less hours of free-time than I’d like. While these may be truths in my immediate day-to-day, I am seeking an adventure far more rewarding that going through the motions. This month, I am on a journey to discover my ordinarily extraordinary day.

image credit: john-morgan

We don’t see things as they are,
we see them as we are.
(Anaïs Nin)

Do you ever find yourself in need of a fresh perspective?

Do you seek wisdom from mentors or pursue truth in solitude? Do you reorganize, make lists, categorize and work from the bottom up? Do you walk away for a breath of fresh air? Do you make yourself a cup of tea? Do you bounce ideas off of a friend? Do you write in your journal or paint in your notebook?

It seems that sometimes a new perspective is all we need to unlock creativity, solve a mystery, or answer a puzzling question. Yet I find myself slowly realizing that a step back is the remedy to my challenges. During the last few months, I’ve shared moments in my struggle to establish priorities and intentions, I have been upfront about the pace life has set for me lately, and clearly I have been in need of a new perspective.

From the start of this new year, I have cursed my busy to-do lists and overflowing inbox. I have cringed at my mismanagement of time and my eager desire to do more than is necessary. Somehow though my bellyaching and complaining, I stopped reading other blogs, connecting with my readers and finding gratitude in the small, quiet moments that make life so beautiful.

This month my goal is to seek a fresh perspective in my everyday life.

To rediscover my inner artist, adventurer and sparklista. To stop making excuses and to begin with doing what I can. To shed a new light on my creativity and curiosity. To connect, inspire, nurture and grow.

image credit: modern girl’s manifesta via wordle

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It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and
seemingly secure, to embrace the new.
But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,
for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
(Alan Cohen)

Hello fabulous ones. How’s your week going? Mine has been super full! It seems that making a major change (like starting a new job) will do that to someone. Training is going great and I’m finally getting into the groove. Something really cool happened to me on Sunday that I’m dying to share with you…

Kimberly Wilson interviewed me for her podcast!

I’ve literally listened to every single podcast she’s ever put out. I began listening back in college and always wondered what it would be like to be an artsy, creative, blogger chick. I still can’t believe that I’m on the other side of things now. It really is a dream come true.

I will definitely let you know when the podcast goes live. I’m a bit nervous to hear how it turns out, but also very excited to soak it all in.

Kimberly made me feel comfortable and confident during the call. She asked so many great questions! I was honored that she highlighted my Modern Girl’s Manifesta and guest blogging over at Tranquility du Jour. My heart skipped a beat when she asked if I’ve thought about writing a book someday—seriously? I would love to.

edit: The podcast has gone live. Click here to listen to it!

photo credit: kennymatic

Stuff happens. We dance with it.
The better & happier you dance, the better you do.
(Seth Godin)

Hello February, another turn of the calendar and a fresh new month. I disappeared last month as January flew by—you might have noticed that I rarely blogged, tweeted or connected with you lovely souls. I missed our community and am looking forward to getting back into the flow.

Some of you already know about my news from yesterday—I am excited to announce that after 2.5 years with the same company, I am moving onto bigger and better things!

Quitting my job was difficult, especially since I’m not one to retreat or give up. I knew that leaving would be a challenge, but I didn’t expect to learn so much through the process. The experience taught me about the fine line between loyalty and self-preservation. I am thrilled with my decision and will happily share more details as things progress.

With the rest of the week to myself, I am planning on cleaning my apartment, getting my haircut and enjoying some quiet time for reflection. Everyone is on their own time-line and for whatever reason, last month was at warp speed. This month, I am setting a few attainable intentions that will help me build the stage for a fantastic 2010!

Intentions for February

• revamp my wardrobe by adding a a few fantastic basics and classy accessories
• reconnect with my routine by sticking to a bedtime and working out 3 times a week
• reengage my creative juices by blogging more and indulging in artist dates

It seems as though there’s a theme around revamping, reconnecting and reengaging. Perhaps my overarching goal for February is to nurture myself with love, positive energy and productivity.

What are a few of your intentions for February? I would be so grateful if you shared how you plan on nurturing your soul during this love-filled month.

photo credit: sister72

Be careful what you water your dreams with.
Water them with worry and fear and you will
produce weeds that choke the life from your dream.
Water them with optimism and solutions
and you will cultivate success.
Always be on the lookout for ways to
turn a problem into an opportunity for success.
Always be on the lookout for ways to
nurture your dream.
(Lao Tzu)

Hello friends! I hope you are enjoying a fantastic week so far. Things are wonderful in my little piece of earth. You might have noticed that I haven’t been around as much lately. Life is prioritizing my to-do list for me, and I am trying my best to listen.

Many of you have been so kind in sharing your “word of the year” and I am gladly joining the inspirational dictionary.

My touchstone for 2010 is nurture—
to care for and encourage growth or development
to cherish (a hope, belief, or ambition)

The word nurture makes me think of tending a tiny and precious garden—an initial spark from which abundance grows. My intention is to focus on nurturing growth within myself and others throughout this year.

I appreciate you joining me on this journey and I cannot wait to see how 2010 unfolds.

I’m certain we will push ourselves to the edge and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. We will dive into new projects and creative endeavors that we never once dreamed were possible. We will savor quiet moments.

We will nurture each other.
We will recognize the greatness within ourselves at this very moment.
We will rock this year.

photo credit: collage by moi

Be always at war with your vices,
at peace with your neighbors,
and let each new year find you
a better [wo]man.
(Benjamin Franklin)

I may be a bit tardy in presenting my resolutions, but I figure there’s still plenty of time with 350-ish days left in 2010. In addition to my modern girl’s manifesta, there are a number of things I want to focus on this year.

As I planned my intentions for 2010, I thought of ways to begin living my ideal life. An ordinary, yet completely fantastic, everyday existence. Keeping in mind that it’s the journey (not the destination) that matters, I resolve to:

practice yoga weekly

be kind to the girl in the mirror

eat with the intention to fuel my body

support my spine by sitting and standing up straight

wear my hair down more often

treat money with respect

consider tomorrow when spending today

enjoy time with friends and family

embrace my mister with love and kindness

adore my art & writing

relish every bit of my creative being

send invisible parcels of love into the ether

This year’s resolutions are much more abstract than normal, but I am tired of setting out to lose 10 pounds. It’s a new decade and certainly a good time to adjust my goal-setting strategy. By incorporating these resolutions in my daily routine, I will be well on my way to living the life of my dreams.

photo credit: via weheartit