Career at WomanTalkLive
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Passion and Purpose: Time and Reflection
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Betsy CeruloThe Christmas tree is up, the lights are blinking bright, the gifts are wrapped under the tree and all is perfect. Uh oh, then everything falls apart – the lights go out and life unravels as Christmas day approaches. This is what happens when we race through the holiday season getting everything done… we lose sight of what the day and the season is all about.
For anyone who has watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, one of the precious moments was Linus coming up on stage and pointing out the craziness of the Peanuts gang by saying “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Linus reminds us of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. It took that simple reminder to bring the gang around Charlie Brown and praise him for the effort he put forth in finding a tree, albeit small. Once the love was expressed, the tree became something beautiful. It had nothing to do with bright, shiny and big things. It was about friendship, peace and empowerment.
So, year after year, why do we play the same game during the holidays – over-spending and going through the month of December in a stressful trance to get it all done? You can stop this at anytime. You can spend wisely, give thoughtful gifts or perhaps, give the gift of love. Instead of buying you a gift, ask your family for help in setting up a creative space in the house for you. Ask them for a family night of playing games and having them cook you a meal. How about a day out in nature or a day where the only music in the house is your favorite? At this point in life, don’t most of us have everything we need? Isn’t it peace and time we crave the most? Go back to the real meaning of the season, stop the madness and ask for what you want.
And, if you celebrate Hanukkah? Though it has passed, you still can ask for eight days of whatever you need and spread those days throughout the year. Imagine, eight days where your kids support you to set up your new creative space, write you a poem or story, play you music on the instruments you gifted to them, cook you a meal and pamper you. Celebrating is for kids of every age!
As New Years Eve approaches every year, we write down the things in the ending year that we want to shed and toss them into the fireplace. It is a cleansing to prepare for the New Year. We then write our dreams and goals for the New Year. It is a wonderful exercise that forces you to stop, be with your thoughts and look forward to the coming year.
Take time this holiday season to slow down the best you can and ask for what you need. The meaning of this holiday is the joy of love and new life. Hold it in your heart and let it carry you through the New Year. Let time and peace be your gift to yourself.
Happy Holidays.
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Betsy Cerulo is the founder and CEO of AdNet AccountNet, Inc., an integrative business solutions company offering recruiting and placement of accounting, financial, administrative, healthcare, human resources and information technology professionals and staff in the private and government sectors. Her company and employees were recently honored as a 2013 SmartCEO Future 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Baltimore area. Check it out on YouTube to know more about AdNet’s successful path during turbulent economic times.
Betsy can be contacted directly at 410.715.4035 or by email at [email protected] for Business Advisory Services.
Contact the AdNet team at 410.715.4040 for guidance on your next career change, interim/contractual opportunities while you are between jobs, and/or for strategic solutions to adding to your workforce team.
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Passion and Purpose: The Magic of Gratitude
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Betsy CeruloIn my last article, I suggested you express some gratitude:
So as you sit in your chair, smile and say “Thank you, God/Spirit/Higher Power” for allowing me to be more than enough.”
And, as always, make time to enjoy.Well, did you do it? How did you feel? Do you get that you are more than enough? Don’t you just wish that you could get that lesson quickly? It takes time, though, and with each step it does sink in deeper. Eventually it becomes part of your fiber.
This season begins the time of gratitude with Thanksgiving quickly approaching. What a perfect time to practice being grateful for who you are now and what you have now. Every time you focus on what you don’t have or what you want, you lose sight of the present moment… which is where you tap into your Passion and Purpose.
Learning from the past and planning for the future are important pieces of the whole picture that helps you live the life you want. It’s when you hold onto the past and get stuck in “when I have this….etc.” that you lose sight of all the magic in the present.
Allow this time of the year to help you springboard into the New Year by starting with being grateful. Write out five things that you are grateful for each morning. If you don’t have time to journal or it’s not your thing, as you drive to work name 5 things out loud. The act of acknowledging the smallest thing that puts a smile on your face is an incredible way to balance yourself each day. If you have just come out of a stressful meeting, as you walk back to your office, speak your gratitude to yourself. The world will provide a moment of bright light for you amidst the angst.
Be grateful for the lessons both hard and easy. Each wall you have had to climb over, as well as each bump in the road, is truly a gift. When you have to keep learning the same lesson over and over – that can take away from you living your Passion and Purpose. From my own experiences, the hardest lessons on my path over the past few years have gifted me a new set of awareness. You know the beep sound for backing up in new cars? My “beep” goes off much faster now and I will politely disengage from a conversation or event when I see a familiar behavior rear its ugly head. I end up walking away feeling very empowered that I saved my energy for more meaningful interactions.
Take the rest of the year to acknowledge yourself for all the good stuff in your life. This will help you begin designing your new year. You can clean up things that have hung over your head indefinitely whether that is transitioning a relationship, changing your behavior or cleaning a room. Replace emotional and physical clutter with gratitude. The more you follow this practice, the lighter you will feel and the lighter you feel, the easier it is to live your life passionately because you are no longer carrying the “stuff”.
Think about the word “Thanksgiving”. By saying thank you to the universe, you are giving to yourself and others. What a beautiful time of year! As you are feeling grateful, enjoy the holiday preparations, say thank you more often and give thanks for those around you who help to make your life the beautiful experience that it is.
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy this beautiful holiday.
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Betsy Cerulo is the founder and CEO of AdNet AccountNet, Inc., an integrative business solutions company offering recruiting and placement of accounting, financial, administrative, healthcare, human resources and information technology professionals and staff in the private and government sectors. Her company and employees were recently honored as a 2013 SmartCEO Future 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Baltimore area. Check it out on YouTube to know more about AdNet’s successful path during turbulent economic times.
Betsy can be contacted directly at 410.715.4035 or by email at [email protected] for Business Advisory Services.
Contact the AdNet team at 410.715.4040 for guidance on your next career change, interim/contractual opportunities while you are between jobs, and/or for strategic solutions to adding to your workforce team.
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Passion and Purpose: When What You Asked for Comes True
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Betsy CeruloIt’s a Friday afternoon, you sit back in your chair after a busy and productive week. It hits you…everything you have asked for, prayed for, meditated on, cried about and worked your ass off for, is right here in front of you and you have IT! Perhaps the “IT” is that you have delegated the tasks that no longer excite you and now, you can focus on higher level challenges. Or maybe you took the step to quit your job and start your own business. Maybe you set up your own space in the house and have been wildly creating like you always dreamed.
So now what?
NOT A DAMN THING! There is no longer anything to do but lean into your dream, wrap your arms around it and drink up every last drop of your passion.
This can sometimes be where people sabotage what they asked for because they just don’t freakin’ know how to do anything different from what they have done for years. They look around bewildered or they try “IT” for a short period of time and throw in the towel.
But remember…NOTHING worth holding close to your heart happens overnight. One dream leads you to another and another and even another. We sometimes run from what we really want simply because we don’t know how to keep it. I bet you can think of a few people who wanted the perfect spouse and they get it and then toss the person aside because they are not good enough.
There are times when what you have is enough and often, more than enough, when we allow ourselves to take it in, be with it and nurture it. We only tend to run from what we really want because we are afraid of the unknown.
I can remember about 15 years ago in my career I had things just the way I wanted. Once I allowed someone else’s “never enough” way of thinking to permeate my “more than enough” view, I started to discount what I had and believe that it wasn’t enough. Well, you can bet my company started to dismantle piece by piece. The work wasn’t enough, the employees weren’t doing enough.
When I nearly lost everything, I had the BIG “ah-ha” moment and surrounded myself with healthy and positive-thinking people, starting with myself. My conversation of more than enough began to be the primary talk in my head. I was grateful for each little thing as though it were a big thing. The little things grew out of positive thought like a seed with water. Then I saw that I had more than enough and it was blissful. My inner light started to shine again and my company grew and the people I get to work with made – and still do – my heart smile.
So, I invite you to look at who you are and what you have. Is it enough? Is it more than enough? If you want more, honor that and let it be the icing on your passionate cake. Life is way too precious to focus on what we don’t have. We really have it all when we are truly ready to receive it.
So as you sit in your chair, smile and say “Thank you, God/Spirit/Higher Power” for allowing me to be more than enough.”
And, as always, make time to enjoy.
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Betsy Cerulo is the founder and CEO of AdNet AccountNet, Inc., an integrative business solutions company offering recruiting and placement of accounting, financial, administrative, healthcare, human resources and information technology professionals and staff in the private and government sectors. Her company and employees were recently honored as a 2013 SmartCEO Future 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Baltimore area. Check it out on YouTube to know more about AdNet’s successful path during turbulent economic times.
Betsy can be contacted directly at 410.715.4035 or by email at [email protected] for Business Advisory Services.
Contact the AdNet team at 410.715.4040 for guidance on your next career change, interim/contractual opportunities while you are between jobs, and/or for strategic solutions to adding to your workforce team.
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Passion and Purpose: Empty Nest and Extra Time
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Betsy CeruloSeptember sees our kids going back to school and leaving the “nest” for college. Both events bring a mix of emotion for parents. As our kids are entering another year of education to discover or follow their dreams, we get to do the same.
If the house feels a little quieter, take it in, feel your emotions and absorb the present moment. Here is your chance to take time to focus on your dreams, your marriage/significant relationship and YOU! Sometimes this phase in life can be frightening because you may have never had this kind of time. That’s okay. Put one foot in front of the other and dive in.
Your time may be more freed up to start projects around the house. How nice would it be when you come home from work, you can actually take time for making a list of things YOU want to get done. No more excuses, check off that list! Some people take this as a time to clear out the clutter in the house and design a creative space. It’s amazing what is manifested when the clutter is gone and the energy flows effortlessly in your home.
Extra time can also be focused on volunteer efforts outside your home. Is there a cause that matters to you or do you simply have a yearning to give back? Go to the United Way or do a general Google search to discover the numerous ways you can volunteer. Giving of your time is so rewarding.
Is there an outside activity that you loved as a child or always thought about trying out? At 51, I am finally starting Fencing Lessons. I’m making that time to do it. We are always young enough to tap into a childhood dream. Get yourself moving and pick a sport. There are so many cool things out there waiting for us to give ‘em a whirl. What about martial arts, yoga, hiking or biking to test endurance? And then there’s writing, stained glass, knitting, sewing, pottery, painting for those of us that like things to be stationary. It does not matter how fast or slow you move, just exercise your mind and try something different.
When your kids come home from school or to visit, they will probably love it that you both are sharing new things with each other. Regardless, just give yourself the gift of discovery.
If you are a single parent, this may be the best time to take yourself out on a date! Finding a soul mate and life’s partner is not always an “must have” on everyone’s list. When you learn to enjoy your own company first, that tends to attract new people in one’s life whether that is for friendship or love. The thought of taking myself out to Barnes & Noble, sipping a latte and getting absorbed in a good book is one of my most favorite things. And, I love my spouse yet sometimes I just need time to be with myself. That has me come back to the relationship more balanced.
So my dear empty nesters… make your nest your special haven to help tap into your passion and purpose. If the quiet makes you uncomfortable, now you can put on YOUR favorite music, sing at the top of your lungs and dance around the dining room table. Doesn’t that sound blissful?
Enjoy yourself.
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Betsy Cerulo is the founder and CEO of AdNet AccountNet, Inc., an integrative business solutions company offering recruiting and placement of accounting, financial, administrative, healthcare, human resources and information technology professionals and staff in the private and government sectors. Her company and employees were recently honored as a 2013 SmartCEO Future 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Baltimore area. Check it out on YouTube to know more about AdNet’s successful path during turbulent economic times.
Betsy can be contacted directly at 410.715.4035 or by email at [email protected] for Business Advisory Services.
Contact the AdNet team at 410.715.4040 for guidance on your next career change, interim/contractual opportunities while you are between jobs, and/or for strategic solutions to adding to your workforce team.
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Passion and Purpose: Good Music, Social Media Savvy, Your Purpose and Bliss
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Betsy CeruloIn the last posting, we talked about how to attract happiness into your life. Let’s approach your purpose as the most beautiful piece of music that makes your heart sing with joy. When you are living your purpose, every song is beautiful, every experience is enriching and you are in a state of such high vibration that everything you touch is golden. Even when it’s not golden, you effortlessly navigate through the challenge. Sounds good, doesn’t it? This is where you want your life to be.
I strongly recommend that you bring music into your life daily. Find the artists or genres that inspire your creativity and evoke positive feelings. The intention is to surround yourself with as much positive energy as possible. When you are feeling joyful, the sky is the limit in your life. Seize those moments!
I always listen to my favorite classical music as I write proposals. The music keeps me fluid as I compose technical verbiage. When I am doing other work that does not require as much focus, then classic 70’s music is my choice. Without even thinking of it, hearing certain songs takes me right back to a very simple time in life when the biggest decision was what album I would purchase at Sam Goody’s Record Store. This is what you want… to have interactions and experiences that make you smile. There are plenty of stressors in life – so be sure to include as many opportunities as you can to experience happiness.
Life seems to run a little faster these days. Social Media is the craze now whether or not all of us are excited about this. Every day, it’s here as a part of life. Our kids are growing up with it being second nature to them. It’s the way they communicate.
I find a great deal of value in Social Media and I also have to monitor carefully as to where I choose to participate and spend time. There are many venues such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterist, etc. If not careful, many can add even more stress to your life. As with people and music, be discerning. Be mindful whom you follow, the amount of time you’re spending and how you participate.
Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family as well as a place to learn about what is going on worldwide. Often there are inspiring and interesting postings about life along with engaging conversations about common interests. Also, I have noticed that Facebook can be a place where people put out a great deal of negativity and poisonous ramblings that have my eyes pop out of my head or want to hit delete.
The good news is that I get to choose what I see and how often. Periodically, in all my social media accounts, I clear out the sources of pretentious and harmful chatter.It’s also good to see what is being circulated via social media because that allows me to make a choice as to if I would hire a person or give that person my business based on the information they share. Social Media is another window into an individual’s personality. Just a hint… when hiring new employees, most corporations now look at social media accounts as a step in their selection process. So if you don’t think people are looking, guess again! They are!
As part of marketing yourself in business, you have to monitor what you are sharing on Social Media. Have an unbiased friend or associate take a look at what you’re sharing to determine if you’re putting your best self out there. If not, you may want to think again.
I want to encourage you to create a majestic business package called YOU, INC. – and that includes all of the ways you show up in the world.
Surround yourself with beautiful music and BE the beautiful music out in the world to attract everything you dream.
Have a blissful month.
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Betsy Cerulo is the founder and CEO of AdNet AccountNet, Inc., an integrative business solutions company offering recruiting and placement of accounting, financial, administrative, healthcare, human resources and information technology professionals and staff in the private and government sectors. Her company and employees were recently honored as a 2013 SmartCEO Future 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Baltimore area. Check it out on YouTube to know more about AdNet’s successful path during turbulent economic times.
Betsy can be contacted directly at 410.715.4035 or by email at [email protected] for Business Advisory Services.
Contact the AdNet team at 410.715.4040 for guidance on your next career change, interim/contractual opportunities while you are between jobs, and/or for strategic solutions to adding to your workforce team.