Archive for the ‘Unemployment stress’ Category

So why is that?

More than likely it’s from a change in environment…getting out of the house, seeing new sites and meeting new people is a guaranteed spirit lifter. A place like Julia’s that is incredibly cozy and filled with the aroma of freshly brewed, organic coffee is nurturing and soothes the weary soul…a definite plus for job seekers.
 
Any thing new jump starts your creative juices, provides inspiration and opens wide the doors of imagination. A change in location or routine frees your mind. Those every day problems you diligently drag around can look quite different when seen from another vantage point. Lots of times we get stuck in patterns without realizing it. Changing things up in one part of your life can lead to more positive change. 

At home, it’s easy to be distracted, and staying on task can be a challenge…okay…it can be almost impossible some days! There’s often something vying for your attention: TV, a honey-do list, family, or checking email for the 10th time! Going somewhere like a coffee shop keeps you glued to your chair, focused and you’ll get more work done in less time.
 
The number one reason for getting out of the house is seeing other people! Being unemployed can leave you feeling isolated and lonely. The positive energy of an upbeat place is contagious. You feel more alive being around people talking, laughing, and enjoying the moment. Plus, you never know what connections you might make like stumbling upon a job lead…that would definitely venturing away from home worthwhile.

Getting out of the house can help you get more done, and in more ways than you might think. Simply being in a vibrant environment, soaking up some good vibes, and swapping smiles will re-energize you and jump start creativity. Both are a big plus in your job search. You’ll feel good all day and be proud of what you got accomplished. And all of this for the price of a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea. What a deal!

Now is the perfect time to Let Your Best Self Shine!

At my church when the pastor asks for joys and concerns, folks speak right up! We celebrate milestones like baby’s first steps, our new bilingual school, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. We lament illnesses, deaths, job losses, disasters, war and the plight of the hungry and homeless. It’s okay to share what ever is on your heart.

Yesterday, two situations yielded prayer requests that caused me to pause and reflect on our need for prayer and our willingness to ask for prayer.

One member stopped at a coffee shop on her way to church. The young woman who served up the latté asked if she was going to church and if so, would she pray for her. Like so many folks who work on Sunday, the coffee shop employee misses the fellowship of a faith community, and fortunately, felt led to express her need for prayer.

The other person needing prayer was a down-on-his luck stranger with end stage cancer. He happened upon our church steps and shared his story with a member before services. During joys and concerns, she asked for prayers for him and expressed her regret for not urging him to join us for worship.

To everyone’s surprise, he stood to say he had felt welcomed. In a tearful voice he asked for prayers to be able to return home, some 12 hours drive north, to die in peace.

Both requests pulled on my heartstrings in a big way. I thought about how many people feel the need for prayers and don’t have anyone to ask or don’t feel comfortable asking for prayers. There are lots of job seekers and their families in that situation…who carry so many burdens and can use a prayer.

Whether you have a faith tradition or not, you’re always in my prayers. Here’s a special prayer for you today. It’s for hope, endurance and encouragement and comes to you from my heart.

Creator, you must hear so many prayers from job seekers and their loved one. Prayers for help finding a job, for making ends meet, for guidance as to which way to turn. I pray you will surround each person looking for work with the assurance they aren’t alone, that You and others care about them, and that even in the dark days, better times will come. Give them hope when they feel they’ve exhausted all their resources, and open new paths when doors seem to be shut tight. May they be greeted in interviews by kind caring people who see the best in them and place them in jobs that will use their talents and skills. For families, lift the burdensome worries from parents, and help children to know above all else they are loved. Help our national leaders to look beyond their personal comfort and agendas, and govern in a way that is for our people’s highest good. Hear the prayer of the one reading this and grant them your grace and mercy. For peace, comfort, compassion, hope and abundance, I pray for all who search for jobs. Shalom and amen. 

It’s a perfect time to Let Your Best Self Shine!

I recently gave the graduation address at the Community Culinary School of Charlotte, a training program for chronically unemployed adults.  To watch this video, click here.