HANUKKAH, GRATITUDE, AND JOB SEARCH

Photo from: http://www.morguefile.com/creative/mensatic

GRATITUDE.   Encarta Dictionary defines gratitude as "a feeling of being thankful to somebody for doing something."  When you are embroiled in job search, especially a long term one, it may be difficult to find anything to be thankful for.  

When you are out of work for any length of time it may feel that the negatives far outweigh any positive things in your life. Usually this is more a factor of focus and not necessarily reality.

This is not to say your life is nothing but a bed of roses.  Rather, the more you push yourself to focus on the things you have to be thankful for, the less negative you will see things.

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose. 

Woody Allen 

And, you may have to push yourself!  Have you ever heard of the expression, "Fake it til you make it."? This approach can work very well for you and your situation if you apply it diligently.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE THANKFUL NOT THANKLESS?

 I will leave you to come up with the particulars, but in general focusing on the positives can:

1. Facilitate more positive feedback from others
2. Allow you to see more of the bigger picture so you don't miss opportunities
3. Encourage others 
4. Relieve stress at home
5. Give you something else to focus on
6. Release endorphins that will make you feel better
7. Contribute to a more successful job search
8. Free you up to spend your energy on beneficial thoughts and activities
9. Make you feel good

You can choose to be thankful not thankless.  I hope you do!

What do you feel thankful for?

SOME BACKGROUND ON THIS ARTICLE

Hanukkah started 12/8/12 this year.  I am not Jewish and don’t celebrate Hanukkah, but have always been  surrounded by friends who observe.  This year, I thought I would post an article each day of the Celebration.  Although Hanukkah means Dedication, it seems that it also means more.  Each article will highlight a meaningful ideal that I feel can be related to either the Celebration of Hanukkah or career planning and job search.

I will kindle one light on the menorah by sharing the titles of each article theme or candle:

1.       Dedication  

2.       Gratitude 

3.       Charity 

4.       Faith  

5.       Hope  

6.       Perseverance  

7.       Focus 

8.       Triumph

If you would like to learn more about Hanukkah or Chanukah, here is a very straightforward article that I found helpful:  Short Article on Chanukah.

If you have children at home and would like them to learn about other cultures or involve them more in yours if you are celebrating:  Hanukkah for Kids.

Other articles that may be of interest:

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Friday Follow Up November 2, 2012

Nov 02, 2012

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH LOVED ONES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY? How do you cope with unemployment a during Thanksgiving? Like any loss, a... Monday Mission October 1, 2012. Do something. That's right ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: How to handle disappointment of a ...

Sep 24, 2012

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH LOVED ONES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY? How do you cope with unemployment a during Thanksgiving? Like any loss, a... Monday Mission October 1, 2012. Do something. That's right ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Career Fair - Don't HIre Me!

Oct 16, 2012

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH LOVED ONES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY? How do you cope with unemployment a during Thanksgiving? Like any loss, a... Monday Mission October 1, 2012. Do something. That's right ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/

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