Being "Mused"

Being an audiophile, music fills my day. From the moment I awake, until the moment I go to sleep, there is always music in the background. It whispers gently in my ears, keeping me centered and inspired, as I engage in activities throughout the day.

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact, there’s a growing field of health care known as music therapy, which uses music to heal. Those who practice music therapy are finding benefits in using music to help cancer patients and children with ADD/ADHD. Hospitals are beginning to use music and music therapy to help with pain management, depression and physical therapy. This is not surprising, as music affects the body and mind in powerful ways.

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to Mused, by Dutch recording artist, Michael Mused. Mused is a unique and refreshing blend of dance, reggae, ambient and world music. The reggae melody of Peace and Love makes you feel like you’re in Jamaica and the Caribbean sun is gently kissing your skin, as you sip a tropical delight at a beachside resort. The exotic Philomena takes you to the Red City, Marrakech, strolling the bustling souks, filled with spice vendors, storytellers and belly dancers. The perfect way to travel - you never have to leave home!

With stress levels rising, Mused is much needed escapism and therapy.

Mused may be purchased via Amazon.com, iTunes and http://michael.mmused.com/.

Reflections

As I approach another revolution around the sun, I’ve come to understand that however unwelcome an event may be at the time, it always leads to a positive outcome in the future. I consider friends and acquaintances and how they make me feel…spending my time with those embodying allegorical exuberance, distancing myself from the slightest tenebrosity of envy, judgment, resentment and spitefulness.

I share my insights…

• I am ever so grateful that my blog is read worldwide, 88 countries!!!
• I love smiles, as a smile can unlock the hardest of hearts.
• I cherish and treasure all of my relationships.
• It is very important to express gratitude and appreciation.
• Say, “I love you” as often as possible.
• The person who possesses the largest bookshelf, not designer fashions, an overflowing wallet or biggest gun, holds true power.
• Always transcend political correctness and strive for human righteousness.
• The truth can hurt and often does, so get over it and move forward.
• Let go of the past or you won’t have room for a future.
• The bigger your challenge, the bigger your lesson.
• Mistakes repeated = lessons not learned.
• When life is stormy, dance in the rain (I’ve learned to love dancing in the rain!!!)
• Cold crow is hard to swallow; apologize wholeheartedly, as soon as possible.
• Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of the situation.

May you have enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to realize true happiness.

Wishing you love, peace and happiness…

Coping With a Job You Hate

Having a job you just hate is never easy and in today’s economy, you probably need to grin and bear it until another opportunity comes along. Whether you're currently stuck because you have to pay the bills or are holding out for the next great job, here are a few things you can do to help you get through the day.

1. Set weekly goals for yourself. Sometimes it is easier to get through the day when you can keep your eye on the prize. Even if you hate your job now, there is something out there that will make you happy. Setting these goals will give you something to work towards.

2. Do one thing each day to help you reach your goals. When you get up in the morning, set a daily objective for yourself and make sure you achieve it. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you feeling good about your progress.

3. Give yourself "me time" before work. Going into a job you hate will be worse if you get to the office feeling rushed, stressed and frazzled. Set aside some moments of solitude each morning. Develop a positive morning ritual. Treat yourself to a latte, get up early enough to read the paper, or just set your alarm to play upbeat music when you wake up. Improving your mornings can do wonders for your afternoons.

4. Create a diversion for yourself in the office. Does being in your office make you yearn for the outdoors? Are the incessant ringing phones driving you batty? Do something to brighten your mood while you're at work. Use a photo that makes you smile as your screensaver. Buy yourself a "joke of the day" desk calendar. Listen to your iPod while working.

5. Use your time to develop your skills. Hating your job doesn't mean you can't learn new skills. Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road. If your company offers training courses, take advantage of them. Use downtime to learn something new on your computer. Pick up a management development book and read it at lunch. Turn this job into an opportunity for self-improvement.

6. Blow off some steam. Most people have an activity that helps them unwind and get rid of tension. Take a nice long walk during your lunch hour or go for a run after work.

7. Treat yourself. To make up for your office misery, find little ways of treating yourself. Buy a good book to read. Treat yourself to ice cream. Rent a movie. Shop for a new interview suit. Plan your next vacation. Do something to make you feel better inside, regardless of what is going on outside.