At Your Service

The following was originally posted on January 18, 2011 on Kristina's blog.

CHICKS ROCK! is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week. Kristina Leonardi is the founder of The Women’s Mosaic. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth.  

You can follow her @clearlykristina and like her Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this!

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“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the most common desires I hear from clients when embarking on a new career or making a transition is that they want to be doing something with meaning, something that helps people.
My approach is to ask them,  “What is the thing that makes you, you? What you are passionate about; when do you lose track of time?” I inquire as to what their fantasy job would be, and very rarely does that answer have to do with becoming a social worker or joining the Peace Corps.

You don’t have to become the next Mother Teresa, Gandhi or MLK to make a difference and live your life in service to others. Perhaps that may be your path, but as Dr. King also said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Running for public office or volunteering on a regular basis can certainly fill that role, but service can be expressed in a myriad of forms that aren’t always so obvious or grandiose. Just being yourself and doing your best at YOU allows us to benefit from whatever unique gifts and talents you possess.

When one’s work is done with love and integrity, every job is one of service. MLK day is also about celebrating diversity, which can refer to many things including occupation.  We all have jobs that make the world go round. Whether it’s the super taking care of your building, the bus driver making sure you get to your destination safely, the guy who makes your coffee and bagel every morning, the janitor that cleans the public restrooms you use, the designer of the clothes you are wearing, the comedian that made you laugh last night, the singer whose song you enjoyed on your Ipod, writer whose novel you devoured over the weekend – no occupation is too insignificant, as long as it is done to the best of one’s ability, you can see how any of those people have served you on some level.

And regardless of your job, there is also the service you can provide by smiling at someone when you’re walking down the street, or showing a kindness to a stranger, and notice how for moment you made someone happy or uplifted them in some way.

The thing that I enjoy most and lose track of time doing is talking to folks about their life’s work and helping them make their everyday existence as meaningful and peaceful as possible. I would love the opportunity to help you connect the dots of your life, create more work/life balance and recognize the value in whatever you do,  so just give me a buzz as I am always here, at your service!

At Your Service

The following was originally posted on January 18, 2011 on Kristina's blog.

Kristina Leonardi is the founder of The Women’s Mosaic. She is a career/life coach, speaker, seminar leader and expert in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth.  Click here for her special caoching rates through the end of January.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the most common desires I hear from clients when embarking on a new career or making a transition is that they want to be doing something with meaning, something that helps people.

My approach is to ask them, “What is the thing that makes you, you? What you are passionate about; when do you lose track of time?” I inquire as to what their fantasy job would be, and very rarely does that answer have to do with becoming a social worker or joining the Peace Corps.

You don’t have to become the next Mother Teresa, Gandhi or MLK to make a difference and live your life in service to others. Perhaps that may be your path, but as Dr. King also said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Running for public office or volunteering on a regular basis can certainly fill that role, but service can be expressed in a myriad of forms that aren’t always so obvious or grandiose. Just being yourself and doing your best at YOU allows us to benefit from whatever unique gifts and talents you possess.

When one’s work is done with love and integrity, every job is one of service. MLK day is also about celebrating diversity, which can refer to many things including occupation. We all have jobs that make the world go round. Whether it’s the super taking care of your building, the bus driver making sure you get to your destination safely, the guy who makes your coffee and bagel every morning, the janitor that cleans the public restrooms you use, the designer of the clothes you are wearing, the comedian that made you laugh last night, the singer whose song you enjoyed on your Ipod, writer whose novel you devoured over the weekend – no occupation is too insignificant, as long as it is done to the best of one’s ability, you can see how any of those people have served you on some level.

And regardless of your job, there is also the service you can provide by smiling at someone when you’re walking down the street, or showing a kindness to a stranger, and notice how for moment you made someone happy or uplifted them in some way.

The thing that I enjoy most and lose track of time doing is talking to folks about their life’s work and helping them make their everyday existence as meaningful and peaceful as possible. I would love the opportunity to help you connect the dots of your life, create more work/life balance and recognize the value in whatever you do, so just give me a buzz as I am always here, at your service.

Get Moving to Support Women

One of the great things about TWM is that they are constantly working to support other organizations and non-profits. One way they do that is by participating in the Revlon Run/Walk annually, and this year is no exception. Check out the details below and be sure to join them or donate to the team.

TWM's Team for Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers
Saturday, April 30th 7am - Noon

Looking to make new friends?
Do you want to get in shape?
Would you like to help others?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then join The Women's Moasic Team for the Revlon Run/Walk! We will be banding together with thousands of people on Saturday, April 30th to walk as one and put an end to women's cancers. Every step we take will bring us one step closer to the cure, with your help we can make this disease a thing of the past.

If you would like meet some great people, have a fun morning out and make a difference in thousands of lives please contact Team Captain Mary Brower at Mugglymoo@yahoo.com to or click on the link below to register directly.

This year's team has special meaning since TWM's longtime friend and board member Melanie McEvoy is a breast cancer survivor after being diagnosed immediately following her very first mammogram just last spring.

REGISTER FOR OR DONATE TO TWM'S TEAM HERE

A Personal Responsibility*

The following was originally posted on May 26, 2009. It is being re-posted as part of our CHICKS ROCK! Holiday series.


When I think about the responsibilities we have to each other and to ourselves, I start to think a lot about what is more important. Selfishness is something frowned upon in our society, and yet we are often described as a very selfish culture. We want what we want, when we want it, and regardless of how it might affect others.

Perhaps this is why my friends and I get such a positive reaction from people when we say we work for non-profit organizations. We seem to have a higher purpose and goal, and we are commended for taking home a smaller paycheck in return. In reality, I think a lot of young non-profit professionals get frustrated about different aspects of non-profit work. I see a lot of my peers and colleagues become disgruntled and complain about the limitations of the work and the pay.

But even still, there is certainly a commitment to serve that I don't see in many people outside of the non-profit world. Despite the frustrations, everyone has at least one cause they are passionate about and put above almost everything else -- including themselves. Most of the activists I know work so hard that they often neglect their own health and well-being, myself included. By putting the work, the cause, the justice ahead of our own needs, are we doing more harm than good? Most activists would say of course not! We do what we need to do, when we need to do it, regardless of how it might affect us.

I'm coming to realize, however, that this just can't be an option anymore. A few other activists have been expressing similar sentiments for a while now, and I have no choice anymore but to agree with them. If the good we do for others is harming us, it is our responsibility to ourselves to step back, and hope that somebody else takes the wheel. If they do, we can be back in action when they need to step back. If they don't, then at least we'll be re-energized and ready to work even harder.

Overbooked and UnderBOOKed

I’m having the kind of week (month, year) when too much is going on that I’m interested in, and too much is going on that I’m required to do. Let alone the things I just think would be fun!

I’ve experienced stretches of time in the past where everything seems to fall into place. There’s time to work and play, time to attend meetings, time to cook and time to lie around. Well, now I’m sounding like that Byrds song... to everything there's a season... but you get the picture.

At this time, the many responsibilities that are calling my name have nothing to do with work. I’m an author, so my work schedule is up to me. I choose when I work and on what, which paying gigs I accept vs. the time I put toward future book projects that right now run on my own dime. But lately my problem is the opposite of the usual - too much LIFE getting in the way of my WORK. And it's not about self-discipline - I truly enjoy what I do.

I don’t like having to choose between things that often seem to be of equal importance, such as my work, my volunteer commitments, my family, my friends, myself. In a void, it’s easy to order these things, but in reality, nothing's so clear cut. Yes, economic realities have to be faced. So is work always first? No one can responsibly skip work on a regular basis to hang out with friends or take a desired vacation. Sure. But what about that old adage that says “No one on their deathbed ever wished they’d worked more?” There’s great value in building relationships and taking time for oneself, right?

We’ve all posted before about things like time management and prioritization, and finding ways to relax and make time for others. I suppose what I’m talking about involves all of those things. Certainly the stress I’m feeling today is not at all new, or unique.

So... has anyone hit upon the magic formula yet? How do I get myself un-booked and back to my books?

A Personal Responsibility

When I think about the responsibilities we have to each other and to ourselves, I start to think a lot about what is more important. Selfishness is something frowned upon in our society, and yet we are often described as a very selfish culture. We want what we want, when we want it, and regardless of how it might affect others.

Perhaps this is why my friends and I get such a positive reaction from people when we say we work for non-profit organizations. We seem to have a higher purpose and goal, and we are commended for taking home a smaller paycheck in return. In reality, I think a lot of young non-profit professionals get frustrated about different aspects of non-profit work. I see a lot of my peers and colleagues become disgruntled and complain about the limitations of the work and the pay.

But even still, there is certainly a commitment to serve that I don't see in many people outside of the non-profit world. Despite the frustrations, everyone has at least one cause they are passionate about and put above almost everything else -- including themselves. Most of the activists I know work so hard that they often neglect their own health and well-being, myself included. By putting the work, the cause, the justice ahead of our own needs, are we doing more harm than good? Most activists would say of course not! We do what we need to do, when we need to do it, regardless of how it might affect us.

I'm coming to realize, however, that this just can't be an option anymore. A few other activists have been expressing similar sentiments for a while now, and I have no choice anymore but to agree with them. If the good we do for others is harming us, it is our responsibility to ourselves to step back, and hope that somebody else takes the wheel. If they do, we can be back in action when they need to step back. If they don't, then at least we'll be re-energized and ready to work even harder.

Rolling Up My Sleeves

I'm not sure how many of you know, but last week was National Volunteer Week. Because I have a regular 9-5 type of job, I couldn't do much of anything during the week. However, this past Saturday, I woke up just as the sun was rising to head down to Brooklyn for Hands On New York Day, sponsored by New York Cares.

I have volunteered with several organizations throughout my life, but there is always something particularly exciting about a project in the park, including a clean-up. You roll up your sleeves and work up a sweat, and the instant gratification you get must have something to do with it too. Raking leaves until you can see the ground might literally take you hours -- but when you finally see the ground, it's a sweet sense of satisfaction.

Plus, I love being outside, and have been trying to spend more time outdoors this year. If nothing else, it was quite a beautiful day to be out in a park! The sun was out and it was in the 70s for most of the day, but the trees kept us cool when we needed it.

There's also something to volunteering in general. I was a bit cranky, and more than a bit exhausted, but I was really excited to participate. I signed up to volunteer with my sister and cousins, and we had a great time being able to work on a volunteer project together. Events like these are also a good way to meet new people who also have an interest in, and dedication to service.

Did anybody else participate in National Volunteer Week or an equivalent to Hands On NY Day? Even if you didn't, do you have stories from past volunteer experiences? It's always interesting to see (or read, as the case may be) about what people like and dislike about volunteering.

Finding Time to Volunteer

I have renewed my commitment to contribute my time to worthy causes. The new presidential administration has ushered all of us into a new era of hope and optimism, tempered with sobering realities. Yes, the recession is in full swing, and things will probably get worse before they get better, but I still want to volunteer. But when will I find the time to do so?

While I have done some work for The Women’s Mosaic since January 2008, I have always envisioned myself working for different non-profit organizations. Last autumn, I was looking forward to working with the American Red Cross in Greater New York and the All Stars Project, Inc., which are both located in Manhattan. I was unemployed at the time and ready to start volunteering. I attended information sessions and orientation meetings and underwent an extensive background check, so I was all set... until I got two paying jobs at the same time. I mistakenly thought I could volunteer at both organizations every week, in addition to my paid employment, but that didn’t happen.

My time is extremely limited, especially since I am working long hours during the week and some weekends. I still hope to volunteer at both places on a periodic basis, but it is all about time management and saying “no” when I feel overwhelmed and over-worked. I am anxious to start volunteering sooner rather than later, because it is like nourishment for my soul. Running from one job to another makes me feel like a mouse running inside a wheel: I’m going nowhere fast. Volunteering will allow me to break out of that wheel, so I can participate in meaningful work to help others.

Volunteering is not merely a resume booster for me. Spending a few hours at a soup kitchen, collecting food donations, and other supplies for communities in need are activities that mean more to me than sitting behind a desk and performing repetitive, mundane duties for a paycheck.

Do you volunteer, or do you have plans to do so?

Angel Anxiety

I participate in a Christmas Angel project, where I purchase presents for children who have an incarcerated parent. It's fun, and meaningful to know I'm doing it on behalf of someone who won't make it to a store this year. At least that's what I think at the moment when I pick up the child's name...

Then comes the shopping. Did I say this was going to be fun? It's horrid. Long lines at the toy stores, long lines at the clothing stores, and the inescapable anxiety that comes from wondering if the kid will even like what I've picked out. I shouldn’t worry so much – they can always exchange it (gift receipts are a brilliant slice of technology) – but I always stress myself out.

I spend hours stalking through store aisles, bypassing perfectly acceptable gifts in favor of something I can’t put my finger on. I convince myself that when the right gift appears, I'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt. Usually it happens eventually – I'm struck by a bolt of certainty, and I feel free to approach the register. Whether it's divine intervention, or sheer exhaustion talking, I will never know.

During the holidays, people always talk about the joy of giving. When I buy for family and friends, I do feel it. Finding the perfect item is thrilling, and it’s truly joyful to watch someone open your present and be excited by what they find. With my Christmas Angels, I don’t get to see that moment of surprise, so the joy is rather diminished for me. Is it selfish to feel that way? Sure. But it’s true. And it also makes me realize that the joy of giving isn’t in “here’s something I bought.” It’s in “here’s something I bought just for you.”

I struggle through Christmas Angel every year, because even though it’s un-joyful for me, there’s a chance that my gift will bring joy to someone else. Knowing that fills me with a different kind of happiness, one that is worth all the anxiety.

How do you experience the joy of giving?