Archive for July, 2009

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Challenges Bring Opportunities for Growth

July 30, 2009

Project2_Layout 1There inevitably comes a time when we’re challenged to make important decisions that seem to determine the path of our lives. As kids, we struggled while choosing between Bubble Tape gum or an oversized Gobstopper at the candy store (can’t we have both?). In high school, we wondered which college to go to. Once college came around, we fussed over our majors, what to do on a Friday night or if the person we were dating was indeed, “the One”. As we get older, the decisions may seem more challenging, testing the boundaries of our will-power, strength and a sense for what is “right” when there are no clear answers.

Last week, I was presented with such a challenge. At one moment, all logic and reason went in one direction while my intuition pulled the other way. Then, within a few moments, my instinct went with the opposite choice while reason tugged in disagreement. Needless to say, it was a difficult week as I tried to sort through a plethora of different thoughts.

After a lot of evaluating, talking and speculating through gritted teeth, a decision was made. Thankfully, the majority of my being and my confidants support the decision as the smart and “right” choice. Through the outcome of this decision, things may not be too easy for the time being. However, I’m finding solace in knowing that with every ordeal, there comes with an enormous opportunity for learning and development.

When the time is right, a very candid, open post about this experience will be shared with you. Until then, I will be living the results of it, knowing that there is no turning back, but there’s always a looking forward. The challenge, the decision and the final outcome will collectively serve as a valuable lesson. After all, it’s a part of growing up.

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Twitter Rockstars for Follow Friday

July 25, 2009

Most of us are all-too-familiar with Follow Friday: A fun, participatory trend on Twitter where people recommend others to follow certain individuals. It’s a great way to share your favorite Twitter personalities with followers and draws attention to new people who may share interests. Plus, it never hurts to pay a nice compliment.

The following are a few “tweeps” who are taking big strides and are truly influential through this social media service.

Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy): As his Twitter ID suggests, Brian provides timely insight on the latest news developing in the NFL, at times with a bit of humor. As an avid football fan, His informative updates are particularly enjoyable and have most recently included authenticating NFL players’ Twitter accounts – although it was a sad day when he revealed that @OsiUmenyiora was not, in fact, the real Osi Umenyiora.

Valerie Simon (@ValerieSimon): A true leader in the PR world, Valerie provides refreshing insight and willingly shares her knowledge on the PR industry (check out her latest guest post here). She also hosts weekly “Twitterviews”, with PR agency CEOs and other well-known PR personalities, that have opened the door for informative, timely conversations.

JetBlue Airways (@JetBlue): From informative posts, such as weather alerts and travel tips, to responding to customer inquiries and hosting fun contests, JetBlue understands its customers and has immersed itself into their conversations. It’s definitely worth a follow to check out how they interact and engage with their customers.

So there you have it, my Follow Friday recommendations for today, with plenty more to come. Who are some of your favorites?

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