Healing thyself

During the past four days I've come the realization just how sick I was when it came to food. I have abused it my entire life. <br /><br />Tonight as I was eating dinner, distraction free, I realized this is the first time I wasn't either on a diet of some kind or in the midst of a full-blown binge. I'm a black and white kind of gal, either I'm on a diet or I'm not. If I'm not, then it's a literal food fest, eating anything and everything in sight.<br /><br />For four days I've eaten like a "normal" person. I haven't binged, eaten in the middle of the night, or eaten mindlessly. I haven't stuffed myself until my tummy hurt. I haven't eaten in front of the TV or while reading reading a book or while on the laptop. I haven't had crazy cravings or felt like I was going to die if I didn't eat something or in some cases, everything.<br /><br />I also haven't abused my new found freedom. I'm eating a few things I haven't eaten in a really long time. Today instead of Stevia I added honey to my Greek yogurt.<br /><br />Dinner tonight was a very small piece of top sirloin steak, broiled to perfection. The piece was pretty small, but I cut it into small bites and savored each one. I had red bell pepper slices drizzled with real blue cheese dressing. Not a lot, but enough so that each piece had a small amount. I had Brussels sprouts again, but without Smart Balance, just a little sea salt. My beverage was a glass of milk of 1% milk. It was a very tasty and enjoyable dinner. I felt totally satisfied.<br /><br />This morning I made my favorite soup. It's a South Beach recipe, Chicken and Veggie Chowder (the recipe is at the end of this post). In the past when I'd make this soup, I'd cook the chicken separately and then careful weigh four ounces of chicken for each serving. Today I just added all the cut-up chicken breasts in with everything else, just like the recipe says you're suppose to do. It'll all work out in the end. This is part of my healing process, to stop being so compulsive about my food, always worrying about it. Always trying to be exactly perfect in my eating. It's exhausting.<br /><br />I'm trying to look at food differently. Instead of it being my main source of pleasure as well as my main source of pain, I'm trying to look at it for what it really is...a source of nutrition for my body. If it tastes good, that's a bonus, and then it also becomes a source of pleasure. <br /><br />I'm also trying to listen to my body more, not my mind. Of course my mind would like candy and cake and ice cream. My body, not so much. I didn't post this last week because it was embarrassing, but Monday of last week, in the midst of my cold, I had a pint of ice cream, Ben and Jerry's Heath Bar. I ate the whole thing. The I ate an entire package of vanilla Oreos. An entire package. I was so sick I thought I was going to die. I had night sweats from the sugar. Horrible night sweats where I was drenched. I think if my body could have killed me at that moment, it would have. The funny thing, none of it tasted that good. Probably because I had a cold, but it really wasn't worth it.<br /><br />Another discovery these past few days is that I really hate coffee. I've always hated it. It's okay if you add sugar and milk, but plain coffee, yuk. Yet I've been drinking it, along with a few caffeine pills here and there and then sleeping pills at night. It's a miracle my body didn't just shut down a long time ago because of the abuse I've dumped on it. I've almost entirely cut out the coffee, and have stopped the caffeine pills and sleeping pills entirely<br /><br />I've been thinking about all the diet plans I've been on in my life. The list is endless. Every single one of them was restrictive, and I would follow them perfectly, 100%. For a certain amount of time. Then, I'd reach my breaking point and all bets were off. I'd become a crazed, food obsessed nut case.<br /><br />The hardest part for me is the math. Stopping myself from doing the math in my head. I know the calories, fat grams, carbs in almost every food. I know the Weight Watcher Points as well. When I'm preparing a meal I find myself adding up the items. I have to consciously tell myself to "STOP IT!". It's not important right now. <br /><br />Also, for the record, I'm not following any diet. I was thinking back to when I felt my healthiest and was when I was eating the foods recommended by the South Beach Diet. Since I'm not on a "diet", I'm not following the SB Diet per se, but I did enjoy the foods on that "diet" the most. The difference though is if I want a little honey in my oatmeal or my yogurt, I'm going to have it. <br /><br />I'm really curious how this week is going to end. Will I gain weight? Will I lose weight? Will I be furious if I gain a couple pounds? I'm trying to keep an open mind about this. It's an experiment, to see if I can be normal when it comes to food. To see if I can really heal thyself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7FQgdUZyXTz5WeIbSgIynkOdmwx6esSCJjLI0uGoVaBPk9F6zy1LMGqWvJdq9c4eRcRUgDH2ZyvEygP43VwuNSprayMCYz1896XGLB2uI6wJWB4qRZPUfkbUPZ-E207LlJv6hh4C1Ed1/s1600/recipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7FQgdUZyXTz5WeIbSgIynkOdmwx6esSCJjLI0uGoVaBPk9F6zy1LMGqWvJdq9c4eRcRUgDH2ZyvEygP43VwuNSprayMCYz1896XGLB2uI6wJWB4qRZPUfkbUPZ-E207LlJv6hh4C1Ed1/s640/recipe.png" width="516" /></a></div>

Healing thyself

During the past four days I've come the realization just how sick I was when it came to food. I have abused it my entire life. Tonight as I was eating dinner, distraction free, I realized this is the first time I wasn't either on a diet of some kind …

Read more »

10 Reasons…

<p>Howdy friends! Tuesday = WI day for me! Remember the past 2 weeks? I had no loss, I was stuck at 165. Well I’d like you to read something for me!</p> <p><strong><u>10 reasons why I didn’t stress over the scale being “stuck”!</u></strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>13.5 lbs</strong> – In the 4 weeks prior to this I had lost 13.5lbs, quite a large amount of weight to lose in a short time. I knew it would eventually slow down. <li><strong>Comments</strong> – I think I got more comments in those 2 weeks when my weight was “stuck” than all year long, “Darci, are you losing weight?” “You are sure looking fit!” If that isn’t motivating, I don’t know what is?!?! My body was still changing even though I didn’t see the change on the scale. <li><strong>Eat</strong> – You have to eat to lose weight! The majority of those 2 weeks I ate all or more than my allotted points. Sometimes I’ll have a snack after doing my post just to make sure I’m getting in my daily points.  <li><strong>Fluctuate</strong>– We all know it, depending on the time of day/week/month, your weight can vary greatly! <li><strong>Journey</strong> – Weight loss/fitness is a journey, not a destination! This journey is more than just 2 weeks. <li><strong>Other</strong> – I like to use other forms of “measurement” to determine how I’m doing on this journey. Example: I wore a pair of jeans I hadn’t worn in quite a few months! <li><strong>Patience</strong> – period. <li><strong>Success</strong> – I do not let the number on the scale determine how I’m doing on this journey. Yes it is one way to gauge your progress, but it does not control my outlook on the overall picture. I knew I was doing what I needed to! <li><strong>Tone</strong> – It’s very possible for your body to still be changing shape & size without seeing the scale go down. <li>And the last, but not least, I knew the scale would move again…today it said, <strong><font size="5">163</font></strong>! <em>A 2 lb loss!</em> <em>15.5lbs</em> gone since I started back on plan on August 23rd and <em>39 lbs gone</em> since I started this journey nearly 2 years ago!!!</li></ol> <p>I had the perfect breakfast this morning, leftovers! I had<strong> 2 pumpkin pancakes</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong> <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">left over from Saturday</a>. If you have tried these yet, you MUST!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UFcRlgw2G4odF1EwmI6r9M9Uyl9JlFIfZiEBl6f3uATTCDZrAwu58ywXb5IIB_BJrMCtX1eZuLqSekwKiOx3iPsyBwkRdL318Ysz8phZPIYnyd8svElNHOnV_ZXf0hyphenhyphenXsRqO0sb78_t6/s1600-h/DSC09005%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09005" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHoP99rxSopJHY0kyhMjSfpV6-a5d-X8VLELM98s9pAOLrFWOEbCUWRkYU1EWnh-QrwTRj9ZFjhMNdEf_RHhqCuv_1Uk207aCou2__YBp0gHZpGx2vefb0m44TFxsw72Or9LNGAyWApTr/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09005" width="404"></a></p> <p>My morning at work flew by and my pancakes held me over nicely! Lunch today was delish! I had <strong>1 c butternut squash</strong> with <strong>1T</strong> of <strong>brown sugar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4dr5fbv8NDvqyRB6DZI68EQZ3h6MgC420BdsjlYLlfuVryZLUhxX0-iceFgVHdVSO2d1T6nLhSFL63HZMO02zc-jH5d08YFmN0c3_YRKqEDTtBomaSHagfONfYBD5Q-wZqo9spUdrtNv/s1600-h/DSC09006%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09006" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir04BEocQstXtSLVeUehaI8z1Y1-Z2efKUwHAZ__n7yC4VznH_qhlEZaHDG4mOsT8-WN90pSD7zdeTc1h3BPT7r2gjynLjfLhtmOjDq6C8_CAJoNSvI2G5dCgRJUqf2SzacUH4QeIuVJDA/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09006" width="404"></a></p> <p>I also had a <strong>chicken salad sandwich</strong> with <strong>swiss cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7rRsKVnZgfs3CufOMQhYdmi1tzPfXoyrBKW_Og1C4pJcjyKNo3PCXfc9E9xb9QmbQB6e_54WQvOVwGPQBcd-oVmAmJB-n3Z5nhfHEX9l0GDqtQ8R-FmEYBONuQmdI_b8A2T6B1h3B6Qg/s1600-h/DSC09007%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09007" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNTzJjmJB-tcHUolTAjLu7rPKu5kPolQ22T7oqsmZmJrmycj0jnwj6QTlk8b-HI78tG8XLTDSMNCVbGmEfhJV3S_s-O5vSGsB2mkr9lSOVE905GpuMDLvn-7xrWP9SC9pXjT5RoOiK8Ar/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09007" width="404"></a></p> <p>I couldn’t resist these guys anymore! Remember my friend <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">Jenna & her Mom from Saturday</a>. Well they made these delicious <strong>1 point apple cinnamon muffins</strong> for me! Super easy & quite tasty!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnLponjkBx6TErMp9Vh6xowW22ltbvz7SFz0AM-3ywUzeKSQM4v-xuWg6cebs16Mf01grOsu2nVgbYmehhBFensmFIlPSVx_wZbJvxOycJ_vJZQ_wSaYs1xwhzp30QM4P2pZwXFI7L8JE/s1600-h/DSC09008%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09008" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9B5ZgC-zOMlVs2NeJO82wT1CRA_aXyp9i71hzJ428RHSGpofqQLDBjRchIqMsPQlpwUt3yj9BAaT6kVgOt0nv_ZljV3mCgBfPyrdqpfcW9Fwm0OcBtGe1R4Yx6k94Tb9erbsoj-ZEMU/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09008" width="404"></a><b>Ingredients</b></p> <p>1 box Fiber One Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix (dry).<br>1/2 cup "Better N' Eggs" egg substitute.<br>1 large apple chopped <br>3/4 cup water </p> <p><b>Directions</b> <p>-Chop apple in food processor until almost liquid.<br>-Add the remaining ingredients and mix just until moistened.<br>-Pour into 12 large muffin cups (greased).<br>-Bake at 425 for 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown and tops spring back when touched.<br>Number of Servings: 12</p> <p>My <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/reveal.html">SIL</a>, Laura, came over to hang out for the evening & go on a run! Kyle joined us too! We chatted & Kyle entertained us the whole way! We got in 2.4 miles and Kyle & Laura stopped off at our house. I got in another 1.1 miles and finished <strong>3.52 miles</strong> in <strong>39 minutes</strong>. </p> <p align="center"><em>We are strong. We are beautiful. We are women.</em> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9oH8k7gZOa2lE9_HuDJio7qzcGSekINoiyBnEJCbqFyE34z_NXnW9wGWC91ZEjvov6AbzhhCyMt9JahDWYpmJIo7nZ6o0qEOP78mxnUyYTaydNfXVdBkPq-l6CJJs6l6SkonxMI1j-F4/s1600-h/DSC09009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09009" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3_sqQR7qVl8hbdXRgXqnQMuXgq5qOzF8rFg3u9Hv49L8qE5vRNZFxevxfhKOpqpwrNvzbAi_5oJ3Hs_yn0MEo4cAC5PMJFzl88lJQuxBeWjKFV1WswizxBam8pgIE1S5a3QgCl2Jya7d/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09009" width="404"></a></p> <p align="left">I made grilled chicken…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUqde5ZuU3cddkhTRz2KcZl5W_FDq0mZ6GrSs-pcNkqlF8-CYKa0rdiIfYlzr7aU6OPQ3X4bHSCeOQ5wwd0SG0KL9v6013zFnGjM4WUBcag1taD_ko6QdX5gxm7L5I3moE5BaEkpSXURi/s1600-h/DSC09011%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09011" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qeoAOcj_8bh-KTy4rJ_nanX4sbVa2VNEHfVD8irz-enaFdu6saYdLDGBUzKonvBzdPfErAZR9FqLxDF_pVELFNkNTJ0BAYy5oXNzcvzPqCM0m-138g7YiNKs8702XI_5dlo3g8HozJUQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09011" width="404"></a></p> <p align="left">…and<strong> roasted veggies</strong> for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>. Mmmm good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzzVGkgK0qaEDBxsMRM4U0g7hfBdh_XIcN-aHqUJ9d6qubZJhstg15KrpZX2iIcIXCM0WZbNbTzF5ltpBvOTmdrDzbE8pNgrVm5EC6f4aJUxdfeFsvDPmGg8PpyuVsaZ7qFWhIP1cbRTw/s1600-h/DSC09012%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09012" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4EZB9R8ijmWpEfWj2wfW7lYWMQoNvyZZoOMhX8hWT_PxIQnMngXAoOI9Pd3Shn4q7NtMhK0MI2TmKHltby07Nk3TlPiW8km-dnPDReT0LaLj81M4XotBVAbQ26S0tEYmpooFE-85Pm9r/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09012" width="404"></a></p> <p align="left">And lastly, happy 1 month to my sweet nephew, Hayden! Check out what I was doing 1 month ago today, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/09/hes-here.html">here</a>!<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31341636&id=210201033"><img height="400" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs067.snc4/34717_534087529253_210201033_31357482_7524310_n.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" width="300"></a><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 19/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/4 week <br>H2O = 146 oz <br>EXERCISE = 3.52 mile run </p> <p><strong><em>So tell me your experience, when you weren’t seeing the numbers on the scale go down, what did you do to stay positive?</em></strong></p>

10 Reasons…

Howdy friends! Tuesday = WI day for me! Remember the past 2 weeks? I had no loss, I was stuck at 165. Well I’d like you to read something for me! 10 reasons why I didn’t stress over the scale being “stuck”! 13.5 lbs – In the 4 weeks prior to this I …

Read more »

6 Crazy Job Search Tactics

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z8/ar5l02w6rgcsd9l0v8z8.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z8/ar5l02w6rgcsd9l0v8z8.gif" /></a></div>Taking a non-traditional approach to a job search can be a good thing. <br /><br />Take the case of Alec Brownstein, an advertising professional who found himself looking for a new job last summer. Fed up with the traditional job search, he decided to try an unprecedented tactic. <br /><br />Banking on the fact that "everyone Googles themselves," he bought sponsored links attached to the names of top-advertising directors. So, when the directors Googled themselves, Brownstein's ads would appear at the top of the results page. The ads reportedly said "Hey, [creative director's name]: Goooogling [sic] yourself is a lot of fun. Hiring me is fun, too" -- and then provided a link to Bronstein's website. A few months (and only six dollars) later, Brownstein was employed by top-advertising firm Young & Rubicam. <br /><br />But, for every unconventional job search strategy that works, there is another that not only doesn't lead to a job, but is just downright ridiculous. Below, job seekers and hiring managers tell us about the strangest job search tactics they've come across. <br /><br />1. "One of my clients received the following advice from a previous career coach: Never send a résumé when applying for a job, even when it is requested in the advertisement. Just send a pitch letter requesting a meeting with a company executive." -- Lavie Margolin, job search advisor,<br /><br />Lion Cub Job Search<br /><br />2. "I think this may be the craziest one I have ever heard. When I was looking for my first full time job, a friend's then-girlfriend (now ex-wife) told me, quite seriously, that I could assure myself a job by participating in a magical ritual involving crystals and mystical incantations. I asked her if I needed to sacrifice a chicken as well and she was offended explaining that it was not the correct type of 'Magick' [sic]." -- Eli Lehrer, national director, Center on Finance, Insurance and Real Estate, The Heartland Institute<br /><br />3. "I think the worst advice I ever saw was in a LinkedIn group. Someone suggested that, in order to be able to get a chance to speak to someone at the recruiting company, you should [mail] a cover letter saying you have enclosed your CV -- but don't enclose the CV, and leave the envelope open so that it looks like it fell out in the post. The logic was that they'd then call you up to let you know, and you could have a dialogue. I personally would just think 'That person can't even seal an envelope, I wouldn't want to recruit them.'" -- Antony, marketing manager<br /><br />4. "I have gotten some strange advice in my day -- one of the milder ones was to tape a plastic spoon to my CV and write on it (the letter), 'Need to eat.' But the one that takes the cake is to stand at a busy intersection in the upper-west part of midtown Manhattan wearing one of those sandwich boards -- a bulletin board that you wear, full body length -- over a nice suit that reads something like, 'Will write for food' or some variation therein. I am reaching the point where I am even considering it, though I'd request a full-time position rather than food because I fear that some employers might take me up on the offer: Write a story, get a sandwich!" -- Ed Lieber, freelance editor/writer<br /><br />5. "I used to know someone who would comb the obituary section of the New York Times for job openings" -- Paul Solomon, Solo Management<br /><br />6. "The absolute most-crazy search advice that I have heard has been typically coming from supposed job search gurus and career coaches who advise job seekers to pare down their universe of job prospects to focus only on the most promising ones. As someone who has looked at hundreds of thousands of sales prospects that I have generated for my sales teams over the past decades, I can state with conviction that it is impossible to tell which prospects are the best, which might lead to other prospects that are good and which are not worth wasting one's time on at an early stage in the process. By following the crazy advice that I have just described, a job candidate is really blowing his or her chances to get the best job that s/he can. <br /><br />My advice to job seekers in 2010 is the same as my advice is to salespeople just starting out in a tough market: you need to increase the 'two Qs' of your efforts to increase results: quantity and quality. Basically, you must increase the quantity of prospects that you are working on (i.e., the number of job opportunities) and you must increase the quality of your effort on these prospects (e.g,., have a custom strategy to differentiate yourself for each opportunity, stay in contact more frequently, have better planned contacts, etc.). Ultimately, you must work harder and work smarter to achieve your goals in tough times." -- JR Rodrigues , co-founder, JRBM Software<br /><br />By Kaitlin Madden writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

6 Crazy Job Search Tactics

Taking a non-traditional approach to a job search can be a good thing. Take the case of Alec Brownstein, an advertising professional who found himself looking for a new job last summer. Fed up with the traditional job search, he decided to try an unp…

Read more »

I'm Experiencing Job-Search Burnout - How to handle the frustration of a long-term job hunt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yq/ar5l5bf5wvmxlsmjvfyq.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yq/ar5l5bf5wvmxlsmjvfyq.gif" /></a></div>If life were a movie and you had just been laid off, you would buy a one-way ticket to some serene location and spend weeks or even months relaxing. You would unwind and examine your personal goals and return when you want. You might spend your days eating, praying and loving.<br /><br />For most of us, getting laid off or quitting a job is immediately followed by a fast-paced job hunt. Even workers who are fortunate enough to have savings accounts to live off of for a while don't have enough money to pretend like unemployment is a vacation. Instead, most jobs seekers attack their job searches aggressively and don't relent until they hear the words, "We'd like to offer you the position."<br /><br />The problem with such a steadfast approach is that you can grow frustrated quickly. After a few weeks of constantly browsing job postings, writing cover letters, sending them off, and repeating, your don't have the energy to keep going. You can't stop, however, because you do need a job. So how do you avoid getting burnt out? And if you realize you're in the midst of a job-search burnout, how should you get over it?<br /><br />We asked people who have been there themselves or who have helped others get through it. Here's how they suggest job seekers handle burnout:<br /><br />"Rejection is humbling and much of our self-worth has been defined by our income. To avoid burnout: <br /><br />· Date your next job application and interview. See it as distinct and different from all the rest, a new opportunity. You only need one job success. <br /><br />· Keep up energy levels with exercise. You will shed stress and release endorphins. Your focus will improve. <br /><br />· Socialize with friends and talk about other things. Have fun and laugh! <br /><br />· Learn from failed interviews to tweak your resume, presentation and skills. Hone up on what you are lacking."<br /><br />- Debbie Mandel, author of "Addicted to Stress"<br /><br />"Burnout is subtle, and can strike at lots of stages of the job hunt. Here are a few ways I advise my clients to avoid that low down burnout experience:<br /><br />1. Regard your job hunt as a job and organize your job hunt day like any other business. Set a goal of the number of calls you'll make, and resumes you'll send out each day, and be sure to reach that. <br /><br />2. Create a job hunt team or group with whom you keep in contact on a regular basis. This can help in many ways to give encouragement, and even job leads. <br /><br />3. Make sure to network through alumni, colleagues, professional associations, online groups, and even relative and friends. <br /><br />4. Be sure to maintain a routine of physical fitness and exercise. At least a brisk walk every day can supply exercise and sunshine necessary to keep your mood elevated. <br /><br />5. Get up, get dressed and go to your office every day, just like you would if you were employed. "<br /><br />- Sandra Lamb, career, lifestyle and etiquette expert<br /><br />"I always say you get more than you give with volunteering and job seekers definitely do. This is a great way to keep your skills sharp (think teamwork, client relations, fundraising, etc) and your mind energized. I have to remind all job seekers that volunteering is a fun and easy way to network which makes it a win-win-win. You're networking, helping out an organization and avoiding burn-out."<br /><br />- Adriana Llames, author of "Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game"<br /><br />"I've been looking for a job since about February or March. I just landed a part-time, telecommuting job, and as busy as I've been I know I'm not as fast or productive as I once was because of how long it took me to find a job. I was sending our résumés, interviewing, networking, applying online to the high heavens. Sitting at home while everyone else was finding a job I started feeling unproductive, and, frankly, like a loser. But things are looking up, and to anyone who starts to feel the same way I did, I'd tell them to just pull through it. Sometimes just taking a walk or a day at the park can help your mood a lot."<br /><br />- Akua Harris<br /><br />"There are several things we suggest when a person has stayed active in a job search, and nothing seems to be happening:<br /><br />1. Take a few days off: Think of something you enjoy doing that doesn't cost any money and go and enjoy. Sometimes just a few days off is enough to refresh a person.<br /><br />2. Get physical: When a person exercises for at least 20 minutes, endorphins are released that make the person feel good. Exercise several times in a day if possible. If [you are] a runner, then run for 30 minutes longer than usual. Do something physical -- paint a room, wash the car, clean the garage. Then energy can return.<br /><br />3. Our experience is people get burned out when all they are doing is answering want ads or Internet listings. We project a 2-4 percent response on mailing out résumés or following up on Internet postings -- that's not a very good response. Instead, we ask our job-seeking clients to take a more pro-active approach: Contact the decision-maker (usually the person who supervises the position, not HR) and ask what the job involves and be ready to talk about one's experiences and accomplishment, [and] research the organization to see if it's one a person would like to work in. Continue researching the position; if you want the job contact the decision-maker again and say, "I've thought a lot about what we've talked about, and what you need doing involves some of the things I do best -- and I want to be your top candidate." (You don't want to be anything other than their top candidate, do you?) Ask the decision-maker what you can bring to her or him to help the person make a decision. And then do it."<br /><br />- Richard S. Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work For You," with Terri A. Deems<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

I'm Experiencing Job-Search Burnout - How to handle the frustration of a long-term job hunt

If life were a movie and you had just been laid off, you would buy a one-way ticket to some serene location and spend weeks or even months relaxing. You would unwind and examine your personal goals and return when you want. You might spend your days …

Read more »

How to Not Take the Job Rejection Personally

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0k/ar5l5dm6fkp8r6pjwn0k.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0k/ar5l5dm6fkp8r6pjwn0k.gif" /></a></div>Whether it's a call from an interviewer saying that the company decided to go with a different candidate or a mass e-mail notifying all applicants that the position they applied for has been filled, rejection is difficult to stomach. And while you know that countless others are facing this same scenario, sometimes it is hard not to feel that maybe it isn't the economy but something inherent about you that's keeping job offers from happening. Here, experts share three strategies on how to stop taking job rejection personally.<br /><br />1. Don't wallow alone<br /><br />"When members receive a rejection, the first thing we recommend is that they call their mentor or member of choice who can give them support," says Valentina Janek, president of the Long Island Breakfast Club -- a support group of job seekers. "Secondly, on that very day, we recommend the individual dust himself off, get dressed and go do something positive and enjoyable. The worst thing is to be alone and internalize the rejection."<br /><br />Speaking with others who have experienced the frustration of trying to find a job can help put things into perspective, especially for the long-term unemployed. While it still isn't fun to have to pound the pavement again, fellow job seekers can act as motivators, point out your positive attributes and assist you in figuring out your next step.<br /><br />2. Clear your head of personal attacks<br /><br />After receiving a rejection, your brain may become loaded with negative messages about your employability. Instead of letting these thoughts destroy your confidence, try to replace them with other possible reasons why somebody else was hired.<br /><br />"It is important to understand that sometimes employers make decisions based on factors or traits that are out of a candidate's control," says Brenda Fabian, director of the center for career services at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. "An employer might choose to hire a candidate based on a recommendation from a colleague, an advantage you simply didn't have. An employer may be more drawn to another candidate because that candidate is from the same geographic area. Recognize that the timing simply may not have been right and that future opportunities could be available with that same employer."<br /><br />3. Take action<br /><br />The sting from rejection and those feelings of personal doubt will disappear much faster if the ultimate goal of finding a position is met. Thus, it pays to focus on revitalizing your job search and finding ways to boost confidence.<br /><br />"Job seekers can separate the personal from the professional by empowering themselves so as not to feel like they are not getting the job because of personal shortcomings," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want" and co-founder of Perennial Resources International, a New York City-based boutique search firm. <br /><br />Some ways people might try to gain greater control over their situation include:<br /><br />Exercising and eating healthy to look and feel their best. <br /><br />Countering the perception that "nobody is even looking at me" by participating in job fairs and other networking opportunities involving face-time. <br /><br />Taking classes to freshen up an application or to get rid of self-perceived educational gaps. <br /><br />Trying a new job-search method or tactic. (Vega suggests considering a video résumé where potential employers can see and hear you.) <br /><br />Volunteering, consulting or doing temp work to sharpen skills and meet new people.<br /><br />The bottom line is that if you don't believe you are worthy of a job, employers won't either. It is critical to shake off feelings of personal inadequacy as quickly as possible by doing whatever is necessary to boost self-confidence, for when you feel good about the package you bring to an employer's table, rejection feels less personal and more like just a common (though unpleasant) part of searching for a job.<br /><br />By Beth Braccio Hering who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

How to Not Take the Job Rejection Personally

Whether it's a call from an interviewer saying that the company decided to go with a different candidate or a mass e-mail notifying all applicants that the position they applied for has been filled, rejection is difficult to stomach. And while you kn…

Read more »

10 Things Smart Job Seekers Do

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/p6/ar5l41d7333cxc1443p6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/p6/ar5l41d7333cxc1443p6.gif" /></a></div>What separates the smart job seeker from others looking for employment? Oftentimes, it is one of these 10 things:<br /><br />1. They realize a potential job lead could be anywhere.<br /><br />Smart job seekers aren't afraid to mention occupational aspirations to their book club, their parents' friends or their dentist. (One never knows whose golf partner might be the ticket to getting a foot in the door.) Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a partner at SixFigureStart -- a career coaching firm in New York City comprised of former Fortune 500 recruiters -- recommends putting your LinkedIn public profile hyperlink in your automatic e-mail signature. "This is an elegant way to attach your résumé to every correspondence you send. Even friends who think they know you may click through to your profile, learn more about you and perhaps think of you for a job or lead that they might have overlooked."<br /><br />2. They surf job boards for more than just open positions.<br /><br />Ceniza-Levine calls job boards "goldmines" for research. "You might see companies you didn't know before -- add these to your list of targets. You might see the same requirements again and again -- this indicates a standard for the job you want, so incorporate these items into your pitch and cover letters."<br /><br />3. They put adequate time and effort into their applications.<br /><br />"Spend time to make your résumé the best possible written advertisement of you," says Lisa Quast, author of "Your Career, Your Way!" and founder of Career Woman Inc., a Seattle-based career development consulting company. "Analyze the job requirements against your own skills and abilities, and customize your cover letter."<br /><br />Obviously, all correspondence should be free of errors and typos. And before sending off the application packet, look at the job posting one last time to ensure all desired material is included.<br /><br />4. They do their homework.<br /><br />It seems logical to smart applicants to know something about potential employers. From Googling a company to checking out its financial statements, they learn what they can -- and use the info to enhance their correspondence.<br /><br />5. They know employers do their homework, too.<br /><br />"According to [a 2010] Coremetrics [study], 75 percent of companies require recruiters to research job applicants online, so you'll want to be sure you know what they'll find," states Sherrie Madia, co-author of "The Online Job Search Survival Guide." Besides thinking twice about what you choose to post, she suggests doing a Google search on your name. If you find something undesirable, try to have it removed.<br /><br />6. They make their value known quickly.<br /><br />"An employer gives each résumé about a three-second window of time before he decides to either 'delete' or read further," says Patrice Rice, author of "How to Interview" and president of the recruiting firm Patrice & Associates in Dunkirk, Md. A smart applicant answers the "What can you do for me?" question right off the bat with a summary of strongest accomplishments at the résumé's top.<br /><br />7. They look and act like a professional.<br /><br />Simple but effective: A smart applicant arrives on time, dresses appropriately, both talks and listens, displays confidence and minds his manners.<br /><br />8. They show that they want this job.<br /><br />Smart job seekers are not "tire kickers." They focus on the needs of the employer and demonstrate how they are perfect for this particular position.<br /><br />"Show enthusiasm during the job interview," says Rice. "Always make certain that the company you're interviewing with feels as if it is your first choice, no matter what other companies are involved in your job search."<br /><br />9. They don't get ahead of themselves.<br /><br />As much as she may be dying to know about promotions, raises and vacation time, a smart candidate doesn't jump the gun and tackle these issues during the first interview. She focuses on landing the position, then on whether the package is suitable.<br /><br />10. They ask for the position, follow up and thank.<br /><br />"As strange as it sounds, you need to ask for the job," says Catherine Jewell, author of "New Résumé New Career: Get the Job You Want with the Skills and Experience You Already Have." "At the end of the interview, sum up your strengths, tell the interviewer that you are excited about the position and say, 'I would really like to contribute to this company. I am hoping you select me.'"<br /><br />Then, a smart interviewee keeps his name in the game with a follow-up note reiterating interest and offering thanks -- knowing that a great last impression can seal the deal!<br /><br />By Beth Braccio Hering who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

10 Things Smart Job Seekers Do

What separates the smart job seeker from others looking for employment? Oftentimes, it is one of these 10 things:1. They realize a potential job lead could be anywhere.Smart job seekers aren't afraid to mention occupational aspirations to their book …

Read more »

Semaine au Centre de l'Emploi 2010

<BR><br />Du 18 au 22 octobre, Pôle emploi Centre organise, dans chaque département, « Au Centre de l'emploi », une série de manifestations en faveur de l'emploi. <br /><br /><a title="View 469-42 Programme Semaine Pour l'Emploi on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/38676004/469-42-Programme-Semaine-Pour-l-Emploi" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">469-42 Programme Semaine Pour l'Emploi</a> <object data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" height="600" id="doc_532437303240627" name="doc_532437303240627" style="outline:none;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=38676004&access_key=key-2nc9223yibprc11fkpw2&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_532437303240627" name="doc_532437303240627" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=38676004&access_key=key-2nc9223yibprc11fkpw2&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object><br /><br />Pour en savoir plus : <a href="http://www.aucentredelemploi.fr" "target=_blank">www.aucentredelemploi.fr</a><br /><BR>

Semaine au Centre de l'Emploi 2010

Du 18 au 22 octobre, Pôle emploi Centre organise, dans chaque département, « Au Centre de l'emploi », une série de manifestations en faveur de l'emploi. 469-42 Programme Semaine Pour l'Emploi Pour en savoir plus : www.aucentredel…

Read more »