Lessons From Life

No matter how many times I whine and complain

This I must confess

The fact that the sun always rises on me

Means that I am blessed

The heart is a precious thing
It pines and it sorrows
But it is in it's healthy state
When it hopes in tomorrows

Young love blossoms when it is not ready
It does not have enough patience to wait
True love is divine for the picking
When it is ripened with fate

Character is a lot like trees
It needs to be anchored in firm roots
Winding and weaving like a lattice
Until it's strong enough to bear good fruits

A quiet, gentle spirit is what I pray for night and day
But it's such a hard thing to obtain
Christ in me is what helps me along
And all I see is gain

Hide the Word in your heart
And it will be guarded
For the heart is the wellspring of life
So daily meditations, get started

Job Hunt

So the endless job hunt is still going on. I've graduated with an advanced degree in the healthcare field and I feel like I'm trapped. Ten years ago, pharmacy was viewed as a lucrative field. It's been projected that the need for pharmacists is ever increasing, but why am I stuck here jobless? I've noticed that it's far more easy to find a job if you have the right connections. Where do people make these connections and how do they make them. I feel like a wounded bird. I can't seem to fly and am stuck on the ground. What makes matters worse is that I'm punishing myself by barring meeting people and having fun until I land something. I don't know if this is the right decision. Only time will tell. I got to keep telling myself that it's not my fault the economy is the way it is. It's not my fault. Think positive. Something will come my way. One day. It's only a waiting game. And until then I need to preserve my energy. I will be able to fly and to soar high like an eagle. One day. One fine day. Now I'm sounding like a broken record. Must keep sane. Must be strong. Must not lose hope. Still fighting.

Spring...or is it??

In Chicago we've had a burst of good weather, but I was all too soon disappointed when the cold weather started creeping in on us again. It's ok though. At least we don't have to worry about global warming. I had a chance to check out our world reknown Botanic Gardens during this past glorious Sunday. It was beautiful. As I saw the plants peeking through the soil with much life in them, I was astonished to see their strength. To see the little buds awakening from a deep slumber of winter gave me great motivation.

All winter I have been like these buds and leaves, hiding away in the depth of the soil, recuperating my strength. At the very first sign of warmth, I'm about to bud. I hope that the strong chilly winds don't knock me down. I know I must gather more strength. I must soak in more energy from the sun. I need to prepare to grow more. I need to know what my current state is, who I am on a deeper level, and continue to press on. I peak my head through the soil. Oh is it hard to push through the soil that is heavy on top of me. I begin to see a ray of light as I was covered in darkness. Darkness that knew no satisfaction. Darkness that was like a suffocating abyss, with no sign of life nor gratitude for it. I push though and monumentally start budding. A huge sigh of relief comes because I have survived another winter. I'm elated because I did it. I was on the verge of death, but death eluded me. There is life in me. A new life worth celebrating.

First Post ^^

The End of the Yarn is my take on how to find happiness and peace in a sometimes hectic life full of ups and downs.  Viewer discretion advised. :)

I've read somewhere that if you find yourself at the end of a rope, you should tie a knot and hang on. This is my attempt to tie that knot on the end of my yarn in the form of a blog that expresses me, while possibly shining light for other souls seeking meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Hope my ramblings impact me and others in a positive way because we all know that this world could use more positivity (if that's even a word).

After many months of being stuck in a pit, wallowing in self-pity and worrying about unemployment in this sucky economy, I've finally come into the light. I've been doing more proactive things and finding that self-will to do things that I used to do when I was a much happier self.

I'm gonna start my first blog with tips to free yourself from depression. On to a happier, healthier you!!!

Tip #1 Start running regularly. 

Not only do you make endorphins and get to enjoy the outside weather, but you can also be inspired to do other things. I went for a 40 minute jog in my neighborhood park. Something I haven't done in a year. I used to jog regularly and get enlightened from my treks out to the park and beach. I'd be inspired to write poems (something I will do again and post) and write proverbs that would really improve my walk in life.

Tip #2 Start a blog. 

I'm finding my own voice again in writing my thoughts out in a blog. This is so important because you only have one voice. You should freely express yourself because nobody is going to do it for you. Don't be afraid of letting your voice be heard. My wise cousin would say this quote. Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. Don't worry about the haters. They'll hate others till their death for all I care.

Tip #3 Seek peace.
A verse from the Bible in Psalms 34:14 says Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. So in an effort to obtain peace, I have been crocheting and knitting. This is such a delightful past time and I don't know why I didn't start learning how to long time ago. Even though it takes a long time and callouses form as I'm wielding the needles to make these garments, it's so worthwhile because it clears my mind of worries and woe. I'm making things for myself that I can wear which gives me autonomy and a creative mind. I can also use this skill to make things for others as gift. I will post up pix of my creations later in this blog.

Tip #4 Cook yourself gourmet meals

I can proudly say that I have become a cooking aficionado. I used to dread cooking and my only specialty was making instant ramen. But now I've been googling good recipes left and right. I found awesome recipes for tiramisu, cheesecake, lasagna, lentil soup on allrecipe.com and foodnetwork.com. Not only is it super fun, but you get to feed your loved ones with nutritious meals. Here are some recipes to start you off. 

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chantals-new-york-cheesecake/ 

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/worlds-best-lasagna/ 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/lentil-soup-recipe/index.html 

Tip #5 Read more. 

My aunt always says that you can find a road in a book. And although sometimes it's really hard to read when you're down, you can really pick up some good life lessons, another view at looking at things, or even a few laughs in books. If you have a really hard time concentrating. Read some comics or mangas. I recommend Charlie Brown comics or a manga called Vagabond.

Tip #6 Listen to good, positive music.

This is so important. I think everyone has heart songs. When the heart is singing, it is healthy. When it is not, the heart is in a negative, unhealthy place. You can even sing along. And it's ok if you're not in perfect pitch. Nobody is expecting you to be that lady or the kids from Sound of Music. Some artists that I like are Jason Mraz, Bach, Third Day, PhilipsCraig&Dean, and Shane & Shane.

Tip #7 Smile

I know sometimes it's hard to just smile. You feel like life dealt you lemons and you can't make lemonade. You're just drowning in the sourness. It's ok. Look in the mirror and force a smile. You'll feel sooo silly that even a laugh will come out. This is natural and actually good for you. If it's hard to smile, just think of a joke and share it. The fact that you thought of a joke means that you have humor. Benjamin Franklin said "Trouble came knocking at the door, hearing laughter it quickly scurried away." So share a joke with me, I will laugh with you.

Well I hope this post brought a smile to your face as it did to me while I was writing. As someone who has been through a lot of ups and downs, facing uncertainty and loss, these are proven tips that worked for me. Don't let life turn you bitter, let it make you better. ^^