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The Choice: Freedom or Security

February 18, 2013 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 1 Comment

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

- T.S. Eliot

It’s officially been a year since I filed the papers for Soucie Holdings, LLC. I decided I was going to take my future into my own hands and not settle for one of the monotonous 9 – 5 jobs I applied for but did little to inspire or excite me.

When I decided to jump into the unknown of starting my own business, a friend of mine said, “You know, at some point you’re going to just have to suck it up and work for someone. You can’t always just do what you want.”

Intuition

You want to know what I told her?

“Yes, yes I can.”

Despite the ups and downs of finding clients and dealing with the stressors of running my own business, I have been able to do what I want.

I travel (for pleasure) multiple times a month. I take naps. I go on afternoon runs. I sleep in. It’s not a bad deal!

But, here I am; a year later and still trying to figure out what {exactly} I want to do with my life.

I’ve seen a lot of friends and colleagues find comfortable jobs and settle down and they seem happy! Engagement rings and babies are popping up all over Facebook, and for some people, that’s exactly what they want.

Personally, the idea of settling down in a comfortable job with a happy family at age 22 scares the living daylights out of me. 

What about traveling? Or just picking up and moving? Or trying out a different profession just because?

Possibility

A lot of people say money is a big factor in that, but it’s all about priorities. Financially, I’m getting by. I’d be happier if I had a little bit more of a cushion, but wouldn’t we all? When it comes down to it, if you want to make it happen, you can.

The question I’ve been contemplating lately though is at what point, if ever, should you throw in your cards, find a comfortable job and settle down?

Hypothetically, you could bounce around until you find something you enjoy, but what if you never find that one thing that truly inspires you? What happens when you’ve spent 5+ years “bouncing around,” while everyone else has been working their way up the proverbial food chain of the workforce?

It’s a scary thought for someone like myself who had life all planned out (literally, in a Word Doc) since the beginning of college.

I know I have a tendency to over-think things (or so my boyfriend tells me!) but I can’t be the only 20-something who’s facing these decisions.

Ultimately, I see it as the choice between freedom and security, and I don’t think I’m quite ready to settle for the latter.

~ Miss Soucie

8 Ways to Be a Happier You, Now

February 3, 2013 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 0 Comments

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

- Dalai Lama

As with most people, I made a New Years Resolution to be happier and more positive in 2013, and so far, I think I’ve done pretty well!

The Happiness Makeover

When I stumbled upon the book, The Happiness Makeover, by M.J. Ryan, on the discount rack at Barnes & Noble I figured I would go for it. $6.99 for a happiness makeover? I’ll take it.

I want to say this up front: I’ve never been one for self-improvement and self-help books. My mother on the other hand, reads them like they’re going out of style. I still remember thinking she was crazy when she wanted me to read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in high school. Little did I know, I’d end up reading it 5 years later. Guess she might have been onto something!

I’ve slowly gone through The Happiness Makeover when I have some time to really focus. I’ve found the best way to self-improvement books like this are best read slowly and in small chunks in order to get the most out of the messages.

I’ve seen a noticable difference in my level of happiness since I’ve started to incorporate some of the techniques and methods into my daily life. Every once in a while my boyfriend will give me a look and say, “Is this another one of those happiness things?” Yes, yes darling, it is.

After I read the Inc. article 9 Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier by Geoffrey James, I decided to put together a list that encompasses when I’ve learned from The Happiness Makeover along with techniques I’ve picked up in my day-to-day life.

This Too Shall Pass

Some of the methods seem simple and futile, while others might seem silly. What’s important is trying different happiness methods in order to figure out what works for you and what impacts your happiness level the most.

These are just 8 of many ways you can give yourself a daily happiness makeover:

  1. Smile: You never realize the power of a smile until you receive one from a stranger when you’re having a bad day. Make a point of smiling at strangers, just because. You’ll feel better, and you might just make someone else’s day while you’re at it.
  2. Accept “Que Sera, Sera”: The Spanish have a way with words, I must say. This Spanish phrase means, “what will be, will be.” We need to accept that no matter we stress, it won’t change the outcome of things we can’t control.
  3. Establish a Morning Routine: It’s important to find a way to center yourself every morning. This allows you to better take on the day and be the best you possible. Some people need to meditate, some need a morning cup of tea, some read the news paper, some workout. Find your morning routine that will help you relax and prepare yourself for the day.
  4. Implement the “Thankful Exercise”: Find a time every day (I prefer right before bed!) to write down or share with someone else something you’re thankful for that day. Every night before bed my boyfriend and I share what we were thankful for that day. This exercise makes it so that no matter what happens that day, you’ll be able to keep it in perspective and be thankful for the good things in life.
  5. Realize Everyone Has Their Own Battle: While all the rude people in the world might seem to have it out for you, the majority of them are just lashing out about something going on in their lives. You never know what other people are dealing with. I like to think people are innately good, so take a step back and realize people who are lashing out are probably in pain and using you as a punching bag, and know we’ve all been there one time or another.
  6. Trust Your GutTreat Yourself: Coming from the person who counts calories religiously, it’s important to treat yourself. For me, that means a little (measured 1/2 cup) of ice cream or piece of chocolate pretty much every day. It’s important to enjoy the little things in life, without over indulging. That way, you get the best of both worlds without the guilt.
  7. Trust Your Gut (Instinct): You know that little voice inside of you that’s telling you to/not to do something? Listen to it. Suppressing your gut instincts will only lead to anxiety and most likely negative repercussions in the long-run. Don’t settle or become passive because you don’t want to “make waves.” Stand up for yourself and realize your gut might just know what it’s talking about.
  8. Exercise: This is by far my favorite way to increase my happiness levels. Whenever I get some working out or running I feel exponentially happier and better about everything in life. It’s like having a daily colored-glasses session. Just 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day can have a positive impact on your mood for up to 12 hours according to this Self article.

I’m always researching new ways to be a happier & healthier person. How do you give yourself a daily happiness makeover?

~ Miss Soucie

50 Ways To Be a Happier Person

November 7, 2012 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 0 Comments

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

- Dalai Lama

What better feeling is there than spending time with family? Recently I was fortunate enough to spend a week with mine, but unfortunately my grandpa is not doing very well, which is hard blow for any family to endure.

Tragedies like losing a loved one makes people think about the “coulda, woulda, shouldas” of life. It’s heartbreaking that only when death lingers do you begin to realize what is truly important.

During my visit I stumbled across the article, “50 Ways To Be Happier,” on the website Essential Life Skills. It seems so easy, yet when you look around on a daily basis simple, uncomplicated happiness has become more and more of a limited commodity.

Here are X ways to bring more happiness into your life and the lives of others:

  1. Learn another language
  2. Laugh
  3. Buy flowers for a friend
  4. Keep a journal
  5. Tell loved ones how you feel
  6. Think positive thoughts
  7. Have a girls (or boys) night
  8. Do random acts of kindness for strangers
  9. Watch less TV
  10. Don’t settle for less than you deserve
  11. Learn something new every day
  12. Make a snow angel
  13. Give someone a hug
  14. Cook a homemade meal
  15. Smile
  16. See the best in everything
  17. Accept that everyone has their own life path
  18. Take a deep breath
  19. Know life won’t give you more than you can handle
  20. Take a walk
  21. Learn to forgive
  22. Exercise
  23. See every day as a new beginning
  24. Have a pet
  25. Travel
  26. Say “Thank you”
  27. Volunteer
  28. Go skinny dipping
  29. Love unconditionally
  30. Learn to love yourself
  31. Be grateful
  32. Indulge yourself
  33. Wake up to the smell of coffee
  34. Sit and enjoy the ocean
  35. Send a “Thank You” note
  36. Call a loved one, just because
  37. Learn a new joke
  38. Watch the sunset
  39. Love your family
  40. Listen to music & enjoy a glass of wine
  41. Don’t forget about the little things
  42. Take a hike
  43. Find a new hobby
  44. Try something new
  45. Go for a run
  46. Try a new recipe
  47. Appreciate nice socks (cc: @erob1)
  48. Eat See’s candy
  49. Learn a new word
  50. Pay it forward
How do you bring happiness in your life on a day-to-day basis?

~Miss Soucie

Pinterest Fit-spiration

October 24, 2012 in Health & Recipes, Inspiration, Social Media with 0 Comments

“The groundwork of all happiness is health.”

- Leigh Hunt

Those that know me know that I am constantly working out, finding healthy recipes and looking for new ways to stay fit. I’ve worked out and played sports for as long as I can remember, and healthy eating has always been important for my family.

During my junior year of college I studied in Spain, which was by far the most amazing experience of my life. I wouldn’t trade any of the 20 pounds I gained during that time for the experience I had.

BUT… When I got back to the United States to what I like to call the “real world,” I had a rude awakening.

I felt unattractive and knew I had to do something about it. Since then, I’ve become dedicated to getting fit. I religiously work out, monitor my eating habits and look for new healthy living tricks.

One great resource that I’ve found for lots of health recipes, motivation and workout ideas is Pinterest.

This relatively-new social media platform is know for its eCommerce benefits, ease of content curation and of course dream-wedding planning. There are some social benefits (for women especially) as well.

It provides women with the ability to make a digital vision board and share inspiration with friends and followers.

Many of my friends are like-minded when it comes to health and fitness, so they frequently pin other healthy recipes and fitness information as well.

Pinterest provides the necessary reinforcements and motivation to inspire people to lead healthy lives. 

Trainers always say it’s easier to get motivated and stick to your workouts and heathy eating plans if you have a partner doing it with you, and the Pinterest community is that support system.

I personally use Pinterest on practically a daily basis and have a board named “Fit-spiration.” It’s full of workout ideas, healthy eating tips and general life inspiration. I actually just tried out one of the workout tips this morning, and I have to say, I felt great!

How do you motivate yourself to stay healthy and fit?

~ Miss Soucie

P.S. If you want to learn more about Pinterest, take a look at my other article, Foodie Porn on Pinterest! 

2012 Words of Wisdom

September 27, 2012 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 0 Comments

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.”

- George Bernard Shaw

Not only is my blog about what I learn and experience with social media and digital marketing, but it’s also about my journey as a post-grad and an entrepreneur.

Picture Credit: Kayla Cruz "Gen Y Girl"

During the last year, the latter two have forced me to face a lot of “firsts” that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Those who know me know that my family has completely desserted me leaving me to fend for myself (not really, but they did move out of Arizona).

Some of the fun things that I’ve been dealing with lately include: business taxes, financial advisors, loans, leasing cars, credit (who knew it was so temperamental?), obnoxious sales people, friends, clients, finding insurance, moving, establishing my brand and countless other things.

Here are a few words of wisdom that I’ve picked up along the way to help make everything just a little bit easier: 

  • Do Your Research: When it comes to finances, insurance, cars and all that fun stuff, everyone kept telling me what THEY think I should do. Don’t just listen to what people tell you, do your research and find out what’s really the best option.
  • Don’t Settle: I have a friend that’s miserable in her job, and complains about it all the time, yet won’t do anything to change it. We’re young enough that we don’t have to settle for doing something that doesn’t make you happy. Find what you’re passionate about and go after it!
  • Let Go of Baggage: Everyone has that friend or that thing that they hold on to for some unknown reason. It’s time to let it go and move on. Get the fresh start that you deserve!
  • Family, Family Family: Everyone has heard the phrase, “blood’s always thicker than water,” and after graduation, it rings a lot more clear than every before. Make time for your family, they’ll always be there for you.
  • Live in the Now: This is one that my boyfriend constantly has to remind me to do, and I am so thankful for that. Don’t get so caught up in where you’re trying to go that you forget to enjoy how amazing things are right now.
  • Don’t Forget to Have Fun: Just because we’re not in college anymore doesn’t mean that we have to act like our parents. Go out, have fun and enjoy life; don’t age yourself any faster than you have to.
  • Follow Your Dreams: Nothing is impossible. Want to take that trip to Europe? Move to a big city? Get that job you’ve been dreaming of? Don’t limit yourself. Find a way to make it happen.

It’s important not to lose yourself in the rat-race of becoming what people expect; married, kids, successful job, you know the M.O. You only get one life, so make it worth it!

What are some words of wisdom that have helped you get to where you are today?

~ Miss Soucie

10 Things To Do Before I Die

August 23, 2012 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 0 Comments

I was trying to think about something to write today while I enjoyed my Skinny Carmel Macchiato at Starbucks on a beautiful August afternoon, and my dear friend Evan Roberts suggested I do a “10 Things To Do Before You Die” list, inspired by his recent post.

When I started thinking about what would be on my list, it actually was sort of difficult to nail down, so here it goes:

  1. Write a book: For those that know me, I’m an avid reader. Like, a new-book-every-week type of reader. What type of book would I write? I’m thinking fiction, but I promise I won’t add to the excessive amount of vampire books and series that are already taking over the world.
  2. Learn (at least) 1 more language: Obviously I know English, and I like to say I’m “conversationally fluent” in Spanish, and I’d like to add (at least) one more language to my list before I die.
  3. Live abroad for a year (or two, or three): I’m travel-obsessed, and I won’t die a happy woman unless I live abroad for at least a year in a foreign country.
  4. Send my parents (and my brother!) on all-expenses paid vacations: There’s nothing I could possibly do to repay my parents for what they’ve done for me, but this might be able to express some of my gratitude.
  5. Go skydiving: I mean what more of a rush is there than jumping out of an airplane and free-falling? None that I can think of!
  6. Become a certified trainer/nutritionist: I’m slightly obsessed with working out, living healthy and eating healthy. Eventually I’d like to pursue those passions in a professional manner and help others be the best they can be as well.
  7. Sustain a successful business: I’ve started my social media business TechFly Media (aka Soucie Holdings LLC), but I want to be able to build and grow it to become a successful social media/digital marketing company.
  8. Go back to school: I love learning. I’ve only been out of school 6 months and I’m already thinking about what I want to master in or go back to school for. I’ve been thinking a master’s degree in marketing, but who knows?
  9. Get a golden retriever puppy: For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted a golden retriever. They might be the most beautiful and friendly dogs ever. After my golden, I want to adopt dogs that need to be rescued.
  10. Marry the love of my life: Cliché but oh so true.

Well that was quite insightful. It’s surprising how difficult it can be to really hone in on what you really want when it comes down to it, but it can be very helpful if you’re feeling a little lost.

So, what do you want to do before you die?

~ Miss Soucie

Keep Calm & Carry On

June 4, 2012 in Inspiration, Post-Grad Life with 0 Comments

The post-graduate-business-starting-setting-off-on-your-own-transition-to-real-life phase can, to say the least, get a little crazy. That’s why I have this saying above my desk & repeat the mantra all the time. It really is a life saver.

It’s important not to lose sight of what’s important to you, where you want to go, and the people who mean the most to you.

Don’t worry, everything happens for a reason. So try not to stress & enjoy the ride!

~ Miss Soucie