Here's to 2012

If you read last year's post you know I'm not big on new year's resolutions. So a little continuation from the last post, this year I will try not to dwell on closed doors but open my eyes to doors that are opened to me. 

For those of you who have seen the movie New Year's Eve (not particularly the best movie this year) but loved this quote from Hilary Swank's character, and will leave this note as 2011 comes to a close.

"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To  remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt coz that is what new years is all about - getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long."

Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous 2012!

An Open Door

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Alexander Graham Bell

Can't help but look back as another year comes to an end. I have come to realize that I am so wrapped up with all the doors closing on me, that I don't see what's right in front of me sometimes. I have had so many doors close on me, it doesn't faze me anymore. Phone interviews that don't lead to a face-to-face interview, job interviews that don't turn into job offers. But you know what they say when one door closes... 

... another door opens. I have had a door wide open to me since June. Thanks to Saya for opening this door for me and giving me the opportunity to work for the amazing CRAVE Company. A week ago we launched the second edition of the CRAVE Chicago guide (pictured above). For the past six months I have researched women owned businesses to be featured in the book and was in charge of the social media for Chicago. Each month we had events where I got to meet these fabulous women. 

After the launch party was when it all really came together for me. Seeing the book for the first time, seeing my name and photo published, and getting to hold a finished product in my hand that I helped put together! It's always great when you feel accomplished!

I met so many more incredibly smart women who own their own business that night. They have something to call their own and get to call all the shots. It made me think of all the time and energy I have put into trying to find a job working for someone else. I should have put all this time and energy in working for myself. I have a MBA, I know how to write a business plan, and it's time to put this knowledge to use! I have been so inspired and have had a burst of ideas! I hope to  explore it more and get it started in the new year. I know I now have a great support system who I can call on for advice and guidance. In the meantime, I am still in need of a paying job and will continue to look for the next door. But this may be one of the best doors that have been opened to me! 

Have you had any doors open for you this year?

P.S. You know I love books and love to read! We had the CRAVE book launch party at one of the coolest bookstores I've seen Open Books. I could spend days in there! They are a nonprofit bookstore that help promote literacy in Chicago! Definitely visit them if you're in the market to buy some books!