fbpx

Jen A. Miller Consulting

Category: Lessons Learned

  • The Art of REAL Conversation

    The Art of REAL Conversation

    7 Do’s and Don’ts of Conversing with Strangers via The Real Housewives of New York

    PHOTO: Bravo TV.
    PHOTO: Bravo TV.

    I consider myself a fairly good conversationalist, but in the last couple months I’ve met girls who are extremely chat savvy. What struck me was their ability to be natural and to put a complete stranger at ease… it’s that charisma that also makes someone a great interviewee (or interviewer)—both on camera and off. Superb conversationalists don’t try too hard to leave you with a certain impression. They open up enough that you want to find out more. They speak to you in the same voice they use with their close friends. They charm you. I am fascinated by the magnetism, so I turned to The Real Housewives of New York for tips on the art of conversation when meeting someone new.

    (more…)

  • What We Can All Learn About Living from the Regrets of the Dying

    What We Can All Learn About Living from the Regrets of the Dying

    A self-reflection inspired by Bronnie Ware’s Regrets of the Dying

    regrets-of-the-dying

    Last week, my mom shared an article with me from Australian author Bronnie Ware titled Regrets of the Dying written by. Based on the somewhat morbid title, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I clicked through the link. What I found, was a surprisingly insightful reflection on the meaning of life and the path to true happiness. Bronnie’s narrative made me stop and consider the choices I was making in my life. She had me wondering if I would end up the way many of her patients had, full of regrets, or if I was doing things the “right way”.

    I was so inspired and moved by the article that I felt compelled to share it with all of you. I encourage you all to read this repost of her original article and to use it for your own self-reflection. In Bonnie’s words, remember:

    “Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.”

    (more…)
  • 7 Lessons from Orange is the New Black

    7 Lessons from Orange is the New Black

    A Look at the Lessons We’ve Learned from Orange is the New Black

    Lessons from Orange is the New Black
    Today, Netflix releases the much-anticipated second season of their hit comedic drama Orange is the New Black. In a snapshot, the show fictionalizes the real-life tale of Piper Chapman, a white, middle-class woman, sentenced to 15 months in prison for her assisting her ex-girlfriend in international drug trafficking. If you haven’t yet caught season 1, we highly recommend you jump on the bandwagon.

    As much as we love OITNB for its cast of outrageous characters and their snappy one-liners, we’ve also come to appreciate the depth the writers have given to their back stories. We learn what has brought each of these women to prison and watch as their lives and relationships unfold within their new confined realities. With each episode we get to know the characters a little better and grow to understands what motivates their behaviors and actions.

    In getting to know these characters we’ve also recognized that there is a great deal they can teach us about our own choices. Here we take a look at 7 lessons we’ve learned from Orange is the New Black and how they apply to our lives outside the prison walls.

    (more…)

  • Twenty-Seven | What I’ve Learned Thus Far

    Catherine sums up a month of reflection in turning twenty-seven

    turning twenty-seven
    Just a month after my 27th birthday, I already feel like a changed woman. Okay, it helps a lot that I left my job just two weeks prior to my birthday and essentially am living like a college kid on summer vacation… so after five years of a regular 9 to 6 job without a lot of free time to travel and breathe, feeling different was inevitable. Nevertheless, the change of pace prompted a lot of reflection and self-discovery. Here’s what I’ve learned since turning 27.

    (more…)

  • Retreats: The Journey, Not the Destination

    Retreats: The Journey, Not the Destination

    Lara Torii shares a lesson in forgiveness + tips for making the most of your time away

    retreats
    To say I’m familiar with retreats is an understatement. I’m a bit of a self-care junkie. If I could go on a retreat every month I probably would. I was fortunate enough to go on two in the last three months. After three years of volunteering—two of which were international—my program sent me on a ten-day re-entry retreat.

    Before I started each year of volunteering, I attended an orientation retreat to prepare myself for community, social justice, simplicity, and spirituality. This was my first time attending a re-entry retreat, specifically for people who have gone abroad and have to deal with reverse culture shock. The activities were geared towards helping us heal the hurts of the past, celebrate the joys, and move forward with purpose.

    If I have learned anything during my time as a volunteer, it is that life is best lived open-heartedly. I always try to let go of any preconceived notions I have of any situation and any person I meet. So I made my way to San Antonio ready to receive whatever the ten days had in store.

    What Is a Retreat?

    For me, retreats have always been an opportunity to step back, evaluate life, and take a breather. I’ve been on retreats where we are given tons of space to talk to each other. I’ve also been on silent retreats where we are asked to unplug from all forms of chatter. Regardless, retreats offer activities to help you balance the emotional, physical, mental, and social aspects of yourself.

    One of my favorite retreat activities is hiking by myself or with a group. I always feel reset by getting my blood flowing, breathing fresh air, and letting go of those routine thought processes. That is one of the most beneficial things about retreats: they are active breaks from the daily routine, a break—unlike a vacation—that allows you to make space for new energy, new creativity, new insight. If it’s not possible to commit to a full guided retreat (typically two to seven nights), we may try to find ways to step back from our daily lives in smaller ways. However, in this time of constant social media and technological connection, we can all benefit from time away. Here is what I learned from stepping away from the everyday and a list of things to keep in mind once you commit to a retreat.

    (more…)