Continuing on my previous blog, I think the second important point is networking.
Everything being equal, a more seasoned professional should have a bigger network of colleagues, friends and family.
We should take advantage of that and make the best out of it.
Our network is extremely crucial for getting feedback, support and referral for new opportunities.
Take it seriously and don’t miss out on the power of network that we spent years (if not decades :>) to build.

A few friends of mine have reached the age of “seasoned” professionals (we won’t mention names and please don’t ask neither :>) and the subject of how to add value to the company/team made of younger people and co-exist with them peacefully has become a common topic.
I believe I blogged on a related subject (Mature vs. Young) last year, but I am not going to re-read it (readers are welcome to do so) in order to provide a fresh look.
#1) Accept this phenomenon as a fact and
it is happening to you (or will happen to you a day – if you live and work long enough :>). Yes, please read it again – facts are facts. As a side joke, last year during my annual health check-up, my family doctor was reviewing the results with me against the statistics. Being Raymond, I said “Oh, my results are only average despite the effort I made (honestly not the best effort) :< (my facial expression literally)". He replied, "Well, you have done quite well because some people have already died at YOUR age and they are not included in the health statistics of your age group. So you are actually better than the statistics here!" I was left speechless (a rare occurrence). On that high note, this topic to be continued...

Sometimes insights arrive at a time and place least expected. I was browsing through a French magazine while waiting for the Eurostar door to open at the London train station on my return trip from Paris to London last week. An interview of the famous actress Isabelle Adjani caught my attention. Her new movie has just came out. I am far from a fan of hers as all the characters she portrayed are quite disturbed which often time (not always) is a reflection of the actor/actress’s own experiences.
What stroke me was she said she is now acting as the “parent” of her parents in addition to having 2 children of her own though she claimed that she did not receive the parental love she wanted in her own childhood. Her statement showed a lot of maturity and made me think the meaning of “parenting” one’s parents.
To put the question differently: How do parents (normally-to use this word loosely) take care of his/her child? A couple of thoughts came to my mind though I am not a parent myself.
1) Loads of patience: Often time, children don’t understand the situation they are in, sometimes due to their mental and physical developments, and parents need to explain to them patiently again and again. Do we have the same degree of patience towards our parents as they may be slowing down in their mental and physical abilities?
2) Love unconditionally: Parental love is the strongest love of all. When the table is turned to “parent” our parents, can we apply the same degree of love reciprocally?
Food for thoughts.

I had a coffee with a friend of mine today and the subject of favoritism was brought up.
The question is how to deal with favoritism when you were not the recipient in particular it was a “favor” you were hoping for.
The key points are:
#1) Be happy (genuinely) for the person who has received the favor. He or she probably needs it as much as you do.
#2) Be non-judgmental about the “favor-granter” as he/she probably has a reason for it. Please don’t second guess the reason.
#3) Stay calm and don’t over-think about the chance of your own situation.
#4) Talk to a trusted friend or family about it. Sometimes it helps to verbalize how you feel.
#5) Avoid being bitter about it. Reflect on the dynamics of the system (meaning the team/organization/group/family) in particular how favour is granted.
#6) Reflect on other ways that you can gain that “favor” or achieve the same outcome. There are usually more than one way to Rome as they say.
#7) Don’t lose hope/faith. Your time will come soon.

From the Action Calendar created by www.actionforhappiness.org:
My selection for last week:
* Turn off your phone and give people your full attention.
* Look for the good side in everyone you meet today.
* Give away a book that you found inspiring or helpful.
* Start friendly conversations with people you don’t know.

From the Action Calendar created by www.actionforhappiness.org:
My selection for the fourth week in Aug:
* Be kind to yourself as you can be kinder to others.
* When you buy one and get one free, give the extra item away
* Try to bring a smile to as many people as possible today
* Pay sincere compliments to people you meet today
* Give your time and energy to help someone in difficulty

From the Action Calendar created by www.actionforhappiness.org:
My selection for the third week in Aug:
* Notice when someone is down and try to brighten their day.
* Show support for a cause that doesn’t affect you directly.
* Today do something to make life easier for someone else.
* Tell a young person something you wish you would heard at their age.
* If someone annoys you, imagine how it feels to be them.
* Take a friend on a spontaneous adventure.

I received a calendar called Action Calendar created by www.actionforhappiness.org.
There is one suggestion each day for the entire August on the calendar.
I found some of them quite insightful.
My selection for the first 2 weeks in Aug:
* Leave a positive note for someone else to find.
* Treat everyone you interact with as though they are a friend.
* Ask someone how they are and really listen to their reply.
* Contact a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them.
* Spend time wishing for other people to be free from suffering.
* Be thankful for your food and the people who made it possible.
* Take time to forgive someone who hurt you in the past.

The final 4 good advice from Professor Stanislas Dehaene of the College de France is listed below:
7) Nourish your brain: Add daily portion of vegetables in your diet which is important for your health including your brain.
8) Learn a foreign language: Learn a new language helps to reinforce your brain to exercise and develop.
9) Read out loud: The vocalization and repetition help to enhance one’s memory.
10) Challenge our “autopilot”: Try to do our daily routines differently to “activate” our brains; for example, take a different route to the supermarket or to work.

This blog concludes the article from Professor Stanislas Dehaene. However, don’t be disappointed – more related blogs to follow.

Well, there is no better thing to do than writing my blog when one is stuck at the Eurostar without knowing how long the delay will be. Apparently, there is a flaw with the communication system, so no announcement can be made.

My advice is:
1) Avoid getting “worked up” (in particular when other passengers are getting impatient) as there is little that one can influence in a situation related to technical problem.
2) Make the best use of your “down time”. Read a book/magazine/newspaper. Write emails and send texts. How about (online) retail therapy? – Perhaps not the best idea as you may end up losing a fortune on top of losing your time due to the train delay :>
3) Smile :> and consider it an opportunity to exercise your calmness, mindfulness and creativity among other important lessons one can think of.
4) Be grateful (yes, I am not insane) – At least there is air-conditioning on the train (it is 34 degree outside, my friend), it will get cooler when I get home (hopefully tonight).
5) Lastly, there is some sort of (financial) compensation offered by Eurostar depending on the length of delay.