Reflecting Back

I lost my job last week. The economic downturn slid sideways into my driveway as my position and that of 4 others were eliminated. With no warning other than the negativity of the 6 o'clock daily news, I'm reeling with questions, charged with dealing with the uncertain days ahead, and challenged to pull myself and my future together. But, before the future comes in, I'd be remiss if I didn't use this time-out to reflect on the last many years of my life at this company.

Have to say, it was a good run. I learned a lot about a lot . . . about myself, my strengths, weaknesses, what I can do and what I can't, what I want to do and don't want to do, how to dig in and do things I've never done before. I learned about people and why they do what they do and the best thing to do when it's not what I would do. And now that I'm not doing any of it there anymore, I must figure out where else it can be done. There's a lot I don't know, but one thing I do is that this time hasn't been given to me to spend being angry (tho I am a little), nor to wonder about details I'm not privy to (tho I do). No, the time is given to reflect and gather some take-aways for the future. So, reflect I will.

Of course there were successes and failures along the way, and all kinds of bright spots to see on the old landscape. But, my biggest hope is that somehow, someway, my 5+ year presence at this company made a difference...not just for the bottom line of the organization, but mostly in the lives of the great people who work there. I am just a middle-aged woman, living this life the best way I know how, learning new stuff and meeting new people, and seeking to make it all worthwhile. Hopefully in some small way, as the song says, I've brightened the corner where I was.

You're going to see some changes coming to the blog....all 1 or 2 of you out there who might actually read this! It's time, definitely time, to ramp up. I've got some new stuff, and it's a really strong, REALLY strong possibility that something brand new will begin. I'll keep you posted and how to access it all.


But, for now, you will do my heart good to just be grateful where you are, wherever that is...employed, unemployed, married, single, rich, poor, good-looking or unique in your own way, 8+ months pregnant or dealing with death. Take a time-out with me and reflect. Smile. Resolve to make the most of each day. And, reach out to the people around you. Because, you never really know what a day will hold for you or for anyone else . . . or what news someone just got, or anything else really.

Signing off til tomorrow!

Peace,

Cheryl