It's a day to buy a lottery ticket, put on a pair of gloves against a fierce fall wind, and find a way to reframe the experience that is shaping your current existence. I've been struggling emotionally with the experience of being between jobs, out of work, unemployed--call it what you like. Today, I put a new name on it: my SABBATICAL, after ten years of working really hard for really long hours.
I feel better already.
I'm taking this unexpected time to get my apartment plastered and painted (after putting it off for more than a decade). I'm making necessary doctor's appointments after letting some of them go for two years or more. I'm reading a lot for personal pleasure. I'm finding time to help friends out.
What I haven't yet been doing with this precious time is getting in better shape and working at my writing. So that's next. While I continue to try and figure out how to find my next job, I can be doing a lot more to fulfill my needs beyond work.
My thanks to the universe for sending me a message I was finally ready to hear.
Now--back to recent events. I had a fantastic time at the 2011 NYC Marathon--leading volunteer orientation for registration, ID check, goody bags, and expo marshals; working in the finish line with the 46,000 plus runners; and reconnecting with friends who've been there with me for so many years. The volunteer party Monday night reminded me how many good friends I've had through Road Runners and how special our time together is.
I now have to work on seeing the struggle to find a new position as what it is in many ways: an opportunity to make connections, stretch myself, and enjoy a fresh start!
