More Steps Forward

I have been so busy with looking at my opportunities for work that I've neglected to write anything lately, so here's an update. Today I went to a workshop on how to finance a new business, whether it's a start up or a franchise. It was very informative and gave me some new things to look at.  Last week I spoke with three different franchises to see if any of them fit with what I want to do.  I think they all have potential, but my issue is that I don't feel very passionate about any of them. I think I could be successful doing any business, and I think a couple of them could actually be a great source of income, but I don't know if my heart is in it... and this is why:

I went to my church on Friday morning to do my weekly service answering phones and updating social media, and it just feels like a wonderful place to be. I love being around the people, I love being able to help them with what they are doing (one women needed me to help her with her computer) and I love posting information on their website and social media.  In fact, they asked if I was interested in running a free seminar for the congregation on the internet, social media, and the website. I like to feel needed and I like to use my skills.  I felt so good when I left church that day, that I know I want to feel that every day.

This makes me think I need to have something I'm passionate about, rather than just a source of income.  I'm not ruling out any of the franchises yet, but I have two more business ideas I want to look into. One is a new product idea and the other is a new business. It has been successful in other areas of the Northeast and it's something I've been thinking about for five years.

How fortunate for me that my life has afforded me this opportunity to look at my life. I wish I had a clearer picture of where I'm heading, but I'm pleased that I am moving forward.

Seeing the Blessings

Lately I have had this overwhelming feeling that I am blessed.  I don't have a job, and yet I feel a sense of abundance. My heart is filled with gratitude and hope for the future.  I was sitting with a bunch of friends last night and one of them is older with cancer that has spread to his organs and brain. He was sharing about how grateful he was that he had a chance to go through each and every experience in his life- both good and bad. He talked about how he saw children fighting this battle with cancer, and some of them would never make it to college, or get a job, or know how to be a lover, or get married and have a family. He has 5 children, 14 grandchildren and a loving wife of many years and he is blessed. 

He may be sick and leave this earth, but he is blessed.  He is surrounded by God's light and love; he is surrounded by the love of his family and friends; He has lived a life filled with work, golf, friendship and service.  He is blessed... and I am blessed to be able to call him my friend, but that is not where my blessings stop.

I am blessed that I don't have a job (check back with me to see if I still feel this way in a couple months ;o). This is a time for me to reflect on my past and move into the future. It's a time to look at what's in my heart and move forward.  I want to work for myself- and create a business that will allow me to earn a decent living, yet be there for my children as they move into grade school.  I don't know what to do, how to do it or where the money will come from, but I want to try. I would rather take the risk and give this a try, than get old and regret what if...

I'm learning there are many resources out there. Places I can go to learn, people I can talk to that can direct me to where I need to go.  Believe me I am scared to start my own business, to leave the security of a guaranteed paycheck... (but then again, what paycheck is really guaranteed)?

I am blessed with faith in God, knowing that this is all part of a greater plan. I am blessed with a family that I love so very deeply, and that love me too. I am blessed with an abundance of friends who have been there for me over the years, through the good times and bad.  I am blessed with a roof over my head and warm clothes to wear and I am blessed that you are reading my blog.

One of my Passions

I love to write. I went to school for Business Communications so I could write for a living. My previous job entailed a lot of writing over the past 15 years, and the subject always had a common thread.  When I recently lost my job I wondered if I would be able to write about anything else.

I decided to do some volunteer work for my church and my mom asked for some help with a project she wanted to propose to her employer.  I've been writing press releases, activating social media, and researching childcare for a proposal... all of which have been well received. It is nice to see that I can write about different subjects from faith to childcare and still know how to use my words.

After spending 22 years at the same company, I had some fears about my actual skills and abilities. I worried that somehow I was faking it and if I ever lost my job I wouldn't be able to do anything else.

This journey is showing me that I can do other things.  My volunteer work is giving me a chance to not only build on my resume, but to validate what is true about me- that I love to write and I can do just about anything.

Until next time,
Sue

A little hiatus

When it comes to doing things different it really takes a lot of effort- and any distractions can throw me off track. The distractions are sometimes excuses and sometimes real. My effort level has been low over the past week. I haven't walked at the park or rode the bike in the basement. I've run errands, volunteered at church, held a garage sale, watched tv, did laundry, spent time with my sister... but I haven't been doing what I need to do for me, which is to get moving. It's not only that I want to be more fit, but I want more energy. Over the past month, I find when I exercise feel better ...  I wonder if it's self-sabotage that keeps me from moving forward sometimes.

Today I have more errands to run, but I am going to take a little time to go for a walk, even if it's just around the block. Every little step counts!

Until next time.
Sue

Self-Worth and Self-Discovery

It seems like every few days I feel emotional. Today is one of those days. I know that part of change is letting go of the past and sometimes I find myself holding onto things that aren't good for my mental well being.  I think what bothers me the most is when I see something change that I had a part of. I don't know if it's because I've gotten myself wrapped up in what I believe in so much that I can't see an alternate view, or if it's just grieving the loss of something I loved so much.

Perhaps I found too much of my self-worth through my work and not enough through my faith.  I'm one of those people that as a child, I had a lot of negative messages going through my head, and although I am older and have worked through most of the messages, some are still there.  I remember when I was in my 20's I posted little notes around my apartment to change the way I thought of myself.  After a couple years I began to believe in my abilities and really started to grow in my position at work. I gained more and more experience, and was promoted a few times into new roles that I found challenging and rewarding. I invested a lot of time and emotions into my job.

Where do I get my self-worth from now that I don't have a job?  As I mentioned above, I can turn to God for help with this but what else? My children, my husband, my home, my family... a little bit of everything? Perhaps there is more than one reason I find myself without a job and going through this change. Maybe I will learn more about myself than I ever dreamed of.  I know this too shall pass in regards to how I feel today and I must have faith that things are going to be okay.  Self-discovery is a wonderful thing, and I am grateful I have this opportunity.

Until next time.
Sue

A Step Forward

My husband is concerned about my not having a job yet.  It's only been 2 months, but he doesn't want me to get too comfortable at home.  I think the most important thing for me is to be busy. I could easily get sucked into the world of talk shows, but that wouldn't feed my spirit. I like to work and I like to do things that have a positive impact on people.

I decided to look into some volunteer work for my church to help them with their social media efforts.  I love to write and I enjoy social media, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me.  I ran into the office manager on Sunday and mentioned to her my thoughts, and today I went to the church office to see what I could do for them. Come to find out they've been praying for me (well, not me in particular, but someone that could do this job!)

Getting Ready to Look for a Job

Making a career change is scary. It was easier for me to go to my job every day doing the same thing. I loved my job and looked forward to going to work. It wasn't my choice to leave, but now I have a chance to explore other options as I move forward with my life. I feel pretty fortunate to have this opportunity to make changes and I pray I trust God's guidance as I move ahead.

The importance of exercise with kids

I think it's important that children know about exercise.  Not just by doing, but by seeing as well. Since I had an appointment at the garage this morning I decided I would ride the exercise bike after I picked the kids up.

Doing Things Differently

Change is all about creating new habits. If I want to feel better and get more energy, I must get up and get my body moving. My goal is to walk or bike at least 4 -5 days a week. Just typing that sounds like a lot, but really, right now is when I have the time. I don't have to be at a job for 8 hours every day and I really want to make some changes in my life. 

Reflections on a Birthday

My son turns 5 today and I am amazed at the journey so far... to go from that little tiny baby to this little boy... to go from little coos to having conversations, from my doing everything for him to him getting dressed and making his bed before I even rise from my own, it is amazing. 

A Start to a New Day

I've recently gone through a major change in my life. I lost my job after 22 years with the same company. It was a job I loved, that I felt passionate about and looked forward to each day. This change is giving me an opportunity to look at my life and go in the direction that is meant for me.  Nothing happens by mistake. I believe God will guide me to where I'm supposed to be. This is my journey.