To End Preoccupation with Distress

If we are to be happy, we must reclaim the curiosity of a child. And while we might restrain our approach, we can look around and outside of ourselves to discover that the world has expanded beyond our belly buttons.

Sometimes we become bogged down by the baggage of the past - what happened to us (or them), how we used to think, be, have, do, etc, and the myriad comparisons that keep us from living in the present time.

As we age, we gather more past. And while understanding that the past might contain useful information, it is also historical data. To move forward in our lives, opening to the present situation allows fresh thinking. As we continue to rely on what has been done before, we block the channels of inspiration.

When we are overwhelmed by hurt, angry, lonely feelings based in past situations here is the commitment to support letting go and forward movement:

It is logically possible and certainly desirable to end the ancient habit of paying attention to past distress and to replace it with a new attitude or posture of paying attention to interesting and rewarding concerns - including the present time situation. And so, I now decide to to this - and will repeatedly so decide - until the ancient habit is broke. (From Re-evaluation Counseling)

I have found this commitment helpful in reshaping my attention around my family of origin, past romantic relationships, lost friendships, and today's job search. Even as I consider where to apply to work, feeling surface which require acknowledgement and then a redirection of my attention.

Happiness is a choice and it's an inside job.

Look up. There is something to catch your attention.

From the Cloud Collection

YaY!

Interesting Situations

By now you know the opening line. "I quit my job. " I chose that statement because while I was employed I searched for information on living well outside of the status quo, and specifically, details and stories from people over forty. That young people quit, change, leave, or abandon jobs has little interest to me. This isn't to say they don't have great stories, ideas, tips or adventures. However, they are also generally free of children, mortgages, retirement plans/obligations, and the varied and many encumbrances that accumulate with age.

Honestly, to quit one's job, repeatedly, no matter the "financial climate," takes its own mindset. That's me. I've been leaving jobs since I accepted the first one. That will make me and my story different from those who have committed to a company for over five years. Still, I am over fifty and I choose to leave the last situation because I had had enough.

Today's note is about job search some more. I am just off the phone with an inquiry from a prospective employer. They called to make sure I was applying for a staff position rather than the supervisory slot. It seems I was recommended by the director of the agency for the supervisor position. Small world. We worked together many years ago. We were best friends (to me) and she helped paint my house, tend my children, and make my work my love.

The supervisor is on call 24/7 and expected to be in the office 8 am - 5 pm. Yes, there is vacation since it is a benefited position, but squeezing it in is a challenge. Oh, and "if you really need to be off we can find someone to cover for a doctor's appointment, etc." As the description went on, I knew there was no way I was getting roped into that situation. I know people who live for their jobs. I am not one of them and I am not impressed. I am happy to do what I love, but I love lots of situations and prefer balance in my life. I passed and asked to be considered for the staff role.

Life is good. I apply for two or three jobs most days of the week. I complete applications, assessments, questionnaires, and inventories. Not only do I learn about the companies, I learn about me. I am unavailable for long hours. I do believe employers ask too much of their employees. I think I work harder than most of my coworkers. I show up a little early for appointments. I expect to take my breaks and lunch. Can I sell people stuff they don't need? Sure! Will I? Probably not. Working on commission might leave me hungry.

I make notes from those survey tools. One has to wonder how those responses are weighted. I've been thinking about desired outcomes. I still enjoy being at home. Everyday I roll over and easily rise from sleep at whatever time, I am blessed again. There is so much more to my story and how I find a great ease in this life.

"I have a house, a car and my student loans are paid off. I should be able to sleep." (From Everybody Loves Raymond) I have plenty of food. I am healthy. I even still have a couple fingers of my favorite liquors. It rained. Tomorrow I will set out more plants and pray for a bountiful harvest.

I am open an employment situation that is mutually beneficial to all concerned. Let us affirm together:
So say we all!
So say we all!

Commitment in the Face of Disappointment

I got the letter today. Not the one I was waiting for, but from the same company. My letter thanked me for interviewing and wished me luck in my job search.

I am disappointed. Which is to say, I had expectations. I am more than qualified for this position. I have the experience and commitment to do the job well. I can imagine several reasons they may have passed on me and will have to keep these in mind as I reconnoiter.

I have vast experience which makes me a great candidate. I gathered that experience though numerous job changes. I longest stint with any company was three years and I counted the days to make that. Companies looking to place a strangle hold on me will be disappointed. Doors open both ways.

I like change and am willing to take on the task of both being who I am and shifting perspectives. This is my personal mission. I get to show up and show out. I am free and unlimited. Sometimes that is frightening to those who are stuck.

Since I was passed on this round, there is something better available for me. I get to relax and allow life to carry me. Monday I will send out another round of applications. I will call and schedule another state test. I will read, write, and garden.

I shake off disappointments and left go of expectations - repeatedly.

Life is good. (Hold on to that.)
All the time. (Regardless of the situation or circumstance.)

That was the end, but I remember that I have a new favorite video:

Assessing The Situation

Yesterday was my last shift at the call center - my part-time situation for the month of May. The last two shifts proved to be wonderful. The numbers were low so we had time to talk and share during the downtime. I met and got to know a lot of new people and because I was returning to this job (from seven years ago) I discovered new elements about people I once worked with only as acquaintances.

This is part-time work that can be boosted to forty hours when there are new (health) studies and plenty of numbers. Otherwise, people work as much as they can or want, then outside of work they garden, cook, read, care for aging parents, or volunteer in their communities. Some people are part-time temps while others are permanent. There are lots of young people (as in college students) and other folks close to retirement age (self named and at age 62).

Most interesting was a young woman who at thirty-one has traveled the country, changing jobs and locales. She has worked as a flight attendant, prison guard, and nurse's aide. She will be moving when she is accepted at her next situation. I hold out that the company she interviewed with will recognize her as an enthusiastic asset to their company. Her sister was a phone sex worker. That discussion perked up a few ears. I asked her how she learned to live so freely. Her response was that she spent time with lots of different people. Older people especially were eager to share their stories. She paid attention and selected the ideas that supported her happiness. She understands that we are each responsible for how we move through life and that happiness is an inside job.

Working part-time, I earned enough to carry me through the month of June. I walked to work three days a week. I picked up some freelance office work on my off days and that covered a few luxuries I had given up. I worked in my garden, cleaned around my home, even made that drive up north - twice. I spent time visiting with my friends and reorganized my grand-daughter's play area.

I imagine a full-time situation in the month of June. I hold the intention to show up authentically myself - creative, loving, strong, supportive, and free. Sometimes working full-time drains the memory of who we are away. This time I am holding on.

Imagine with me.

Namaste