Since everything at Pyrite University (“Go, Fool’s Gold!”) fell down, I have been amazed at the kindness of people. When the twin monsters of Doubt and Anxiety had me bleakly expecting the worst, I was quickly consoled that things would, in fact, be All Right. And, lo, it came to pass. People I knew well met me for laughter and boba tea (ginger with blueberry popping pearls appears to be my favorite). People who I was barely in touch with helped me schlepp awkward furniture out of my office. And everywhere – people sent me job leads and help in many forms. Steady employment has been secured and I’ll start at that job soon – a few other tasks need to be tidied before I leap into a very different schedule. It’s been an incredibly busy time as I’ve worked to save documents, clean up the work laptop, straighten dozens of little details that suddenly had to be done NOWNOWNOW, all while also looking for meaningful work and keeping the house running.
When you are in this situation, dear Divas, don’t overlook the gifts. I know – oh, how I know – how easy it is to just get caught up in the immediate worries and cares of what’s right in front of you. But it’s a gift, too. Assistance is all around us, if we but ask. It’s interesting to be on the “need help” side of the equation. All too often, we upon whom Lady Fortune has smiled forget what it’s like to need assistance, rather than to give it. It’s humbling, for sure, but it’s also given me a chance to see how much good it can do to give others an opportunity to extend Grace.
For example, yesterday a lady and I wound up having an informal contest as we both held the door for the other at a restaurant – who was going to give in first? (Hint – it was me, although I think we both were highly amused.) On my way to learn how to file for unemployment, I stopped in my driveway and actually paid attention to the mockingbird singing his heart out on top of the flagpole. Before rushing to an appointment, I had coffee strong enough to have me hearing colors. I took leftovers and made a from-scratch cheese sauce and took an extra thirty seconds to plate the dish prettily.
All the things you’ve learned about taking care of yourself and creating everyday elegance – this is the very time you’ve been learning those things for. Read something cozy at the end of a long, brutal day of job-hunting. Let a cat curl up on your lap for five minutes before you tackle downloading documents you think you need to save. Wear your pearl earrings to clear out your office. And – for heaven’s sake – still have your glorious, with-all-the-trimmings anniversary dinner with your Beloved!
Work for which you get paid is important, yes.
But be sure you know WHY it’s important, too.
Look around, Divas.
Bloom.
Leave a Reply