Rediscovering your worth

A couple weeks back my position was eliminated with virtually no warning. I was a marketing assistant for a senior living community based in Omaha, Neb. and generally liked my job and the people I worked with. I'm pretty sure they were happy with my work too. Though, looking back, the last couple weeks of work, my gut was telling me that things were off, though I couldn't put my finger on what that meant. That was until the day I had a meeting with my boss and the HR director that confirmed what I probably knew all along.

This isn't the first time I've dealt with a job loss, as two years earlier, I dealt with the same thing when I was doing social media and video production for a local health care organization. So, after allowing myself to cry in front of my boss (I couldn't help it) I went to my parent's house and told them the news and then followed the expert's advise on coping with the stress that comes with a job loss--you know face the facts, reach out, network, stay positive, etc.

Every day my family, friends and co-workers at my part time job ask me how the job search is going and are, for the most part, empathetic. I always answer with the same, "I'm doing fine. Thanks for asking." And for the most part, my spirits are up. I believe life is a journey and that when a door closes, a window opens.

I wanted to let you in on routine day-in-the-life of me, now that I'm unemployed. Don't get me wrong, I do want a full-time job for the money and the stability that comes with it, but I have to admit, I'm enjoying this time of rediscovering old hobbies, my worth and the beauty of being alive. 

• The opportunity to hang out. 

when was the last time you visited your grandmother just because she's 93 and lives in a nursing home 85 miles away? I did that the first week I wasn't working because I could. I felt like I was in grade school because I rode with my parents (in their "new" car) and met my sister and her daughter at the nursing home. We got there in time for lunch and stayed for the afternoon, playing King's Corner and just talking. It was great.

I also have had the pleasure to hang out with one of my friends and her new baby--watching movies,  seeing some local sites and reconnecting with one another.

• Literally "running" errands.

I enjoy running--it's what I do to keep me stress-free and in shape and probably to keep me busy. But there are times that I don't feel like running. So recently I decided to ditch the car and run to my nearby grocery store to cash a check. It was great. All of a sudden, I found my purpose again and a reason to run. I took a new route and re-discovered the reason I love running so much.

• Try your hand at stitching.

Although I grew up in the city, I was a 10-year 4-H'er who once sewed a fuchsia lined wool suit (yes my friends make fun of this). But since I quit 4-H, I haven't threaded a needle, save for the handful of buttons I've sewed back on my shirts or the pants I've re-hemmed by hand. Anyway, I've had these IKEA drapes that I've been meaning to hem properly for the past five years. So what better way to spend a Tuesday morning than by firing up the serger and sewing?

And while I haven't sewed for at least 15 years, I felt pretty confident that I would rock it, especially since I read the directions, looked at the pictures, etc. However, after breaking the thread and re-threading the machine at least eight times, I finally frantically called my sister and using choice words, asked what I was doing wrong. Of course, it was a simple solution and after that I serged away, finishing the hem on my drapes which now are hanging nicely.

• Reaffirmation of worth. 

I have filled out dozens of applications along with updating my resume. So, I am constantly reaffirming to myself the great things about me. What are those, you ask? Well, according to Gallup's Strengthfinders test, my top five strengths are: "woo" (win others over), communication, harmony, adaptability and positively. Let's face it, everyone needs a cheerleader on their team who, despite an uphill battle, will be positive and say, "Go team, you can do it!" If that's not your work place, that's probably not where I want to be.  

• Take a cat nap.

When in doubt, I take Gus' (my cat) lead and take a nap. These naps usually fall in the mid- to late-afternoon and can last anywhere from 2-3 1/2 hours. And I love them and don't feel guilty about taking them. I've discovered that there are times when every job possible has been applied for, I've updated my blog, I've networked with everyone I can think of--have even put in a second load of laundry. In other words, I've done all I can do for today...Now I just have to sit back and wait...  
   

The Princess Room

My friends have coined my bedroom the "princess room" for obvious reasons. The walls are painted a light purple & the duvet is a super cute PBteen design that I absolutely love. And I do have a half dozen Cinderella figurines prominently displayed.

In the past, my friends thought it was funny to bring up the topic at the bar and then guys would become intrigued. And in the past month I've received a text from a guy inquiring whether he can get a look at the "princess room" to see it/experience it for himself.

It's true, I love the story of Cinderella, the girl who, despite hardships, maintains her optimism and spunk and in the end finds love and true happiness. That's what I'm looking for in my life and those figurines are a constant reminder of my quest. In addition, each figurine has been a gift a loved one like my parents or siblings has given to me and therefore I cherish each one of them. I can't hide them in the closet--that would be rude. And donating them to the Goodwill would be disrespectful. So I proudly display them.

When I visit my friends' houses, I look for their personality and what character defines them and usually I am left wondering. Where are the knickknacks, figurines, quirky things displayed? I usually only see the Pottery Barn inspired room that I helped create at my part-time job there as a sales associate. 

I hope someday to be able to pass on my passion for Cinderella to my daughter(s) along with the treasures I've received. I even have an entire tree full of ornaments designated the "princess tree" but I'll save that for another post. Through the ups and downs in my life, I use Cinderella's story as a metaphor to never giving up the dreams, hopes and habits that make me unique.

So I ask, do you have a "princess room?" Is there an area you've designated that holds items from your childhood you can't part with? Be it pictures, knickknacks, keepsakes? If so, where is it? If not, why?