Next chapter: In all things, give thanks

Another life-changing event for me. A few months ago, my position was restructured and I was let go. Then last week, the other job was also restructured and I was out the door. Initially, I felt my ego was taking a hit, that there was something wrong with me. Why me?

When I step back and look the bigger picture, I can see a bit more clearly that I would have not left them on my own accord. It is the nudge the Universe saw I needed to move on to doing something with my passions. It is time to do something that I feel will make a difference. Last Sunday at church, I had a conversation with God when I asked what’s next. God said I needed to take care of today and plan for tomorrow and leave the rest of the days to unfold. So every day, I am reminding me of that.

My friend and I have been developing project. Then another idea filtered in so we are working on another project, too. Now that the pieces are coming together, there is an excitement that I have not felt in years. It is like a gift within a gift within a gift.

What changed? Me. Before when I was shown the door, I would be so upset, consumed with worry about possible financial difficulties, beat myself up for being a failure. When things began to go “right,” I would fret about when the next horrible thing would happen as that was my lot, the life of Job. That narrow focus would keep me from seeing the larger picture. My attitude changed to see that now; there is something grander, a higher purpose, for me. When things would look like they are derailing, I now embrace that it is a direction correction, not the end of the world.

Is it keeping those rose-colored glasses on full time? No. I am still mindful, showing up to do my part, while being open to receive. The most challenging thing we will do is change our mind; the easiest thing we can do is change our mind. A lot has come from spiritual growth.

Give it a try. When negative thoughts grip you, say “return to sender.” Watch them float away. Those negatives keep you stuck from creative problem solving and opening up to more options.