One of the first things I read this morning during my quiet time was living by faith guarantees hardship…yikes! Can I have my money (predictable paycheck) back? Should I turn around and head back to dry land (the security and comfort of a dead end job)? Nope, I made the decision to set sail and turning around is not an option…but I sure hope my dinghy doesn’t sink!
It’s been a little over a month now since I left the safe harbor that was my job to set sail for new horizons. I took that giant leap of faith and resigned my position of almost eight years without another job in sight.
I thought I would check in with you guys and bring you up to speed on how the journey has been so far…
In my previous blog post “A Giant Leap of Faith”, I had determined that my new mantra would be one moment, one minute, one day at a time and keep my eyes on God and not my circumstances. Well I’ve pretty much been able to do that and surprisingly enough I have remained at peace except for a couple of fear and anxiety meltdowns. There have been moments of pure joy as I’ve considered my newfound freedom and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. My confidence level has lifted and my ever present optimism has remained intact. I’ve also experienced a new level of patience that I didn’t even know I had.
When I left my previous job I was seeking more work-life balance. Since “leaving shore” I’ve felt more energized and I’ve been able to do just that…networking and reconnecting with old friends. I also had the privilege of taking care of my injured granddog for six days while her daddies bounced around the Atlantic Ocean on a cruise ship during Hurricane Irma. We were like peas and carrots the two of us and this would not have been possible if I were still working. I haven’t had a pet in a while and caring for Macon forced me outside of my comfort zone as I maneuvered her 75 pound body with her 12” Elizabethan cone on neighborhood walks, to her vet appointments and along the busy highways with her sporadic loud barking in the back of my tiny SUV. I certainly have a much better understanding now of just how much fur babies mean to their humans and to what lengths we will go to take care of them.
I spent a day at the beach with my grandchildren. It felt good to be able to choose the best day to go based on the tropical storm warnings because there was no longer a work schedule to consider. My little granddaughter Chloe and I spent some memorable moments sitting on top of Jockey’s Ridge in NC as we looked at the ocean from way up high. When she drew a small cross in the sand with her little finger for no reason at all, I knew that I was right where I was supposed to be at that moment…my dinghy was safe.
Unhealthy work relationships resemble any other type of toxic relationship in that we can lose ourselves if we stay immersed in them for too long. I’m currently embarking on a journey of self re-discovery to find out who I really am at this stage of my life. I’m daring to dream BIG dreams again and to pursue some of the goals that are important to me like growing my blog and improving my writing skills. I’m also learning to stop looking in the rear view mirror; to allow the past to remain in the past so as not to block my future blessings. This is both exciting and scary at the same time. I didn’t realize how predictable and boring my life had become…I was definitely surviving in a comfortable rut.
I’ve done a few projects that I’ve procrastinated about like cleaning the dust off of metal window blinds with a sock and white vinegar…yuck! I’ve inspired a few people to step out and to make positive changes of their own. I’m back on track with my healthy eating and exercise…I’ve even lost a few pounds! I sleep better at night unless I start thinking about the past, present and future and that’s a sure-fire recipe for insomnia. I’ve saved a little money because I no longer feel compelled to stop by the grocery store everyday or Chick-fil-A (chicken crack) just because I pass by them on my way home. My coffee consumption has decreased which is a miracle in and of itself. My head is clear, my mind is sharper and my ability to focus has improved considerably. Last but certainly not least I’ve been fortunate to have several job interviews… one of which has resulted in an offer…go me!!
Yes, we never really know what God has in store for us until we are willing to step out in faith and trust Him. He had already given me a glimpse via a note on my door that evening that said He would provide a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert if I would forget the former things; the things of old (Isaiah 43:18-19) and at this point, I’m glad I did.
In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who read my last blog for their prayers, support and well wishes after I made the jump…I certainly would have fainted and despaired without you. The truth of the matter is…none of us are ever really secure on dry land because life comes at you fast and there are no guarantees. Making a big life change is pretty scary but what’s even scarier is regrets.
Here’s to continued smooth sailing and as always, feel free to share.
