Humbling Times

There are many things that can cut a man down. Losing his job is one of them. Suddenly your post, station and purpose in life is picked up by the wind and blown away by the economy. I lost my job back when people were still debating whether we were in what is called a "recession"- as it seemed like a foreign and non-applicable word at the moment. Yes; fear, anger, doubt, and all the other negative emotions awaited me at the foot of my bed each morning during my joblessness, as they do for everyone- but I decided to take advantage of that time like a kid in a candy store.
What do you want more? Time or money? Figure it out, damnit. If you want money more, then you'll finagle a way to get it in this newly acquired time. If you want time, then don't forget that. Some people do forget, and they run around like headless chickens looking for another job, all while that precious available time falls through the cracks. When I had my job previous to being laid off, I'd stare outside and long to be hiking, painting or something I figured that was better than what I was doing at that office. The second I was let go, I was relieved. Yes, money becomes a dire issue eventually. Which was why I would wake up early, email 25 resumes a day and call 10 interviewers a week. But by the time the day was getting warm, I was putting on my sneakers and reaching for my camera. Suddenly I had time. Time to do research on different career paths, time to take community classes, time to read, paint, breathe in and exhale and just be able to take in a little perspective.
So remember, the world always seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, ever since "hell in a handbasket" became a coined phrase. Don't let it distract you too much- and don't forget to take advantage of that gift in disguise. For the first time in a long time since I first discovered the miraculous nature of seasons (what age is that-five?), I was able to watch them change before me. And while I walked along puddle-dotted trails and watched the first flowers of spring bloom, I knew there were people just starting their draining day at work, who would be daydreaming of being in my liberated status.
Just don't forget to smell the flowers, they're still there, you just haven't had time to notice them.