
For the second time in two years I find myself on the hunt for a new job. Today is my last day with the State of Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction. And that’s okay. I’ve loved the work and my team is just phenomenal, but it’s simply time to move on.
I always try to welcome big changes in my life, and goodness knows there have been a lot of them. Big changes often give me time and reason to reflect on what is important, what truly matters, and what I need to let go of for the sake of health and happiness. When something ends it’s important to me that I focus on the positive things about the experience first and try not to carry any negative energy with me. This year brought a new group of people into my life who restored my faith in the goodness of human beings. Their patience and kindness is unparalleled, they never seemed to tire of my endless questions, they did not condescend for one second, even though I had literally no experience in their professional world. They accepted me and my ideas with open minds and helpful hearts. I instantly felt like I was part of an extraordinary team, an experience I will never forget.
Last year when I left the college where I spent close to 20 years I tried to stay in touch with the people who I felt close to, those who had also accepted me with open minds and helpful hearts. We chat, text, sometimes get together, but not as often as we could. When I told these people about being back in the market for a job they instantly rallied around me, reminding me once again why these people are still in my life. They are also extraordinary, not missing a beat in lifting me up, even though we may not have been in touch for months.
I can’t say enough about how my family has supported me, too. They also rally around me, each person showing their support in their own unique way. One family member said “just make more quilts now.” He knows me so well!! Carli has been steady and kind, reassuring me that I am not a failure even though that’s how I feel sometimes. She is supportive of my journey to find what comes next professionally, and doesn’t pressure me to jump too fast. I love Carli so much, there are just not enough words.
So it’s clear to me that focusing on those people who fill my heart and soul with love is the most important thing in the world. This theme keeps playing over and over in my life, in so many ways. Last weekend I attended a Pride festival with our son and daughter-in-law. A former colleague had a booth there, check out TruePrideColors at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TruePrideColors?ref=shop_sugg_market
I hadn’t seen these women in MONTHS, they just got married two days prior and they were so happy!! The hugs were tight and the joy palpable. These are our people. This is the kind of joy I want in my life. The Love Lives Here sign in the picture was made by these women. It will hang in a place of honor in our home as a reminder of what really matters. Again.