”Can you be gratefully unemployed?”

Quote: Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Unknown

Question: ”Can you be gratefully unemployed?”

Several days ago in blog I read this question was asked,”Can you be gratefully unemployed?” I was touched by the question and decided to response. Today I felt the need to post my answer for you to read also.
The answer is Yes. I love the way you phased the question”Can you be gratefully unemployed?” Being gratefully, thankful, appreciative for the friends, co-worked, skills learned while employed. More so, for the opportunity I had to honor my creator in the dignity that I preformed my work.

On February 2, 2010 at 10:30 am, I was asked to follow a director into an office where I was told that my services were being terminated. That day 35 co-workers received the same message. So like in the ground hog day movie the drama was being played out in the lives of my friends and their families. Fourteen years I had a place to go and a place to leave that I loved and others loved me. Now it was over.

Why me? The business no longer could justify my position. Our organization business model and needs had changed. Intellectually I had the business acumen to understand this. However, emotionally I needed to make a choice to be grateful so that I could continue to honor my creator. As a leader, I was responsible for others that followed and watched me as I walked into my new life of “Being in between my successes”.

I can be grateful because I was successful in my last position. I would be successful in a new one again. I am learning new skills to help me find that new and greater opportunity. I give thanks to the job seeker clubs for providing this education. Here’s a list of several in Northeast Ohio:
• Diane Miller - Community Job Club
• Jim Grant – Chagrin Valley Job Seekers
• Joyce Rodek – North Canton Executive Networking Group

I will choose to be gratefully unemployed. It is perfect practice for preparing me for when I again become gratefully employed.

Actions: Act today as if you are living tomorrow having the blessing from yesterday

Of what service can I be?

Quote: How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be? - Vincent Van Gogh

Question: How can I be useful, of what service can I be?

Today, I attended a great word press class, which was the final session of three classes. The falicator was a young man who is celebrating his first year in business. He decided to share his talents, expertise and knowledge of social media at no cost to small group willing to learn. His gift of service was more than technical and hands-on training. Out of his service he nurtured five women who with make a difference in the lives of others using their talent and gifts in service. I am learning to take the thoughts in my head and moving them to paper or cyberspace. How can I be useful? My gifts are ones of faith in others and encouragement. What service can I be? Being one, those who help others see the path to their calling. This is my service in honoring my creator.

Actions: Become aware of the many opportunities to serve one other