Quote of the day: “The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” —Joseph Campbell
Wonderful!
Today I am celebrating with special gratitude and bliss. A year ago yesterday, I was laid off from my 25+ years as a software engineer. And this week I am celebrating—yes celebrating—the gift that the layoff was!
Even though, my ego took a bruising, (who me? laid off? you’ve got to be kidding!) being laid off was the best thing that has happened in a long time. I stopped doing a job that was killing my soul and started doing what I love—photography.
I was given the gift of clarity about what really matters to me.
I was given the gift of courage, to move through layers of fear as I was stripped of the illusion of safety provided by my corporate job.
I was given the gift of joy beyond all my imagining.
And I was given the gift of being “Chased by Beauty” every day.
At the time, starting a photography business seemed a crazy thing to do. And it was crazy by many people’s standards, but not by mine. I have had the best year! And I am loving what I’m doing.
So here’s to a kick in the rear! I needed to get kicked out the door to work up the courage to do what I love. Are you doing what you love, thriving and experiencing joy in your life? Or are you just surviving from one day to the next? What would it take to add some joy to your life?
Linking up with Liv Lane’s Friday Bliss List again today—thanks Liv for motivating me to start this weekly practice!
Chased by beauty
11 Comments
Snao · April 27, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Good for you! Doing what you love is so very important. Not many people even know what it is they REALLY want to do.
Marilyn · April 27, 2012 at 1:29 pm
You’re right. I feel so lucky to know what it is I REALLY want to do. For much of my life, I didn’t. Then I fell in love with photography. My friends tell me regularly how lucky I am to have something that lights me up from the inside out.
Liv Lane · April 27, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Yaaaaaaaaay!!!! I love that you see the beauty and synchronicity in getting laid off, knowing that it pushed you into really LIVING your life in a joyful, purposeful way. Thanks for linking up!
Marilyn · April 27, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Funny thing was that I knew even before I got laid off that it was the best thing for me. It just took awhile for my inner lizard (a.k.a. reptilian brain) to catch up to that.
Ruth · April 27, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Good for you thinking of the bright side of something traumatic. It was hard for me to leave my job of 24 years but now I enjoy being retired.
Marilyn · April 27, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Yes, it was hard, but so worth it. I’m glad you’re enjoying being retired.
Sabrina S. · April 27, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Hi,
Wow, two thumbs up for your boldness! Sometimes, bad news are a huge blessing in disguise. Plus, your pictures are just breathtaking. Congrats!
Cheers from France
Marilyn · April 28, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Thank you Sabrina. It was indeed a blessing.
lynn · April 28, 2012 at 8:04 am
Great story, it is always reassuring to those who may be in the same position,or entering retirement choosen or forced, etc so thanks for sharing and bravo for your year..
Marilyn · April 28, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Thank you so much. I hope it helps someone who is facing a similar situation. I am so very lucky!
Tangerine Meg · May 1, 2012 at 9:18 am
Dear Marilyn,
It sounds like you’re Living The Dream now! Well done, you! 🙂 Your photographs are great, and their messages.
I feel lucky too, working from home on art and design projects brings me joy every day 🙂
By the way, I grabbed one of those 350 Challenge badges, too.
Love Meg x o