Hey y’all. I hope you are having a great day. I am thankful for this day of life and opportunity and I hope you can join me in that. That is something I try to remember every day as I go through the days navigating the world we live in. Currently, we are in a state of pandemic and things have changed dramatically. Masks have to be worn, no parties, nothing in close quarters, tables spread really far apart, trying to tell my tiny humans why we can go to the indoor park, etc. On the other hand, I have had more time for self-reflection, have enjoyed doing home projects, and have gotten to do a whole lot more than ever before for my family, new job, and life outside of work. I have even been able to volunteer more, send more handwritten notes, and spend a few days with my Grandmother, who’s in her 80’s and just appreciates company.
I have made a few posts about it recently but my goals lately have included starting a business of my own from home, walking more for exercise, and taking care of myself more, which includes my mental health journey.
I recently turned 37 and for some of you, you already know that the last year has been one of great change. As if navigating a pandemic wasn’t enough, I decided to change jobs, which for me was a big deal seeing as I’d only ever worked for one place since graduating college. I spent almost 14 years working for the public and doing the best I could in customer service and creating experiences for families to participate in through Parks and Recreation (Before you ask, no, I have not watched all of the Parks and Rec series on TV but I hear it’s really good). I decided in September 2019 that it was time for a change and by December 1st I had a new job and at my church no less. I love it there. It has been so very different and I have discovered what it can mean to enjoy what you do. Over the 3 months or so that I was searching for a job, I did a lot of soul searching. I asked myself questions like, “what am I even good at?”, “what do I even want to do?”, “what could I see myself doing for the next several years?”, “what can I do and still be around for my kids?” All of these things and many podcasts from a Dave Ramsey personality, and God presented me with an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
I remember the night that my new boss called to offer me the job. My husband had already told me not to say yes too quickly because there were some things we needed to discuss. A.K.A. finances! Well, as I’m on the phone, I pray, “Lord, if they could just offer me exactly what I need, I would be most grateful.” Low and behold, the exact number I prayed for as a salary comes out of the preachers mouth. I couldn’t believe it, of course I said yes, (after talking to Mark) and as a bonus, Mark and I didn’t have to change our family lifestyle too dramatically either. God is so good.
So now, it’s been from December 1, 2019 to September 2020 and the last 6 months, I’ve been working from home and doing everything possible to work hard and be helpful and pleasing to my new coworkers. In the meantime, I fell in love with Matilda Jane. I had already owned a few pieces and Emily and my sister and niece also had some and knowing we all loved it, I decided to look into the business. I decided I loved it. I love how its made, I love the Acorn Foundation that it supports, I love the morale and character of the women who are involved, it’s like a sisterhood, and I love the unique and whimsical nature of each item.
Of course life is full and I’m working hard but at the same time feel like I’m hardly working. It doesn’t go without its challenges and things have quite frankly been like a roller coaster but at the end of the day, I’m working towards a new car and Mark wants to pay cash for it so I’m going to keep at it.
