It's been quite a week.
The downturn of our economy has hit very close to home. Last Wednesday, my dear husband
was laid off from his job of 12 years. The layoff wasn't totally
unexpected, as we had known for a bit that his company would be
reducing their workforce. Still, it has been quite an adjustment to
realize that our family's income has suddenly dried up. I am very
grateful that he was at least given a severance package that will
{hopefully} carry us until we figure out what comes next. I know that
many families finding themselves in this situation have not been so
fortunate.
I've been wrestling with some very big emotions around
the whole situation. Right now, I feel somewhat overwhelmed by anxiety,
fear, and anger. I'm also feeling a bit helpless and frantic. I feel
sad at how abruptly John's time with his company ended - that there was
no time for goodbyes, no celebration of his many successes, no time for
questions or for closure.
John is positive and optimistic, and really, truth be told, I am
too. He's already working so hard - looking for more traditional jobs,
but also keeping himself open to whatever opportunities might come his
way. He is one of the smartest, most talented, most resourceful people
I know. {And I'd say that even if I wasn't so lucky as to be married to
him.}
I am trying my best to stay present in the face of fear and to
remember that sometimes the most challenging circumstances open you up
to unexpected opportunities. I am reminding myself that sometimes you
have to let go of what you are holding onto so that you can grab hold
of something else. I am trying to trust that things will work out - in one way or another.
Finding ourselves here certainly helps to put things in perspective. Times like these quickly clarify priorities, and the wants fall starkly away from the needs - the house, food, health insurance.
I am so grateful for the support that our family has already
received. The kindness has been overwhelming, and the encouraging words
and gestures make it impossible to not be grateful for what we do have.
And most importantly, we have each other.
We're trying to make the most of this time. In addition to a
rigorous exploration of all possibilities in front of us, we're trying
to make room for other things too. We're hoping to finish a few
lingering home-improvement projects, and of course, spend some good
quality time together. We're also trying to make sure I get some time
in the jewelry studio, as I've been really aching to get back to work.
Below is a little something I finished today - a gift for a friend. I
think I might just make one for myself too. It's funny how I keep coming back to the "hope" necklaces.
So, today, my grateful Monday post feels all the more important.
Because despite the challenging circumstances, there are countless
blessings in my life. I have so much to be grateful for. Here are a few things making my heart swell today:
I am grateful for my amazing, big-hearted, handsome husband.
I am grateful for my sweet daughter. And her laugh, which can cause every wall around my heart to crumble.
I am grateful for the support and generosity of our families - for the endless encouragement, faith, hope, and love that surround us.
I am grateful for the support of our friends and community, for all of the opportunities and opening doors.
I am grateful that my daughter is soothed by my embrace.
I am grateful that we have health insurance for the next two months.
I am grateful for time to indulge in creativity.
I am grateful that each day, this is what is waiting for me:
What are you feeling grateful for today?