I got laid off from the best job I’ve ever had last Wednesday.
Over the last few days, I’ve been alternating between anger, panic, mourning and being puzzled.
It wasn’t just a fabulous job because I truly love what I do. It was a fabulous job because it was half of our household income. And we just bought a house.
I’m one of those folks who struggles with times of ambiguity. It’s hard for me to not think about every worst-case scenario, to wonder what might happen, to dread having to entertain the idea of moving my children AGAIN if I don’t find good employment by the end of the year. To fill my days with what-ifs.
It’s a blessing that I’ve recently discovered the brilliance that is Jason Mraz’s music. It is uplifting, inspiring and full of positivity.
So when my mind starts running away from the Right Now and worries about The Future, I’ve been playing his song, Living in the Moment. Over and over and over again.
Because this lyric says it all:
“I will not waste my days making up all kinds of ways to worry about all the things that will not happen to me.”
But we do this, don’t we? I do. And I need a constant reminder that it’s not healthy. It’s not productive. It sets traps – traps that ensnare our legs and tangling us up in fear.
And when we fear, we can’t really let the signals come – the ones that help us naturally fall into the next piece of our own story.
“I can’t walk through life facing backwards
I have tried
I tried more than once to just make sure
And I was denied the future I’d been searching for”
Today, I have health. I have a home. I have two beautiful children. I have friends and family and goodness all around me.
“I’m letting go of the thoughts
That do not make me strong”
Things will work out for me.
I’m breathing deep, focusing on today.
“Wherever I’m going
I’m already home”
About the Author Gigi Ross
I'm a blogger, social media geek, mom and wife, foodie, reality TV addict and Jason Mraz fangirl. Not in that order. I write here about parenting, blogging, technology, social media and pop culture.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Seems are looking cool. From my opinion in that kind of condition you should try to do only that things which your heart is telling to you.
Sam@India Carnival´s last [type] ..Goa Holiday Packages
Yes, do only the things your heart tells you. Great advice.
If you don’t mind me asking, what was that job you loved so much? Were you working outside the home? I truly hope you find a new one soon!
I know what it feels like to be laid off from a job you love.
anastasia b´s last [type] ..Keeping Kids Creative Giveaway Hop {GLOB}
I’ve been working as an editor for two websites – a job that was very flexible, something I enjoyed and allowed me to work from home. The good news is I already have a few irons in the fire – one just needs to get hot
Aw, Gigi, that sucks. You’re awesome at what you do. I hate them for you!
Lea Ann´s last [type] ..Carvel: free ice cream.
So sorry to hear about the setback – and can totally sympathize with your emotions. I think you have a good attitude, that you cannot wallow in it (a little pity party is totally fine – and a little panic attack is okay too) – you have to live in the moment and move on. Know that you have lots of “friends” out there rooting for you.
Debra´s last [type] ..Manic Monday Mom Guilt
Thank you, Debra!!! Just writing down my feelings helps me avoid The Wallow
I am so sorry. It happened to me out of the blue 2 years ago. I had NO idea how horrible it could feel until it happened to me. The biggest blow I’ve ever encountered. Hang in there and stay strong.
Ali, I too, had no idea how horrible it could feel. My husband’s lost his job before and I guess up til now, I never really understood the exact feeling.
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your job. And such a fantastic job at that! I am a big believer that everything will work out. Especially if you are proactive and I’m sure you are. Something even better will come your way.
I am also working on staying in the now. I have a tendency to go down the worst case scenario road and soon I’m homeless and alone (in my head). Thanks for turning me onto this song.
Yes! Homeless and alone. I go to that place, too. Glad you like the song. It came into my life at just the right time
that really stinks! we lost 75% of our income last year due to a “curveball” so i know how you feel…still haven’t recovered that income, but we’re managing to make it…hope life throws you a fastball you can hit out of the park soon!!!
Thank you! We have been down this road before (although a little too recently for my liking!) and you’re right…we do figure out a way to make it, don’t we?
So sorry Gigi–but here is what I do know—you are incredibly talented and good at what you do. In the end I always fall back on my believe that things happen for a reason—even if we dont know that that is yet. But in the meantime, be patient with yourself—and take things one day at a time.
Elena´s last [type] ..Reflecting on What Went Well During a Training Run
Thanks, Elena. I believe in that same philosophy as well. Even at times when I thought I was in my darkest days, I could look back 6 months or a year later and feel incredibly blessed for the experience. Being able to see in hindsight that you learned and grew is an amazing byproduct of getting older.
I’m so sorry you are going through this troublesome time. I’ve been through hard times like this and while it’s hard to see the silver lining when you are knee deep in it, I’ve always managed to come out on the flip side with something that was better for me and my family. I have faith you will find your “something new”
Alyssa S.´s last [type] ..Thank you for your support
Amen! If there’s one thing I’ve learned as I’ve aged, it’s that there’s always something better on the other side, even if we can’t see it right away!
Oh Gigi…no words of wisdom, just wanted to send hugs your way. You’re a terrific writer, I’m hoping this curveball leads to something even more fantastic! Thinking of you!
Amy @ Counting My Kisses´s last [type] ..Around here
Thanks, Amy! I know it will all work out – it always does.
Withevery door that closes, a window opens. Feel the breeze.
Absolutely true.
So much hope and trust in this post – beautiful. You inspired me today. So there’s that. I’d like to choose the things that make my heart sing today instead of letting worry win out. Thank you for the timely reminder. Lovely post.
Mary @ A Teachable Mom´s last [type] ..Choosing Hope: Bringing in Finn
I’m so sorry, Gigi. Working in advertising and marketing for many years, I’ve been laid off more times than I can count (the marketing dollars are always the first to go in cutbacks!). It’s a horrible situation, made all the more horrible by its suddenness. But through each and every layoff, I always clung to the quote by Reverend Mother quote from The Sound of Music: “When God closes a door, somehow he opens a window.” And it’s always turned out to be true.
Reverend Mother was a smart lady. And man, did she have a set of pipes on her!
Kristin @ What She Said´s last [type] ..Getaway
Amazingly, I, too, have worked in marketing since 1997 and have NEVER managed to be laid off. I guess I was about due, huh?
I’m so sorry. That is such a devastating loss and a horrible feeling. I have no doubt you will land on your feet — probably by the end of the week — but I know firsthand how that can throw you off balance and make your head spin. Thinking about you!
Amy ~ Eat. Live. Laugh. Shop.´s last [type] ..Dog Shaming.
Thanks, Amy.
I know that it’s a setback and that it can be really frightening but I have no doubt that you will find something that you really love!
Jackie´s last [type] ..Hi… I’m Jackie.
Thanks, Jackie! I know I will, too.
I’m sorry to hear that. If I hear of any leads I will send them your way. Hugs!
Holly Hanna´s last [type] ..Interview with Alexandra Brown – Creator of Romantic Shorts
Thanks so much, Holly!
I’ve read the previous comments and responses. I know you must be struggling with the shock of it all, but you seem to be handling the news with grace. Good luck in the search for the Next Big Thing.
Em´s last [type] ..Just housing around
Thank you
Don’t forget to listen to 93 Million Miles.
John Mayer’s new album might be good for you, too.
Hugs! I hope I can find you at the concert to give you a REAL hug.
Nat´s last [type] ..About Town: SDMNO and Kin Spa Giveaway!
Let’s hope so! We didn’t get uber-fabulous seats, but hopefully they’ll be decent. I am counting the days!!!
Oh friend, I’m so sorry. I was laid off once but I knew it was coming and had time to prepare. I’m not sure how I would have felt if I had been completely surprised by it but I’m guessing all those feelings you listed above would have been among them, and that is surely HARD.
But I love what you say in the rest of your post and Jason’s words are surely good ones. I’m reflecting on them myself today…
xo
Elaine A.´s last [type] ..Taking a Step Back
Thanks for your words of encouragement! They’re much appreciated
So sorry about the job situation, but I’m sure you’ll find something else really soon.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Yummy, Healthy Snacks
Thanks, Jennifer
I’m so sorry! However, you are rather brilliant, and skilled at far too many things for me to name. So I agree with Jason Mraz (whom I hadn’t heard of before, but I’m digging his folksy voice!) things will work out. They always have a way of working out.
Sandra´s last [type] ..Crying in the bakery
You must listen to more Jason Mraz!!! He is amazing. And kind of cute, in a hippie grubby sort of way. Thanks for your kind words
It’s not the end of the world to lose hope. There’s a saying “If the door closes there is still a window to open for you”. You’ll find a better job sooner.
Becca´s last [type] ..Website Subscription $29.00
Oh Gigi, I am so sorry, that sucks. I love ya girl!
Christina´s last [type] ..Off to Dearborn with #gofurther with Ford
thanks, Christina!
I love it. I am not familiar with this song but I will look it up. I happen to have written about changing plans today. It was a small thing in a small scale but I know exactly what you are talking about. Have faith, my friend. Greater things are coming your way. Of this I am sure.
oxoxox
Sili´s last [type] ..Mami Moments: Change of Plans
At times like this I often get annoyed when someone says “When one door closes another opens”… but I know that it’s true. I just discovered your blog but you are clearly gifted and I love your spunky attitude. I’m sure an even better job will find you soon. Lucky them!
Meanwhile I can relate to the worrying. I recently did some research on why our brains tend to keep coming back to the negative. It’s an old throw-back to the days when we needed that to stay alive and survive. I call it “awfulizing”
But the good news is that we can rewire our brains to naturally focus on the positive more. And listening to inspiring music is one of them.
Hope that next dream job finds your soon.
Liz Fletcher Brown´s last [type] ..What is Your Core?
Thinking of you. Sorry to hear about the job. I hope that an even more amazing opportunity is just around the corner.
Oh Gigi…this is such a tough transition – but I have no doubt it’s all going to come together. Hang in there and know that you have our support here and otherwise.
Nicole @MTDLBlog´s last [type] ..When Your Child Is Diagnosed with a Disability {Listable Life}
I’m sorry Gigi. Living in limbo and transition really stinks. I worry about similar things all the time as both my husband and I both freelance so it’s never a sure thing and we (I?) constantly worry whether or not there will be another gig.
But thank goodness for Jason’s music and lyrics. They really resonated with me as I’m a ridiculous worry wart but that’s paralyzing. I’m trying really really hard not to let my worries and fears hold me back and to have faith that things will work out. And I know that they will for you.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf´s last [type] ..It’s Fitbloggin’ time!
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