Thoughts for Fall ... Be Confident

Yesterday was the first day of Fall. The weather is getting a little cooler, the leaves are changing colors and there is an anticipation of the holidays. It is the first fall I've spent in Washington since I was eighteen years old. Many years have passed by since I was that uncertain young woman who was facing life. I was scared and unsure and I spent a long time looking for my identity. Now I want to share this.

I am a woman, I am strong. I know what I want in life and I don't need anyone's permission to be who I am. I have ethics, I try to live each day with integrity and grace. I want the best for everyone I meet and know. I think positive and treat others as I want to be treated.

I think that men feel this same way and I wish what I said for 'everyone'..., both men and women who need to know they are worth it, that they matter. I feel that someone is searching, so I'm sharing this in hopes it gives you courage to be the person you are meant to be.

Now, I sit quietly contemplating my day, feeling a little apprehensive. At the same time a sense of excitement is building. Today is Monday, what will this day bring? The possibilities are endless. I woke up with a plan of how my day will be. You know going to work, making a paycheck which will enable me to pay bills, save money for vacations, or to use for a rainy day ..., wait it is raining, literally. I am after all in the pacific Northwest.

When you really think about it, we have no idea what will come to pass as we face each day. It is this fact that makes each day interesting and which gives the day a sense of mystery. I love mystery and the thrilling suspense of what is yet to come. I pray for a good day for my friends and family and everyone I interact with. Be safe and take each moment as as a blessing, because what you do with it is up to you.

Have a beautiful blessed day and may God be in your life.

It's never too late to learn

Since moving to Washington and getting a new job, life has been different. My work schedule is erratic and it is difficult to plan anything. I guess it isn't much different from my last job in that respect. The good thing is I don't get called out in the middle of the night, because someone didn't show up for their shift, or there's some emergency that involves the police, no more dealing with crisis calls, employees, scheduling, etc. In a way I miss the rush, being involved and I miss the unexpected.

Part of it is, I knew my job inside and out, I was respected, I knew what was expected, I was the leader, the teacher, the problem solver and the steady person who calmed people down. I loved the people I worked with and I miss them all. I became the person I am in part because of them and I am stronger because of it.

I now work with a a small group of professionals. We specialize in catering to people who wants beautiful jewelery. This includes all walks of life, all ages, all cultures. Our customers don't need our product, but they want it because it makes them feel good. I get to meet new people everyday, how cool is that? What a change from my last job.

I humble myself to all of my co-workers as they share their knowledge. Here I'm the student. I get to learn. I get to soak up new information and learn new behaviors, so I can apply it, and in turn become successful.

I have to tell you. It isn't easy to change your career when you're middle aged, but here I am, I'm doing it even though, what I do now is totally out of my comfort zone. Yet, I continue to come to my job just to see what will happen next.

I believe people come into your life for a reason. Just as there are reasons why people leave or cross paths for short amounts of time. Just as I believe that when we make choices about where we work there is a reason for it.

I just wanted to share my experiences and thoughts to you. I guess the lesson in this, is you can learn something new, no matter how old you are. You just have to have the courage to put yourself out there.