"You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well-seasoned perspective. Can you suggest a good wine to go with that?" - Anton Ego, Disney Pixar's "Ratatouille"
Don't worry. I'm going somewhere with that.
My Tuesday started with a free cup of coffee and red lipstick that made me feel invincible -- and then I lost my journalism job. To be honest I saw it coming, but with my college graduation coming up in a few short months and my up-in-the-air plans for everything that'll come after that... the timing didn't make it suck any less. So I did the thing and let myself sit on that in silence for a few minutes. I allowed myself to think and actually even say, "this sucks" several times with a couple of swear words thrown in once or twice because in that moment, I knew it was important for me to pay attention to the way my heart and soul initially reacted. The reality that I'd suddenly be $500 poorer each month was a hard hit to take, but I knew I had to take it- so I gave myself 30 minutes.
Ten to process what had happened, ten to come to terms with it, and ten to decide how to move forward. That's a technique I learned in therapy- taking a half-hour timeout to help myself feel whole again. It works.
As phase one of my effort to turn this setback into a breeding ground for growth and success, I decided to post on my Facebook page about bringing my babysitting business back to life. 3 hours later, my phone was blowing up. I couldn't keep up with the calls, comments, direct messages, job offers, questions, shared links to job apps, etc... and that's still unreal to me. Thank you.
Thank you because it could have been awful. Losing a job right before my last semester of college starts is far from ideal, but I think I actually feel luckier than ever. Thank you for getting me in contact with your people. Thank you for sending me applications and opportunities. Thank you for reminding me why I love my community and why I'm lucky even when it comes to letdowns.
Thank you for helping me get to a place where I can look back on something and be really grateful that I got to do it to begin with instead of just being sad or angry that I won't get to do it anymore. Thank you for building me up and pushing me forward. I promise you'll see nothing but improvement, personally and professionally- if you stick around.
I'll be working harder than ever before, but it'll be good. I'll make you proud and still make time to pull over for quick snapshots of pretty sunsets.
I'll be trying my hardest to balance work with my personal life, the way I always have, because there's nothing in this world that's anywhere near as important to me as my people. I'm all for spontaneous after-work dinner dates with friends and finding reasons to celebrate anything.
And, without a doubt, I'm all for this guy. I was from the beginning and I always will be.
Yesterday in a job interview I was asked what career accomplishment I'm proudest of.
"Honestly, I think that'd have to be that I finally figured out what I'm passionate about," I said. "I'm proud of myself for exploring, getting my name out, and jumping into opportunities that have helped me find my purpose. And I'm proud of myself for doing this."
The women questioning me smiled and tried jotting down notes as quickly as they could while I went on, and on.... and on until one woman's pen ran out of ink. Here's hoping that's in my favor. But, even if it isn't, the power is still mine. That's only true because who I am and how far I go is dependent upon my perspective. Perspective is everything. A positive perspective lays a healthy foundation for new things. A positive perspective can be the only thing separating making you and breaking you.
The 10 year old me who watched "Ratatouille" on repeat until I could recite the script in its entirety didn't have a clue what Ego meant when he ordered perspective and asked for a wine pairing. 22 year old me suddenly understands.
He didn't want an actual plate of perspective with wine. He wanted an experience that would remind him of why he chose his work. He wanted more than a few bites of something to either swallow or spit out. He wanted a story to tell. He wanted something unusual and different. He was tired of routine. He wanted something to change so that instead of publishing a review of his meal the way he always had, he could walk out with a full stomach and a full heart.
I respect that, because I'm learning firsthand how brave you have to be to do it. You have to be willing to sound ridiculous and stay calm when people look at you like you've lost your mind. You have to be confident, and that's difficult when you're doing things that are unfamiliar- but that's my entire life right now.
I'm sitting at the table, ordering something familiar, and as my waiter this world is letting me know that it's no longer on the menu. The kitchen doors swing closed, quickly, leaving me alone for a moment- and before long the world returns to serve me something I never asked for or ever expected.
There are times when I love what gets put in front of me and there are times when I can barely stand it, but perspective is what makes them both great. Perspective is what keeps me coming back to the table ready for more.
and a glass of a good wine never hurts.
xox
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