A Cue from the Cats – Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Well, once again I have been presented with a new chapter in my life. At 55 years of age, I must admit this one was not one I had particularly hoped for, but as they say, “it is what it is” and there’s nothing I can do about it except move on. Briefly, my day job, the one that helps keep the household running, is no longer to be. I was put in the proverbial, “it’s not you, you’re an awesome employee and extremely valuable, but we need to let you go because we are downsizing and you are no longer relevant to our company” scenario.
At this point, all I can do is try to be positive. Is it the best news? No. Have I cried over it? Yes. A lot. But is it the end of the world either? No. Perhaps as all of my dear friends and family have been telling me, maybe there is something far better around the corner. In the meantime, I still have my writing to keep me going – granted, I have not garnered overnight fame and success from it, but it is my passion and now I can concentrate on a few projects I have milling around in my head.
In the meantime, I’m taking a cue from my cats and trying to find the extraordinary moments in the ordinary of each day I am blessed to have. You know what I mean – for a cat, it is those glorious moments that come out of nowhere – for example, a sunbeam to lie in or a lizard on a window to look at.
For a cat, it doesn’t get much better than the joy a sunbeam can bring…
I love this shot of Jazmine enjoying the random visit of a lizard! Her ordinary day absolutely became extraordinary when she saw this little guy!
I have already been enjoying many of those moments. Rather than sleep the day away in doom and gloom, I have been getting up bright and early every morning to take a walk. Being glued to my computer for years, writing and blogging, along with my previous desk job, made me sedentary and it feels great to be active again. I love the early morning – it is so beautifully serene and I am greeted by not only the rising sun, but birds, squirrels, cats, dogs, and other walkers who are also enjoying the beginning of the day.
I see cars pulling out of driveways, thinking to myself, that used to be me heading to work. Now I am walking, wondering what the future holds and when I get home, I have seven cats waiting by the door who are very happy to see me. I give them a morning treat, then make myself a cup of coffee and settle in to look at the job boards. The cats stick to me like glue and I think they are silently cheering me on.
My office… I think the cats are glad I am home…
I have also taken to wrapping up loose ends around the house – filing paperwork that was years old and cleaning out my closet and drawers. Here’s a perplexing one for you in that regard – why is it that as you get older, your body shape expands, even if you aren’t eating anymore than you used to? I came to the jarring realization that most of my jeans don’t fit me any longer. Sigh… I am not young anymore.
And it’s not like dieting is going to help. I honestly have barely a bit of fat to spare on my body, yet my jeans don’t fit. Life is funny like that. It makes you realize that when things don’t fit, like my previous job, you can’t force it to happen; rather you have to figure it out and move on. I subsequently went to the mall and treated myself to a new pair of jeans that do fit with some birthday money I had been given and I will do the same with my life. I will figure it out.
Wise, exciting, and encouraging words to live by…
I have my ups and downs. I’m trying to be positive, but I know the reality – someone in my age bracket looking for a job is not an easy hire. I know this firsthand and it has nothing to do with me not believing in myself, or not having an excellent resume, or not having years of invaluable experience. All I can do is be patient, try my best, and the lesson of it all is the one that it has always been. Life is short – enjoy the moments that you have while you have them. If life changes, adapt to it – learn and grow from it all and enjoy the process along the way.
Have a wonderful Caturday all and if you did not see the post I did on Wednesday, I hope you will take a minute to read it. Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats is doing a fundraiser/giveaway event for the outdoor cats she takes care of (please click here for details). She has a new colony she is assisting and many of the cats are in need of spay/neuter and veterinary care. Any donation you could afford to help her take care of these cats would be greatly appreciated, and for anyone who donates, you will automatically be registered for a prize package drawing valued at over $200!
One of the prizes is a bubble maker for cats! I know for me, that’s one of the greatest joys I get with my gang – no matter what mood I am in, watching them in awe of those seemingly magical globes of iridescent colors as they float through the air makes me smile. I went back into the archives and found a video taken in 2011 of me blowing bubbles for my gang. It was taken to compliment Chapter 19 of the book I wrote, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary (it was my cats that initially taught me about finding the extraordinary moments in life and that is what the book is about) and I gotta admit it was bittersweet – I smiled while watching it, but I also cried, as my beautiful angels, Jazz and Harley were front and center during the whole video. Oh, and just for the record, the jeans I am wearing in the video no longer fit…
Deb my heart goes out to you (and you KNOW I am ALWAYS here for you via email, phone) if you EVER, EVER need to scream, cry or vent.
I KNOW what you are going through, since I was a victim of downsizing when I was 50 (I am almost 60 gasp!!!)………and it forced me to “reinvent” myself…..hence blogging.
Like a cat, you will land on your feet….you are far too talented to be idle for long and I know you will not be. You can now do what you CHOOSE to do, so a new door has opened.
As for the jeans, I would give my eye tooth to have your body!!! As we age, everything “redistributes” and our form changes…….rest assured you are as beautiful (probably more so), than you have EVER BEEN!!!!
You are a strong, beautiful and brilliant woman and remember “If God brings you TO this, he will see you THROUGH this!”
Much love!
Thank you for your offer of support Caren and your kind and generous words – I do appreciate it and I know you understand what I am going through. I’ve had to reinvent myself numerous times, I just didn’t think it would be happening again so soon! Oh well… apparently there is a reason for all of this, I just don’t know what yet…
xoxoxo
I’m so sorry to hear about your job, Deb. You are an inspiration to those going through similar situations with your positive attitude and thinking. My paws are crossed that the purrfect job will come along very soon. I always say “there are no coincidences in life”, and while my job situation is not the same as yours, I needed to read this post today. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Lola – I do hope I was able to help others. As I previously said, I debated sharing this post, but in the long run, I felt it was something that could be of benefit to others who might be going through the same thing. I appreciate your kindness and hope all will be well with you too.
I am sorry yo have lost your job due to downsizing. You have such a positive attitude though, and I am sure it will not be long before you find another one.
Thank you Flynn – I sure do hope so!
Oh MeOOW Miss Deb, so sowry ’bout yous job. But mommy sez dat one door must close afur anuvver one opens and dat all good fings must come to an end afur anuvver good fing can stawrt. Mommy weally believes dat and sez hers life has born dat out. Not always immediately but it duz come to pass. Sendin’ purrayers.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Mommy, Dezi, and Lexi – thank you so much for the wise words and prayers.
Hi Deb! I am so sorry to hear this! I live in the Detroit area and a few years ago many people I knew were going through similar scenarios. You are doing so many things RIGHT! being healthy constructive, using this time.. You are so smart to do those things. I know it does not change the uncertainty . I am praying for you!!! Your cats must be ecstatic!!! Try to network as much as possible. Can I ask what your previous day job was? The more you can share your resume and your desire to find a new position, the more chances will come your way. You probably already know all that. You are pawesome! and you do NOT look 55! I am 57 freakin years old. Take care and keep us posted. Good luck and God bless!!!! You have the whole entire animal community behind you! Margaret <3
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Margaret! From previous experience, I know the path of uncertainty and negative karma. When I was let go in 2008, I quickly spiraled into a deep and dark path that was extremely unhealthy. I will not do that ever again. I have a varied background – 25 plus years of administrative, marketing, sales, and management experience, coupled with my writing and publishing abilities.
Your angels are still with you, right around your ankles and just around the corner! <3
I am so, so sorry to hear this news. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise…you are such a special and talented lady that I’m just certain something amazing is right around the corner for you!
Thank you Melissa – I am hoping there is a silver lining to this and I really appreciate your kind words!
Sending you a hug. I am so sorry that you lost this job but I know you will find your path and be better than ever.
Thank you Joanne – hugs are always helpful and I appreciate your support.
I’m really sorry you lost your job, Deb. But I know you will make lemondade out of these lemons and will come out of this better than ever. Besides, I’m sure the cats really love having you at home…that’s one plus! 😉 ~Island Cat Mom
Thank you Island Cats – you got that right – time to make some lemonade! Or in cat speak, no point crying over spilt milk…
Oh noes! That happened to mum a few years ago. She is older than you, but she did find a new day hunting gig. Didn’t bring in the same number of green papers, but, hey, it pays the bills and keeps her with health insurance.
Mum says she hope that you got a nice severance package. She did what you did, didn’t mope around, got outside and enjoyed fresh air. Got stuff done around the house that she never seemed to have enuf time to do otherwise.
Hang in there, purrs and prayers.
Just Ducky – so glad your Mum was able to land a new job. I appreciate your support and am enjoying the ability to get stuff done around the house!
As one who is also 55 and wondering about my own job and if it’s what I should be doing and what I really want to do, your post is such good timing. Thank you for sharing what you are going through. And, yes, there is a purpose for all of it although you don’t quite see it for all that it is right now. Just know that it’s all part of life and everything will be OK. You have been given a wonderful opportunity to do something that is needed for you. I look forward to seeing your next steps, experiences, and personal growth 🙂
xoxo, Brenda
Thank you Brenda – that is the truth. I always believe there is a purpose to all, and you are right, I just don’t quite know what it is yet. I appreciate you stopping by to comment and I wish you all the best in your life decisions as well.
Deb, sorry to read this news. Hang in there and the new chapter may just be so much better than you ever imagined.
Thank you JB – I hope so!
You, fat? Never! OTOH TW has spread like jam on bread. Like everyone said, you’ll land on your feet cos you’re multitalented and you’re not too shy to go out and get what you want.
MOL CK – you always know just what to say!! Thank you for the vote of confidence and as far as jam on bread, there’s nothing wrong with that as far as I’m concerned!
Maybe your guardian angel knew you needed a change in your life? Sometimes you have to be pushed out the door to see that you need to take a new path. Those morning walks sound lovely. Hmm, I think you need to get a dog 🙂
As for those pants…don’t get me started on how one day ma woke up and didn’t fit any shorts or pants in her collection. She had been a size 6 for the last 20 yrs but then something happened to her body overnight. She had to go to a size 8 , then 10, then a 12 but she didn’t eat anymore food than normal, was getting more exercise and eating more healthy. She stopped eating sweets and processed foods. It caused her to gain weight. Now she is accepting the curves and the fact that she had to buy a bigger bra. Dad says that is just more of her to snuggle.
You will be alright. This too shall pass. Enjoy your time at home.
I love you!
I was thinking the very same thing Carma – both that I might have needed the kick in the butt and that I would like to have a dog to walk with…
As far as the pants, shorts, and everything else… yeah… just God’s little sense of humor, I guess. When we are young, we have the body, but not the wisdom. When we get older, we have the wisdom, but not the body!
I love you too!
Keeping you in my prayers and wishes for a happy outcome. I love the poem and song by Leonard Cohen ~ “there is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in”
Thank you for the prayers, Alice. I love that poem too – so lovely and appropriate!
I am sorry this happened to you, but I am sure you will be fine. You have a lot of connections and you are an excellent writer so maybe this is God’s way of moving you in that direction- added bonus= more time with the kitties 🙂
Thank you Ellen – time will tell – in the meantime, I am loving the bonus kitty time!
I’m so sorry to hear about your job! This exact thing happened to my dad a few months ago. Things happen for a reason and I believe that you will be happier in your new endeavors. The video you posted at the end was beautiful. Love to you and your family (humans and kitties).
Thank you Brooke – I am glad you enjoyed the video and I do hope your Dad is doing okay.
We’re so sorry to read about your job ! We hope that an opportunity will soon appear for you : you’re a so talented writer !
And for the jeans, Mum is discovering that with age their form changes, and that her beloved jeans shrink year after year MOL ! But it’s more of you to snuggle, right ?
Inner beauty is the most important, and you’re a beautiful person, Deb. We know you’ll be able to go through this, land on your feet again like a cat, and be fine. Purrs
Thank you for your kindness, Swiss Cats. And whew… now it all makes sense… it’s not me…it’s my jeans… they shrunk!!
Deb- I hate that adage “when one door closes another one opens” but somehow it rings true in thinking about what you have shared today.
You are one of the most talented writers I have yet to encounter. You are so accessible- your soul and heart is right out there, and you write with such an amazingly conversational tone that it is so easy to read- and it touches my heart all the time- very deeply.
You share your life’s adventures- your passion- your joy and laughter much like a brook runs over pepples and rocks as it runs to a bigger body of water somewhere. You caress us with your words. I am awed by your writing to be perfectly honest.
I see another book coming down the pike- and I do hope you will write another- and another- you have so much to share- and teach- and to give us such an abundance of pleasure. Your zen like spirit is infectious- and so incredibly delightful. I just know that there is something really great down the pike for you!!! After all we need to be inspired!!! Sorry for running on like this- but I was inspired to tell you just how I feel about you and your enormous talent- and now I will shut up! Much love to you.
Oh Jo – you are such a joy. Thank you so, so much for your kind words. As a writer, sometimes I wonder about it all. Does it really matter? Does anyone really care? But then to read your beautiful comment – you truly humble me and you also inspire me. Thank you for that, as I really needed to hear it.
I will write more books, that I am sure of. It is just a matter of when. Thank you again for your uplifting and cathartic words. You write with such eloquence and I feel like I have been given a warm, loving, and comforting hug from you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your job, Deb.
My paws are crossed that the purrfect job will come along very soon !!
XOXO
Thank you so much Kjelle Bus – I appreciate your support and concern.
Deb;
I wont reiterate what I said in my email, accept to say I’ve got you in my prayers that everything
turns out for the best in this….and yea, once again, glad your not pregnant ~~~~~~
🙂
♥♥♥♥♥
Laura
tabbies… hmmmm…. well, yes… that does put it into perspective! Much as I love kids, having one at this point of my life would not be ideal!! LOL and thank you so much for the very touching and supportive email you sent privately. xoxo