You can't know what it feels like until you've been there.

I got some fabulous news yesterday. It's been a long time coming, but I will finally have a full time job with benefits after several years without either. The design office I've been working at since September is finally able to have me full time rather than part, which means I'm eligible for benefits.

I can't even begin to tell you what this feels like for me. It's amazing.

I said to my sister the other day, that I finally feel like an adult. Not sure what changed, maybe the fact that I have successfully made it through a very tough period in my life, made it through and become a better, happier, more well adjusted person too.

After a period of various levels of unemployment you can't know the elation I'm feeling unless you've been there. To lose your career job and for such a long time... can rob you of your feeling of worth. You can no longer support yourself, you need help. I made it through and am doing valued work and earning a living for it, all on my own. I don't know that I can ever truthfully complain about having to go to work again. I may grumble about wanting to stay in bed, or stay home and sew, but inside I'm so grateful for having a job to go to. Never take your job for granted, there are plenty of people out there who would love to have it.

The end of 2008 was a terrible time. My husband left, my grandmother died, and I lost my job. The combination of those things was horrible to deal with. It changed me forever. After he left I was forced to start living my life on my own for the first time ever really. But then the job loss happened and I was in a new even worse reality. I was alone and couldn't support myself. I've spent the time since growing and getting to know myself while slowly getting myself on more solid ground with work.  It's been my own journey, and it's happened just the way it should, for me. I'm happy to say that today I feel like I'm back, and so much better!

I'm sending gratitude and thanks to God, the universe and to my friends and family for all of the support over the years.  Time to bring on the next great adventure! Goodness knows I deserve it!

XOXO,

Amy