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If you really think about it, a large chunk of life is a series of letting go of the familiar.

Letting go of what we know and what we're comfortable with.

We often say that we desire change, yet when change moves towards us, our initial reaction is to latch onto what's familiar because, well, it's familiar.

Even me, someone who relishes change because I get bored after I reach a point of learning all I can, I too latch on because there is a tiny part of me that feels safe within the comfort of it.

However, I always push through any fear I have of letting go because boredom to me is more uncomfortable than letting go of what's comfortable.

Do you remember a post I shared back in March, in which I said that I had a feeling COVID-19 was going to teach me something on a personal level?

Well, I was right.

It has definitely taught me something. In fact, it is still teaching me things.

In my 64 years of living, I can look back on so many times in my life when things were tough and scary, and I see those times as some of the best chapters of my life because of what I learned.

Tough times are like giving birth.They can be uncomfortable, and sometimes downright painful. However, if you breathe deeply and push through them, you create a new life experience.

And that, to me, is what life is all about.

Creating and reinventing yourself. At any age.

So that's what I have decided to do with what's currently happening in my life. Instead of looking back on my life later, I'm looking at it right now as one of the best times in my life because even though I'm not exactly sure what is going on, I can sense that I am giving birth to something new.

Midway through the COVID lockdown, I began looking for employment because the job I had was finito.

I won't get into the specifics of why, but let's just say that I no longer had a job.

However, I wasn't worried because I had a nice savings account that I built. And I carefully used that money for almost six months, while keeping an eye out for another job by continually applying online.

But guess what?

Like so many other people here in the U.S. who were jobless, I too couldn't find work.

I had quite a few Zoom interviews with potential employers, all of which ended with an email saying, "I'm sorry to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application."

I received one rejection email after another, which was something I was not used to because I'm someone who has never had a problem getting a job. And I have to say that it caused me to become a bit concerned. Not only because I knew that I needed to start creating a flow of income, but because I suddenly didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.

I felt like I was in a weird space that was unsettling, but also oddly exciting because it propelled me to reevaluate my life by asking questions.

Why is this happening to me? Why can't I find a job? Why are all these doors closing? And why do I no longer feel inspired?

And that's when it hit me.

I realized that those doors were closing because I kept running back to what was comfortable and familiar to me. I kept going for the exact same jobs that I had done for years and years and years.

That's why the doors were closing on me. And that's also why I didn't feel inspired.

Life was trying to get my attention by saying, "Ron, it's time for you to choose a different door. Make another choice."

I could literally hear that message within my whole being.

So, I took several days and cleared my mind of all preconceived ideas I had of what my next job should be.

And instead of specifically applying for "beauty industry" jobs, I changed my job search by typing in "customer service " because that's truly what I do best.

I love to serve people. And do it with integrity.

And ironically, that's when the freelance job of working online as a beauty advisor (concierge) dropped into my lap. It was listed under "customer service."

It immediately sparked my attention. But I had never worked online/remotely before, so I didn't know if I could do it. For years I had only worked in a retail store environment assisting clients. This job was a completely different animal because I would have to make product recommendations based solely on what a client wrote on their profile page, without ever seeing them face to face. And that can be very challenging.

But then I thought, "What the hell, apply for the job and see what happens. Do it!"

So I did.

After two phone interviews, I was hired.

And what is so cool about the synchronicity of this occurrence is that not only am "I" opening a different door. But the two women who own the online business are also opening a different door because this concept (which they created) has never been done in the beauty industry.

It's a whole new adventure.

And it's as if life handpicked all the right people to join forces in this adventure.

Last Saturday was my pilot day of training on the website. Alone. I was supposed to work six hours, taking each clients' profile and selecting specific products for their needs; filling out instructions for them; and then finishing it off with a quick 20-30 second video sharing a beauty tip. However, I ended up working for 10 hours because I was so excited to be learning something new, I couldn't stop myself.

Later that evening, I got an email from one of the business owners who said that she was extremely pleased with my orders and that she could tell that I really knew the products well, and that I was very efficient.

*doing the happy dance*

So you see, it all worked out.

It was just a matter of me letting go and remaining open, in spite of doubting myself.

And who knows where this experience will take me. It may even lead to something else.

So, if I can leave you with one inspiring thought from this experience that may sound corny but it's true, it's this:
As you let go of the familiar, 
trust that when one door closes, another one opens...


Have a grrrrreat rest of your week, y'all!
💗



P.S. This is not the only thing that has changed in my life, there have been other things. And I will share them with you in future posts.

28 comments:

  1. I am so pleased to read this, Ron, and I wish you great success. Of course, knowing you I am certain you will make a great job of the new venture. It's the determination in you that does it...something I wish I still had. Keep on carrying on, my friend.
    All is well in the UK, well my bit of it. I am enjoying being idle apart from Charlie the cat who insists on pulling me to my feet to do things....
    God bless, and keep on carrying on

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  2. Ron, this post is phenomenal! And if you don't mind, I'm going to pass it on to several people I know who lost their jobs due to Covid-19 because I know it will give them much support and hope. You're right, we all desire change but when it happens, we freak out. I admire you for having the guts to move forward and try something different. This is definitely a scary time in the world. So many things are falling apart. But I believe that they will come back together again, only differently.

    Congratulation on your job. I know you'll be successful,

    Thank you for your sharing your wisdom! xo

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  3. That is just fantastic, Ron! And how fitting that you would find a job listed under customer service, since I know it’s such a passion of yours! I even feel as though we have bonded on that topic! Lol, I’m NOT kidding!

    I’m glad that you were able to jump right in to the technical aspect and kudos for the owner noticing immediately! I’m excited for you! Have a great Labor Day weekend!

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  4. Ron, thanks so much for sharing your wisdom this morning! I, too, tend to get bored rather easily, especially if I'm not learning anything, so I empathize with the idea of thoughtfully abandoning the familiar for the next adventure. Way to go!!


    It sounds like a very challenging job you've chosen (or has it chosen YOU??) But you know, it's been my experience that, when we allow ourselves to remain open to the possibilities, we can soar! And things have a way of finding us when we're ready, don't you agree?


    I'm sorry you had so many months of frustration with the job search. Some would say you should have shared this with us so we could help -- but you're a private person and have to solve these things yourself. I totally get that, my friend. You're wise to have squirreled away some savings to tide you through the interim.


    Have a wonderful week! xo

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  5. Timely post, Ron. I just recently got placed on furlough with my job at the airline. I will be working the month of September, but starting in October I'll be furloughed. I have mixed feelings about this because I'm concerned about my job security, but I've also been craving a career change. So like you said, perhaps this is a sign for me to try another door. You've not only given me a lot to ponder, but you've also given me confidence that it will all work out.

    Thank you for sharing your experience. And I wish you all the best in your new job. I know you'll be a great asset.

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  6. Gooooooooooood morning, Valerie!

    Just a delight to see you comment!

    And thank you for you supportive and encouraging words. This has definitely been an interesting time for me because I've had keep to the faith while moving forward; trusting it would all work out. And it did. I look forward to this new adventure!

    So happy to hear that all is well in the UK. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers, sending you much positive energy!

    "I am enjoying being idle apart from Charlie the cat who insists on pulling me to my feet to do things...."

    OMG...that was so CUTE! Aren't cats the best?

    Thank you for stopping by, dear friend! Sending you and Charlie lots of love and BIG hug:

    ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( X You & Charlie X ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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  7. Hey there Candice!

    No, of course I don't mind. If you feel this will help, please feel free to pass it on.

    "This is definitely a scary time in the world. So many things are falling apart. But I believe that they will come back together again, only differently."

    I couldn't agree with you more. I know all of this is happening for a reason. It's almost like a cleansing, which has been needed. And when things return, they'll be different, but a "good" different.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for you kind words, my friend. Much appreciated. Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  8. I know, can you believe that? There is was, listed under "customer service!" I normally search on Indeed to look for employment. And the just recently changed their website job categories.

    "I even feel as though we have bonded on that topic! Lol, I’m NOT kidding!"

    Bwhahahahhaha! I know! I know! You and I seem to have the same experiences when it comes to customer service, don't we? We should start a blog, sharing all our stories about the shitty customer service we've gotten over the years. I'm sure it would be successful!

    "I’m glad that you were able to jump right in to the technical aspect and kudos for the owner noticing immediately! I’m excited for you!"


    Aw...thank you for your supportive words, my friend. I LOVE to learn new things, so as challenging as it's been, I'm also very excited because I'm LEARNING!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a super rest of your week!

    And Happy September to you!

    X

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  9. Helloooooooo there Debbie!

    Maybe it's the VIRGO is us, hu? I seem to need a lot of mental stimulation. I love to learn and try new things because it's challenging, however, it's also exciting!

    "But you know, it's been my experience that, when we allow ourselves to remain open to the possibilities, we can soar! And things have a way of finding us when we're ready, don't you agree?"

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how you expressed that be I agree. Things have a way of finding us when we're ready. Yes....I TOTALLY agree!

    "Some would say you should have shared this with us so we could help -- but you're a private person and have to solve these things yourself. I totally get that, my friend."

    Yes, you know me well because you're right...I have to solve things myself. And I do that because outside voices (opinions) confuse me rather than help me. And ultimately, the choice has to be ours. But I thank you for caring. I really do.

    OMG, yes...thank god I had that money squirreled away because it literally supported me for six months. Now, I have to work on getting it built back up again.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend with Domer!

    X

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  10. Hello there Daniel, great to see you!

    Do you what's ironic? I just recently watch a video of a flight attendant YouTuber who I follow, who said the same thing. She was just recently furloughed and was in shock because she didn't know what she was going to do. She also thought about using this time to search for a different career.

    And yes, I truly believe that when one door closes, another one opens. And this has happened for me many times in my life. I've always had careers that were not the most secure, so I'm used to the uncertainty.

    So trust that everything will work out!

    And the BEST to you, my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  11. Kudos to you, Ron! Ever since this pandemic hit hard, back in March, this is one of the things that worried me to no end, losing my job. Thank god during the lockdown, I was able to work from home because I know so many people who couldn't. I so admire your strength and determination to rise above challenges, such as this. You are such an inspiration. And I know that you are going to excell in this online concierge position, I just know it! Will there come a time when you can share with us what the name of the company is? Because being a beauty product junkie, I would love to visit the website.

    "Tough times are like giving birth.They can be uncomfortable, and sometimes downright painful. However, if you breathe deeply and push through them, you create a new life experience."

    I love how you said that, Ron!

    Wishing you all the best and success in you new adventure. And bless you, sir! xo

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  12. Hola Denise!

    Yes, I know, and it's totally understandable because no one knew what was going to happen when the pandemic hit and we went into lockdown. Back then, at the beginning, it was only the essential workers (hospitals and food stores) that continued to work. I think it's awesome that you were able to work from home. I know several people who were able to do the same. However, in my line of work...we lost so much business because no one was shopping, getting facials, getting makeovers, etc.

    Thank you. I am very excited to be a part of this new company because not only do I think it's going to be very popular, but it's teaching me something new. Which I LOVE. I had a lot of fun on my pilot day, learning to use the website.

    "Will there come a time when you can share with us the name of the company? Because being a beauty product junkie LOL!, I would love to visit the website."


    Yes, I will share the name, I promise. However, the owners asked all of us not to mention the name online/social media until after the official launching. Which will be this month.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your supportive words and well wishes!

    Have a fabulous rest of your week!
    X

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  13. Ron, I just wanted you to know that I shared your post by email, and I also shared it on Facebook. Thank you!

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  14. Awesome! And that you, Candice! X

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  15. Ron, I really enjoy when you share stories about you life and how you went through them. And you're so honest about it because you just don't talk about the good times, you also share about your struggles and how you overcame them. I learn a lot from you. So thank you for that.

    I am so excited FOR you because I can hear it in your voice how excited you are. I'm like you, I need to keep learning or I get bored. I like taking on new projects at work and figuring out the most productive way to execute them.

    I'm sure you're going to be faaaaaaaaabulous in the role. Sorry, but I couldn't resist copying your faaaaaaaaaabulous! LOL!

    Thanks for sharing your lessons, dude. Rock on!

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  16. Hiya Matt!

    Much thanks for your supportive words. And I'm happy to hear that you can get something from my own experiences. I mean, we all go through things differently, but if you can get at least one thing from someone else's experience that helps, then that's a good thing. And yes, I don't just talk about the good things because that's not real. I struggle with many things, trust me. Life is not all sunshine and unicorns. There can also be dark times and struggles. But if there wasn't dark, we wouldn't know light. And visaversa.

    I am soooooo excited about this new adventure. I'm so proud of the two women who created this whole concept because they worked very hard to create it. And I have a feeling after it launches, other people are going to try and copy it. Which is actually a compliment.

    "I'm sure you're going to be faaaaaaaaabulous in the role. Sorry, but I couldn't resist copying your faaaaaaaaaabulous! LOL!"

    Oh, that made me laugh!!!!!! Yes, I do love the word faaaaaaaaaaaabulous, don't I?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    X

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  17. Ron, you were so smart to have a savings account. I tell my kids that all the time. You never know when something should happen (such as the lockdown) where you need the money. I am so happy to read that you found another job and that you enjoy it. Sounds like you're happy and excited, and I'm happy and excited for you! I think the whole concept sounds genius because I have a feeling that's going to be the "retail way." At least for awhile.

    I'm reading all kinds of stories in the news where people are being furloughed, such as the airlines. I sure hope things swing back the other way soon because there is going to be a lot of unemployed people.

    Take care, neighbor! And thank you for sharing your experience. You're an inspiration! xo

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  18. Hey there Elaine!

    Yes, I learned the hard way about creating a savings account for a rainy day because you never know what could happen. It didn't take me very long to save because I really don't spend over my head, so I end up saving money that I don't ever use. I just stash some away each paycheck and you'd be surprised how fast it grows.

    Thank you! Yes, I am very excited about this new job. And you're right, I have a feeling this is the way retail will be going. I can't tell how many stores have closed in my neighborhood. And Walnut Street is so sad because one by one, all the high-end stores are closing their doors. Even Verizon!

    I too read a story about the airlines cutting back and placing a lot of their employees on furlough.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend! I see we'll be getting a break in the heat and humidity. Yahooooooooo!

    X

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  19. Thanks for your reassurance, Ron!

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  20. I'm not sure how I missed this post, but I'm so glad I went back through your previous posts. I've always admired the way you persevere through difficult situations and never give up. You have a wonderful way of creating opportunities and not relying on the easy way out. You are tenacious! This is a fantastic testimony to that quality. COVID has certainly brought out the best and worse in people. it's also revealed comfort zones we probably didn't even realize we had. As one who usually lives being drug outside my comfort zone, I know how difficult this is to break. But, no one ever grew personally, emotionally or spiritually while hiding in a comfort zone. Kudos to you and I with you all the best with your new venture. Sounds tailor-made for you! X

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  21. Hey there Lisa!

    Thank you so much for your kind, supportive and encouraging words. I really appreciate that.

    I think I"m tenacious because of the various ups and downs I've had in my life. As challenging as they were, they gave me the gift of resilience and faith. I don't anything happens randomly; therefore, I needed to go through these things to learn.

    But you've did the same thing when it came to Entrepreneur's illness and moving through it with faith and grace. You've shared all the wonderful lessons you learned on your blog over the years.

    " COVID has certainly brought out the best and worse in people. it's also revealed comfort zones we probably didn't even realize we had. As one who usually lives being drug outside my comfort zone, I know how difficult this is to break. But, no one ever grew personally, emotionally or spiritually while hiding in a comfort zone."

    Yes...you said it PERFECTLY! And I totally agree!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hop you're enjoying a fabulous Labor Day!

    Cheers! X

    P.S. Yes, isn't that photograph wonderful? It's not mine though, I found it on Flickr. If you click on the photo, it will take you to the photographers' Flickr feed.

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  22. Ron, what a beautiful and inspiring story! I do so admire your courage and determination, which paid off so well for you! Excellent job, my brother!

    I think your positive attitude was a key element of your success in landing this job. You didn't let negativity weight you down.

    A bad attitude can literally blind us to the good things life has to offer because we're convinced we can't catch a break....and so we don't!

    I think it's crucial that we look beyond our comfort zone because that's where the real treasures can be found. I've spent far too much time in this safe little spot and your post has me doing some serious thinking!

    I'm so happy for you, buddy! Take care and give 'em hell!

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  23. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, September 08, 2020

    Oh, I love this! You have inspired me! You are such an inspiration. Great that you are enjoying your new job and new opportunities that come with it.

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  24. Aw...thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Fiona! I feel as though I'm at a time in my life where I'm learning a lot. And I love that.

    I feel blessed to have gotten this new job because so many people here in the U.S. are finding it very difficult finding work. Also, it's something different than what I'm familiar with.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a superb week!

    X

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  25. Hey there Rob!

    Thank you, buddy. This whole pandemic has been such a big learning curve for me. I knew back in March that I'd be going through some changes, I could just feel it. And it's funny because I felt both unsure of things, but at the same time, I knew that everything would be okay.

    "A bad attitude can literally blind us to the good things life has to offer because we're convinced we can't catch a break....and so we don't!"

    Yes.....EXACTLY! You expressed that perfectly. That's why when I'm going through something challenging, I try to always look for the things in my life to be grateful for because it's keeps my attitude positive.

    "I think it's crucial that we look beyond our comfort zone because that's where the real treasures can be found."

    Me too! Whenever I feel afraid of something, that's usually a sign for me to do it, and move out of my comfort zone.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight. I really appreciate that! And by the way, you've been growing so much this past year. Proud of you!

    Have a grrrrreat week!
    X

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  26. *doing the happy dance for you*
    This is all so wonderful! Of course, no one would have ever doubted that you would find your place within all the uncertainty of having to adjust to a serious work issue. You have always gone though the exact process that allows you to let go and move on in the best way to support your soul's growth.
    A very special post, Ron! And I thank you for sharing it. xo

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  27. Aw....thank you, Mary!

    " You have always gone though the exact process that allows you to let go and move on in the best way to support your soul's growth."

    I so agree! And I feel that way about everyone because we ALL go through the exact process that we NEED to grow.

    Much thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Wishing you a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    And Happy September to you!
    X

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