Tuesday morning, August 11, 2020 7:30AM. I wake up in pain and was all ready to be team woo is me. After I roll over, the first thing I grab is my phone. I went to Facebook and the first thing I saw was my memories. If you are on Facebook you will understand how the memories can be a good thing or they can set you off. Today they were a good thing, FB reminded me I am blessed and let me tell you why.
Three years ago I was at rock bottom. You all know that I lost my job in 2012. Well in early 2013 I started doing contract work. I was lucky that my work put me in demand, which took me all the way through the end of 2016.
At that point I was back on the job market and unsuccessful…so unemployment it was. Initially I was ok because I had manage to save a little bit and then I was still selling on my Etsy shop. Well..the six months was up..unemployment was exhausted and I used my last to pay the rent and the debt was rising fast. Wait correction, if I remember correctly I had to borrow from a friend to pay my rent. Read DEFEATED 🙁
As you can imagine, as a single woman. I was beyond afraid. Don’t forget I couldn’t go home to mom or dad, they were both gone. When I say I had hit bottom, trust me, I was in life’s basement.
Tuesday’s Testimony
I could have given up. I could have accepted defeat but I refused. My history proved I was better than this. I knew I deserved a good job, so instead of listening to my own negative voice; I redirected my focus. A lot of folks look down on social media, specifically, on sharing your dark spots. If I didn’t know anything, I knew this. I needed help. So I posted that I was looking for work and was at my wits end. HELP!!
Every day I knit, I blogged and I looked for work. The knitting and the blogging helped me stay sane AND when I look back now, it helped people get to know me. During this down time is when I learned how to edit my videos and my pictures. I had time to research the industry and notice the absence of faces like mine. My point here is this, I cried every day…multiple times a day, but I kept going. I never once stopped trying.
Then it happened. My reputation at Verizon paid off. I received two messages on FACEBOOK with job offers. Both of the employers were previous supervisors from my time at VZ. So today, on this Tuesday afternoon, I am reminded that I am here and I made it because I refused to give up.
I am sharing this because we are in dark scary times right now. I know someone reading this is at an all time low. Please look up, cry all day, but look up, that is the way out.
If you have listened to or read anything about me, you know I credit yarn and knitting for saving my life. I held on to my knitting when I had nothing else to hold. Times were so bad, I was very close to selling my stash. I did sell a few things but again another way that my yarn saved me.
The point of this post to encourage someone, anyone to just keep going. The way is through, don’t stop in it, go right through. There is life on the other side. I am living proof.
My Advice
If I had any tips on getting through the tough times it would be this…be intentional. Know what you need/want and go after it on purpose. Pack up your fears and your broken heart and go get your peace.
Have a fabulous day on purpose
Gaye G
Hi GG. I get it. I too hit rock bottom. You so inspirational to me. I have learned so much. I’m a recovering codependent, and am working the CODA program. I would have never shared this, if I wasn’t working the program because of fear and shame. However, during this quarantine, working my program has been so essential. And reading your blog, adds ideas to my tool kit. Thanks for all you do!
No shame! You are doing the work friend
I know. I’m be day at a time.
Autocorrect. One day at a time!
That’s a good message about having faith in yourself and not giving up. I’m glad it worked out for you.
Rock bottom here. Looking up. You are a great example of perseverance and success. Thank you for encouraging the rest of us. I’m working hard at getting myself and my work known. I think I have realistic expectations; it’s hard work and takes time. Also, I’m looking for a ‘regular’ job and networking like crazy for the first time in my life. All that to say I’m grateful for your voice of reason and story of success.
Hang in there
Keep on the knitting road, it does make differences
GG, you are a light in these very dark times. Please keep on shining!
I love you, GG! Your posts, your attitude, your smile, your style … everything about you is THE BEST. I’m glad you made it through and are sharing your positivity.
Thank you 🤗
Thank you, thank you for sharing this. Encouraged me at the end of a long, hard day!! You’re awesome
Thank you 🤗
Thanks for this, GG. I’ve been feeling pretty lost lately and this helps so much.
thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡 and hang in there
Thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡 and I’m happy it helped
This is such a beautiful post. Thank you for standing up, speaking truth and creating community.
Oh my God GG. You certainly had a rough time, I believe that knitting saved me. It’s helped thru Cancer, it’s helped me thru
Divorce after 34 years. It’s my meditation
Time. My quiet time, unable to sleep I would knit all night.
You persevered, and I hope you are proud of yourself because I am proud you.
Stay safe & Be well.
Deborah.
Thank you 🤗
One word: YES
Two more: THANK YOU
Hugs
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration, and I look forward to every post. From a friend in Canada.
Thank you 🤗 for reading!
Thank you 🤗
GG … I needed these words today.
Thank you!
🙌🏾
i really like the slogan about having a fabulous day on purpose!
Thank you for another inspirational post.
Thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡
You are so inspirational.<3
Thank you 🤗