Today was the first day on my path to what’s next. And that picture above proves that I believe there is something important and worthwhile for me. I took it right before I left the house this morning and I love that I can see no ounce of fear in my eyes. I still haven’t figured everything out, but it’s okay, and I find myself completely energized by the idea of taking the time to breathe and regroup. I honestly feel alive for the first time in a long time. The possibilities are endless and reeling. I feel … free.
Now if I’m being totally honest, I’ve still felt a bit of anger a couple times today over how everything ended yesterday. Like, why, if my boss noticed that I wasn’t happy, didn’t he call me in and say, “Hey, I know this job isn’t ideal, but how can we work this out to be better?” or “I can sense you’re not happy.” or “I noticed you’re not as go-gettum as you used to be.” I mean I never even got a notice or a warning or a pink slip or anything. And I’m also angry because I feel like there was no one who went to bat for me. I mean if they were having discussions about letting me go, why didn’t anyone say, “You know she has really been an asset to our company. She held so much together during the many management changes in her department. She defended our reputation on numerous occasions. She stepped in and did impossible things when no one else would. She’s always been a team player, how/where can we better use her talents?” I think that’s the thing that stings the most. I gave so much. And this is how I get thanked.
But … today I decided, I’m not going to talk about or acknowledge the anger again after this. I don’t want to be bitter. I don’t want to be angry. I choose to be positive. I am so grateful for the time I had there, for the people I worked with (most of them), and the opportunities to learn and grow in so many ways professionally. And really, being let go turned out better for me than if I’d quit. This way I still have access to my paid leave and my pension.
So, my dear friends. I thank you for your support, your love, your care, your concern, and your prayers. For sure, keep it comin’ but just know … I’m so happy. More happy than I have been in a long time. I have one, amazing, life to live and I’m ready to live it.
I love you.
p.s. I’m of course weighing all my options over the next few weeks and evaluating what I want, who I want to be, and where I feel can make the best, most valuable, contribution and I’d like to pose a question to you … if I asked you to tell me (from your perspective) three ingredients that make up my “special sauce,” meaning three things that make me unique and different and “Krista”, what would you tell me? I’ve been thinking about this today and I think it’s valuable to ask others what they see from their perspective. So lay it on me. :) (Does that make sense?)
I think you should look for a job in Florida…I need a good neighbor. Krista, you have amazing talents. And to be honest I feel that you were probably just shuffled out because of the economy. Your 50% is more than most people's 100%. You continue to amaze me. Seriously tell me what kind of job you are looking for and I will poke around here in Tampa…you could live closer to your grandma…and me.
Passion. That's Krista. You just love, give, and give some more. You do everything with all you have and then some.
Finding the positive & the lessons. That's Krista. Even if things are not ideal (or they just plain suck) you kind find something great and something to learn.
Fun & inviting. That's Krista. You are so fun to be around and everyone loves you. One reason is because you make everyone feel special.
I'll never forget how you always had the dream to be a writer for a travel magazine. Maybe now you can have your dream job! You'd be so good at it!
Well I don't know you that well…but I do know that you are incredible crafty, and that does stand out! You really should open up a boutique…there are so many people that could benifit from these awesome talents you have (like me ;) and you would do great! Or photography…I have been doing that for the last few months, and I honestly LOVE,love,love it. Catering would be a fun one too! You are awesome, and I am sure that God knows what he is doing, and is opening up another door for you!
Again, I love that picture of you – so gorgeous. Man, Krista, you could be anything you want to be – that's what's so impressive about you. I've always admired you from the very second that I met you. You are so talented, and what's been neat is to have seen all these other talents that you have, that I didn't even know about. I visit your blog and am impressed by your writing, your stories, your crafts, you cooking, your sewing, your photography and I always think, "Wow! Is there anything she can't do? Holy cow." You…are..amazing.
I think Natalie Sue nailed it on the head. You can do anything you want. And you are good at it.
I am glad you're still feeling positive. Sending loads of love your way. x
I didn't read the above comments because I want to put my top 3 things without reading others:
#1 Passionate!! What ever you choose to do, you do it like you said 110%
#2 Determined. You never seem to give up.
#3 Capable. You have so many talents. Talents noticable and many even hidden. The possibilities are endless for you.
Wow, what news . . . I often describe you as smart, kind, fun, talented beyond belief, beautiful, adventurous . . . So 3, huh. I'm feeling non-committal, you choose.
Good luck with all of this, I can't wait to see what awesome thing you do next.
Good girl. That's the Krista I adore.
And you are awfully be-YU-tiful.
Charisma…passion…attention to detail…110%…can paint a picture with words…and can paint a picture…songbird…loves life…can do anything she sets her mind to…smart…creative…builds others…friend…so talented…words don't begin to express what I KNOW about your gifts…remember, I want to be you when I grow up…just keep being you…your company's loss is the world's gain! And Fly, baby, fly! Mama
Ok, first of all, let me apologize. When you posted on your FB page, "what's next?", I hadn't read this. I had no idea this happened. So my response on FB probably seemed completely insensitive!
Second, hmmm…three things…
Your insight. You learn (and share with us) the biggest lessons from the smallest of life's events.
Your voice. You can express your thoughts, feelings, hopes, ideas, dreams more concisely and beautifully than just about anyone I know.
Your faith. You believe in better things that await you.
First of all…holy crap Krista. I'm still more in the "mad" stage of your situation. Forgive me.
Your 3 things that make you KRISTA! (By Jessica Cope) Eh hem…
1. You embrace diversity. A different walk of life is almost always a BETTER walk of life in your eyes.
2. You are optimistic. Not only do you make the best of any bad situation, you're CONTAGIOUS! Nothing can be THAT bad when KQM is around.
3. You are social. To deny you contact with people would be to drain your life-blood.
There you have it. Call me any time to chat. And I'll keep my ears/eyes open for any jobs that sound KRISTA. :)
Love in your face,
Jess