Finding Your Pearl…in almost Everything.

THE PEARL

I’m back – and ready to write.

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This is my office wall… giving me not-so-subtle hints to focus on the Pearls of LIfe.

Believe me when I tell you this – there really is a precious pearl in many unpleasant and unfortunate situations.

I know this to be true.

Why?

Because I just traveled through a myriad of ups and downs and all arounds in the past 12 months.

So now, I have a ‘Pearl of Wisdom’ to share with you.

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After 2 decades of being a Mother Maximus to 2 Millennials – I landed my dream job.

For being a Woman of Words –  I was speechless when I received the formal offer.

My life had come full circle.  I was back in the ‘career-woman-saddle’.

(I had not even told my husband that I applied for the job because – I just knew, I wouldn’t receive a call.)

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It was as if…

I never missed a moment in my beloved career so, so many years ago.

My daily duties as a Director of Marketing and Sales were tailor-made from my professional past.

There were some good great people that I enjoyed being part of their team…one became a good friend.

I planned to stay in this professional role for the next 10 years.

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So what happened?

I submitted my letter of resignation in April and actually left that ‘dream job’ last month.

Why on earth would I do that?

Well, the answer is quite simple.

At this age and at this point in my life, I will not tolerate certain treatments, behaviors, or actions.

Simple as that.

If I were just starting out – building my early career and credentials – and using my paycheck to feed and buy shoes for my two little boys,

I would have stuck it out – probably forever.

But truth-be-told,  I am an empty-nester with a son and daughter-in-law on their own career paths… and a younger son who just graduated from college and on his way to building his place in the world.

My supportive husband and I have a downsized our home and lifestyle.

Sooooooo, with all that said,

There was no room in my life for unnecessary, man-made (and woman-made) grief, misery, torment, (you-fill-in-the-blank synonym).

No place. Period.

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During my last week, one of the senior VP’s sent me a personal email.

It was both kind and generous in word and tone.

My team had enjoyed success and a high level of production which did not go unnoticed by the corporate office.

It made me very proud, indeed, that my hard work was not invisible to my superiors.

I had dedicated almost every weekend and many nights – well into the wee hours of the morning – for my new position.

So very thankful… was I… that my efforts were acknowledged before I left.

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So where is the Pearl in this quick-ending story of an aborted reboot of my Second Act Career?

There were numerous Pearls.

After days and weeks of ridiculous strife, I realized that I had the moxie to stand my ground in some pretty tough and nasty situations.  Repeatedly.

There was an invaluable pearl – when my 2 adult sons exhibited enormous empathy and sympathy when they saw the burden of my work situation.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the pearl of knowing that I could return to the corporate world and still contribute and produce relevant results, quickly, after twenty years of not wearing heels.

And the greatest pearl of all….

I came to the realization that I will never forgo writing again. Not for a dream job.  Not for any reason.

 It is so cliche’ and so totally overly dramatic to say – but I sincerely believe –  that writing is my oxygen.

I am going to take this newly found iridescence, perfect Pearl and do something I have never had the nerve to do before.

….I’m going to my first writers conference and pitch my idea for a book.

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My wish for you this morning~

I hope you find your Pearl – each and every day – in almost everything you do.

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Come back tomorrow with a cup of coffee….  I have something special planned just for you.