Life: Perfect and Precious

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“Our life experiences will have resonances within our innermost being, so that we will feel the rapture of being alive.” – Joseph Campbell

Two weeks ago, on the same day that my niece had a baby, I got laid off from my job. I know that seems like two disparate events. But hear me out because they are the both the birth of new things.

It’s not hard to see the first. My beautiful niece says that she’s having a hard time sleeping when the baby is sleeping because she can’t stop looking at him. “He’s just so perfect.” And she’s enthralled with interpreting his every expression and sound.

I’ve seen the pictures – he indeed is absolutely perfect and precious.

Losing my job was a shock. I’ve never been laid off before and so it was a completely new experience. But twinned with the surprise was a feeling of elation. I was free. I try not to act giddy when I talk to the others affected by this layoff. But honestly, and I promise that this isn’t toxic positivity or denial, for me I knew this was a really good thing, even when it signals hard work.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my career so I suspect that helps take an edge off the fear. And when I peal back that cover, I have a chance at seeing underneath to the opportunity. Similar to babies, I have to work hard to decipher the signs and signals of the bread crumbs where life leads me.

Life comes with pain – kinda like childbirth. And on the flip side, it too is perfect and precious to have the opportunity to keep growing.

P.S. Everyone that I’ve seen in real life has been able to take one look at me and sense the burden lifted from me. If you are worried about me, truly, I’m fine, the kids know and it’s all good. One of the things I’m so grateful for this week of American Thanksgiving is the gift of time with them.

(featured photo from Pexels)

102 thoughts on “Life: Perfect and Precious”

  1. Oh Wynne, this is a shock for me to read first thing on a Monday. I feel shocked and sad for you but I am glad to hear that you are doing ok and taking this in stride.

    When my mom was in her 50s, also a single provider, she too lost her job and was able to bounce back. I am certain you will have a similar journey. Sending you lots of strength and positive vibes.

    And congrats to your niece. Such a good reminder of the yin and yang of life. 💕🙏

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Thank you, Ab! Love the story about your mom – all your descriptions of her are so impressive.

      One of the things that I keep learning is to hug our kids tightly — and hold everything else loosely. In that respect, this job or another matters less.

      Thank you for your kind wishes! Happy Monday!

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Wow, Wynne, that is indeed a shock to the system. It is heartening in the extreme that you are able to interpret this layoff as a shock for the good. Goodbye, status quo. Here’s to patience, new opportunities, and a happy, family-oriented Thanksgiving week. 💕

    Liked by 5 people

  5. I would not necessarily believe the feelings of relief and optimism you are describing in response to job loss, Wynne. From you I do. The road to better things will surely open to you or be opened by you.

    Liked by 6 people

  7. I am so happy for your and your family in myriad ways. the baby is beautiful and change is the time when we all grow. sometimes we just need a little nudge to push us in that direction. once the nudge has happened there is a feeling of freedom. all possibilities are on the table.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Your positive resiliency is truly encouraging and refreshing Wynne . . . “Perfect and Precious”

    It brought to mind the undaunted courage of Lewis and Clark who, after two years of persevering unforseen challenges to reach the Missouri’s headwaters, scaled the bluffs they thought were the Continental Divide to view the Columbia River headwaters that would finally carry them to the Pacific . . . and saw the Rocky Mountains filling the horizon.

    They pressed on, confident that beyond the horizon the best of their unexplored journey was yet to come . . . as is yours Wynne. Happy Thanksgiving lady . . .

    Keep Looking Up ^ . . . His Best is Yet to Come!

    Liked by 4 people

  10. Choosing to see beyond disappointing loss to grateful optimism is a rare gift, Wynne. When most folks would complain, blame someone, or be trying to fix what’s been broken, you set us a great example. Thank you. I hope and pray that the next steps become clear

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I love that saying, Cristiana. There was a weird coincidence the day I was laid off. My meditation that morning included the quote that said every exit was an entrance to somewhere else. And so I was thinking of exits and entrances already when I got the news. Interesting, isn’t it?

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I’d offer my condolences on the job loss, but it sounds more like a Wynne-win type of situation. I’ve been laid off twice and it’s never fun, but I doubt I’d have become a writer if I hadn’t lost those jobs. Bright times are ahead for you, I’m sure!

    Liked by 2 people

  15. You have a great perspective about being laid off. It’s a chance to reinvent yourself and do something completely different if you choose to do so.

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Cheers to new beginnings even if they didn’t come in the form that you expected them to Wynne. 🥳 I share in your “laid-off” experience, and while it was a shock for a moment anyway, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I wasn’t as bummed out as I imagined I would be days afterwards. Keep going and growing my friend. 👍🏼 Oh…and congrats to your niece too. 👶🏼🤱🏼👶🏼 Beautiful! 😊💖🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh, I love this comment because you totally get it, Kym. New beginnings for sure. And I love your exhortation, “Keep going and growing my friend. ” If you’ve gone through this too, then I KNOW I’m in good company. Thank you, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the comparison and your childlike wisdom embracing this change ,Wynne! Your sweet new second niece and niece can both rock you while you enjoy the journey of life unfolding in front of your very eyes. Many blessings my friend❣️🙏🏼🙏🏼

    Liked by 2 people

  18. LOVE your attitude, Wynne! And I look forward to reading what this new life-chapter has in store for you. I’ll be praying for peace of heart during this transition time, unexpected blessings that reassure you of God’s provision, and of course, a quick and satisfying resolution!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. We are soooo close to a new year, Wynne, and that always shines with new ideas, new growth, and a new outlook. Ironically, graphics for new years often include a baby! I adore how your niece isn’t getting sleep because she keeps looking at the baby. I think that brings on a few tears of joy for me. ❤️ That’s motherhood and life. I wish you the best of the best as you find that next chapter…as you KNOW you are going to. We’re all with you!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. So you are preparing to walk through an entire new door. I’m overjoyed for you. You are really one of the most spectacular thinkers of our time, you are driven by generosity, and seem to have an innate ability to understand others on the deepest level. You know how to make life work for you and I can not wait to see what you do next because I know it will be better for you, for your family, and for our world. Go, go, go my friend. Hugs, C

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Wow, Cheryl. I am blown away by your generous comment. In fact, I’ve cut and pasted it into my journal for moments of doubt when I lose sight of myself. Thank you, my friend! It’s such a compliment coming from you and your deep and insightful heart! Happy Thanksgiving, dear Cheryl!

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  24. I’ve done both as well (employee and self-employed) I know the feelings of which you speak. I can totally believe that there is a noticeable difference on your countenance. I’ve always felt like self employment is like being the captain of a ship on the high seas…wind in my face, sense of freedom/ knowing you have the skill set to deal with whatever comes your way. (I hadn’t realized you were working for someone). Will be thinking about you Wynne as you chart your next course. Take care. DM

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, DM! Funny that you say that because I’ve read your description of your life balance in recent months and realized I was out of balance. I sold my company to this company and then lost the freedom. So grateful to have it back again! Thanks, my friend for your comment and good wishes!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Freedom . . . such a great experience. Their loss is your gain. Good for you Wynne. I’m sure your past entrepreneurship helps you. I need some of those skills. Can’t wait to hear where your next adventure takes you. And, yes, babies always have a way of making us smile!!! Such a cool thing.

    Liked by 3 people

  27. It’s a blow to the heart, soul, and sense of self when we lose employment. That probably should make us question our devotion.
    I’m sorry you were let go. It hurts. I’m sure good things are waiting. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing the struggles.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Michelle. Your comment hits right to the heart about sense of self and devotion. Yes, that’s definitely part of the “birth” pain of this all. Here’s to the other side of it too.

      I know it’s not your Thanksgiving — but hope you have a good week too! Thanks for your comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. A new baby in the family is always such a fabulous event. Getting laid off not so much. But I admire your attitude. As an employment counsellor, I worked with many folks who were devastated about getting laid off. I would tell them that although it’s difficult to see now, but it might have been the best thing to happen to you. Then we would proceed to discuss the next step and list possibilities. Some found much better jobs, others went back to school and got training in a field they always wanted to work in, and others took a much needed break. Wishing you all the best of luck!

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      1. Thanks, Wynne. I loved my job and it made me so happy when people would return and tell me that they got a new job and thanked me for the help. xo

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  30. Congratulations to your niece! Thanksgiving is a time to embrace new beginnings for you, your niece, and your new family member! As the old adage says, “One door closes, and another one opens.” I wish you a beautiful door opening and a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Liked by 2 people

  31. I’m sorry about your job, since the news came out of the blue. But how you describe it, sounds like this shift will open you up to broader horizons. You make such a great point about seeing “opportunity to keep growing.” I wish you well as you move into those opportunities! 🌞

    Liked by 3 people

  32. As shocking as the news was for you Wynne, know that behind it comes something greater that you are ready for. The universe is presenting something powerful to you. Your sense of elation is the hint. I’ve had this experience when I was in my 20s. I was so grateful then. The drive home was magical. I was so excited to be free. And so much wonder unfolded from that one seemingly difficult moment.
    Just like the birth of your niece. What a beautiful gift and message for you. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

  35. If you say it feels like a relief and a burden lifted for the layoff to have happened, then it sounds like life is taking care of itself in a good way. Plus, I would bet on you to achieve no matter what the circumstances.
    Your story reminds me of my musician friend who had grown tired of his teaching job and the heavy load of gigs he was playing. At the end of the school year the administration called him to very apologetically explain that they needed to permanently lay him off. Dave tried his best to sound sad saying, “Oh no- what a shame” as he joyfully pumped his fist in the air.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, I love that story about Dave! Thank you, Todd! Yes, you captured my feeling exactly. And I love your phrase, “life is taking care of itself in a good way.” May that be true for us all! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  36. “You don’t have to know everything about the mountain in front of you to take the next step.” – Louie Giglio

    Your perspective is inspiring, Wynne. I can’t wait to see what new doors open for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Wow, Wynne, Congratulations on your niece’s baby, and I’m glad you’re feeling relief from your layoff! Sometimes, it is the best, even if it’s unexpected. My husband was laid off decades ago and it was a total shock – our daughter was two and we had just bought our first home. There were no signs for him, so it was devastating at the time. Anyway, I’m glad you’ll have more time with your family this week, and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs 💞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Lauren! I can totally relate your husband’s experience. But you are right – it was so much fun to have the week to spend with my kids. Here’s to the next thing! I appreciate your kind wishes – hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving too!

      Liked by 1 person

  38. What a beautiful baby! I admire your positivity and your determination to find a silver lining in the cloud of being laid off. I believe that you will come out of this better and that this sense of freedom will work wonders for your entrepreneurial spirit. Wishing you all the best in your endeavours! 😃

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Through life’s chances and quirks, I rarely have had a job longer than 2 years. I’ve been layed off many, many times, because of the economy, because the nonprofits lost funding, or other various reasons. It’s disconcerting, disappointing, and unnerving, but I always bounce back. I’ve worked in many different types of industries and being open to new possibilities instead of holding out for something similar is the key I believe to finding the next thing.

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  41. I have always found it interesting how individuals react to “bad” news. I do not see your layoff as sad news. I can see you smiling as you write this post. You are aware God is moving you toward an exciting opportunity of growth, and a journey filled with creative avenues of discovering self, and in doing that the revenue will come.

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  46. What an inspiring post, Wynne!
    I love, “Life comes with pain – kinda like childbirth. And on the flip side, it too is perfect and precious to have the opportunity to keep growing.”
    You are right, something good always comes out of a not so good situation.
    Best wishes and love

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