We are nearing the end of 2017 and I have so much to reflect on. I'm excited for what the Most High has in store for me and I'm grateful to have the chance to remember the most difficult times I found myself in and how he brought me out!
Walk with me.
December 2016 my significant other and I worked at a warehouse for the store Spencer's. I followed his lead to apply and work the shift despite my strong dislike for warehouse gigs. This would be our third time working together in that kind of environment and unbeknownst to us our last, dealing with temporary services and the inconsistencies encompassed by warehouse employees.
We learned from mistakes and made new ones that was slowly tearing us apart as friends. When we finally realized our foundation was becoming unstable we both quit the job, threw away the progress we built living out west and started over. The final straw was when I finally got hired in after three years but they neglected to fulfill the documents for my friend. The shade was real and everyone who knew us and our work ethic understood that we were not going anywhere without each other.
I recently watched a video testimony from YouTube about the most high making a situation uncomfortable in order to make a jump through faith. That video is part of the reason I am writing this post. If I didn't leave that job I would probably still be there today despite my angst toward it.
Everyone was giving empty promises about our hire date and when my friend would get the acceptance papers but nothing came through. They decided to transfer me to another building as part of my hired in status, which was to happen a week later. We worked the weekend shift. We waited all week for some kind of confirmation from our then supervisor, about my friend. By the end of the shift Sunday I made up my mind to not come back. It was the week before Christmas. All the bills were due and I barely had enough to get my moms a gift.
When I decided to quit the job, I remember feeling free. Satisfied to have made such a huge decision on my own. My friend had no idea that I was not going back, until that next weekend. He supported my decision to leave a dead end job that was tearing us apart and stunting our growth individually. My parents welcomed me back home with open arms Christmas morning, my bedroom the same as I had left it.
The end of 2016 was full of negativity, exhaustion and fear to move onto the next phase. Though I had no idea what the most high had for me I trust and obeyed HIS power to never leave my side or put too much on me that I could bare.
My significant other and I struggled trying to lock down a job to get out of the hole we dug ourselves in. We were fighting almost every other night and threatening the relationship. It's ironic how those promises to not go into the new year fighting, actually carried over in the new year. The phrase, "Life or death lies in the power of your tongue", became the highlight of 2017.
We must be mindful of the things we spit out our mouths! What we say has the tendency to linger long after the words escape our lips and I have dealt with the remnants created from the adversity I spoke toward myself and my significant other.
April 3, 2017 I was blessed with the job I have now and it wasn't what I was actively applying for either. I fished through career builder and craigslist for clerical work because it seem to be the easiest job anyone could quickly get. I eventually went back to any temp service that would see me. I was originally applying for a position with Stericycle. I was preparing to settle again after the first interview. I hated the environment and the quick turn over rate with employees.
I lucked up and found Anthem was hiring downtown. I was more interested in that position. The company had the flexible hours I wanted as well as an easy commute downtown from my home. I was sure to get that job right?
Wrong. To be honest, I don't remember when or why or even how I applied with Lowe's. I remember not having an opinion about working for them or if "this was the one." I simply applied. I went to the interview looking and feeling like a bum. The bus ride out to the location was such a long drag and the other candidates were well groomed and hopping in and out of cars with ease; smiling faces and confidence lighting up the space. Meanwhile I'm barely making it through. Stressed out and not writing, performing or visiting open mics to get me through. All I had was the King of all Kings as my guide through the maze.
Somewhere along the way Anthem fell off the priority list. I didn't hear anything from the interviewer and most of my calls were ignored and stashed away in the "Oh, I'll tell so and so to call you back," pile.
A month later I was in Lowe's training for repair services. It was extensive and thorough but I stayed focused. During training I had to get up at 4:30 am for an 8a-5p shift. I don't miss those days however I realize now the grind and dedication I dealt with just to make it through.
I learned to love myself. My best friend and I found books based on self development, black history and building faith to pursue dreams and make them a reality. Besides looking for a good job I've spent all year, "planning my work and working my plan", and I'm proud to say that I believe I am on the right path.
I had to get back in the habit of writing and rewriting my goals, strategizing a game plan and keeping myself motivated. I learned to use my time wisely and develop skills that had either fell dormant or was out right nonexistent. One of my favorite books I'm finishing up is Bravery written by Adam Kirk Smith. I reached out to him via Twitter and he's actually a cool guy. I hope to one day meet him in person to share his insight with others. Aside from Mr. Smith I now listen to motivational speeches on You Tube by Les Brown and Dr. Eric Thomas.
In order to change your reality you must change your mind. It's all about perspective, how you look at a certain situation. Is the glass half full or half empty? Are you living or are you surviving? Are you creating your legacy or are you settling with what life gives you? These are questions I had to ask myself this year. To be bold with myself and honestly answer trivial, perhaps embarrassing questions was the beginning to my freedom. Think about it. We put on façades and pretend with many people; coworkers, distant family members, supervisors maybe even with those you consider a friend. Truth is peace comes from within. You have to live with you. You have to deal with the tears filling your pillow at night. You have to deal with loneliness. If you don't like something about someone else, look inward and honestly ask yourself how you would have handled that awkward situation. Even if you would have done it better or taken a less battered road to reach the end mark, hold on to that and prove it to yourself.
Love you for you! Learn from this year, past mistakes and you will go far!
Happy New Year!
-Para
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