As of today, I am unemployed. Long and short of it, I chose “Happiness.” Now, I won’t go into details, as I have nothing but love for my organization and the people in it. It was an amazing journey, but today it ends. I turn the page. I begin a new chapter.
While I can make the choice I made, many cannot. Many of my colleagues and friends are faced with a challenge that they didn’t have last week, or even yesterday, for that matter. It seems only fitting that I write about “change” and how best to survive and thrive when change is swirling.
Early in my career, I would find myself dwelling on what “may be.” Whether I heard a rumor, or I saw somebody whispering (and thought they might be talking about me), I would allow that potential of something bad, to enter my mind. I was occupying my mind with things that truly didn’t matter. It didn’t matter, because it hadn’t happened. It didn’t matter, because it was not real.
We know that change is a way of life these days and come in a multitude of ways. Your company has changes in ownership, leadership, vision, direction, deployment, compensation plans, etc. They are an every month (or potentially every week) occurrence. If we are to thrive, we must accept this fact and keep moving forward. Here are a few things that help me:
- Choose Happiness – Happiness is a choice. Nobody can make you feel a certain way, without your consent. I wake up, each morning, thankful that God has granted me and my family another day. A lot of people aren’t given that chance. I wake up thankful that my family is healthy. Many people are fighting for their lives. I wake up knowing that we have a warm home. How many people wish they had a warm home? I wake up grateful that we live in a peaceful community. Do people in other countries feel this same way? I live my life being grateful. If my only issue is dealing with changes at work, or even losing my job, there is so much more to be grateful about. Focus on what truly matters. Jobs are important, but family, safety, health, comfort and life, is what it’s all about. It took me a lot of years to get to this point. The sooner you get there, the better off you’re going to be. Find the good in every situation. It’s there, sometimes you just have to dig deep to find it
- Be Here Now! Live in this moment and stop thinking about what may or may not lie ahead. You have been granted this moment and this moment alone. Look around. Listen. Feel. Deep breaths are really a great thing…try it. Meditate. Stop and take it all in. Stop wishing away this moment, because there is no replacement for it. Cherish it
- There are storms before rainbows – Sometimes you need to hunker down, ride it out and muscle through. In the end, it will be worth it
- Head Held High – Confidence is an amazing thing. Sit up/stand up straight and you will feel more confident. You control your destiny, when you approach it with confidence. Be proud of who you are, what you do and what you have accomplished. If you are displaced from an organization, you walk out with a smile and your head held high. Life is good. There are a lot worse things than losing your job
I wanted to close with sharing the “7 Cardinal Rules for Life.” I have it taped in front of me at my desk. Do the same. It will do you good to reflect daily. Choose Happiness 🙂
jimlipuma 
Its about time you figured it out. Now what the hell are we going to start while we are both writing books.
Sorry to hear that Patch is breathing its final breaths this week. It was a grand experiment and a blast to work there. I met and worked with some fascinating and dynamic people. I grew as a trainer and a leader. But most importantly, I got to work with sales in its purest form – helping a business owner meet a basic business need with a product that benefits us both. It was a great experience and brought me an even deeper understanding of sales and the small business world. I wish you the best of luck in whatever venture you undertake next.
With my head held high, I, too, am present and choosing happiness. I’ve weathered storms profoundly and irrevocably more difficult.
I am honored to call you colleague, grateful to call you friend.
Your blog is book marked on my computer. I am excited for the opportunity to learn from you again!
Beautiful said….Good luck to you Jim!
What a great writing Jim. Wishing you the best as you start the next chapter of your career… turn the page and move on but I know I don’t have to tell you that.