Livin’ on the
edge can be exciting and interesting, but it can also be a wee bit exhausting
and mentally taxing. Such has been my life, particularly in financial terms,
till now. I have FINALLY found work and I cannot tell you how liberating and
wonderful it is to be able to meet all my basic expenses.
I have a
supportive family who have helped me in the interim and for that I am deeply
grateful. Meeting the simple goal of financial solvency would not have been
possible without their generosity, so thank you all!
I bring this up
partly because I know I have been lax about keeping up with the writing and
want you to know why. But I also wanted to speak to the importance of
persevering in trying circumstances, staying focused and staying true to one’s
course.
Job hunting is hell.
However, I have learned many interesting things about my tendency to crumple in
the face of rejection and my ability to be resilient enough to get back to
mental and emotional centre and keep trying.
What I have
learned is this: it is terribly important in the face of failure not to forget
who you are and to maintain a strong sense of your own worthiness whatever
happens.
And this isn’t
easy. I have had to work very hard to feel good about myself after being repeatedly
blown off by seemingly indifferent hiring authorities.
Staying true to
one’s goals, one’s sense of self, one’s personal integrity and basic sense of
worthiness is a life work. If we don’t have this down, life becomes a difficult
entity to navigate very well. Make it a priority.
Livin’ on the
edge is a workable, viable place, but only if we take good care of ourselves—if
we practice the art of self-preservation. Eating well, thinking well, being
aware of negative self-talk, among numerous other things, are activities worth
investing in, because we are worth our own time and attention.
It all comes
down to investiture. Do you treat yourself like you are worthy of your own
time, attention and care? And if not, why? It’s a very basic building block.
It’s how we demonstrate love and respect for self.
It’s also the
foundation on which all the rest stands (including love and respect for others).
Know thyself.
Love thyself.
