My period of unemployment has been a roller coaster of highs and lows. The down periods - when the phone is not ringing, people aren't returning emails, and opportunities few in arriving - can lead to abject depression. The internal voice starts in and questions accomplishments, potential, and worth.
On the other hand, the high periods - when folks seem interested, opportunities abound, and unsolicited compliments come in from former coworkers - well, they're the thing that keeps emotions from bottoming out.
Despite the highs, this period of unemployment has been one that has brought a lot of humility down upon me. I had taken a lot for granted, and when it has been taken away from you, there is a painful recognition of what has been lost. And just like a divorce or a death, there is a keen feeling of loss.
However, as the days have gone on, something else has been creeping up - the feeling of being blessed. As I type this, I'm sitting in a wonderful house, with warm heat, a fantastic cup of coffee, a fully belly from breakfast, and listening to some outstanding music. I want for very little, and as compared to much of humanity, it is ridiculous as to how much I've been blessed, and how good I've had it and how good I've got it.
The recognition of this situation has made me both grateful and ashamed, and deservedly so.
At our worst set of circumstances, we are still so very blessed. We just need to raise our eyes and see it. It is a blessing in and of itself to be cognizant of that.
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