Keep the Faith

What is meant to be will always find a way.

I’ve lived my life believing this for as long as I can remember. Not that I sit around waiting to see what will happen to me. But I do feel as though, while we have free will and our attitudes and decisions impact future outcomes, there is also an element of divine intervention at work if we just believe. Sometimes that is hard.

Recently, I was talking with a family member who is struggling with their job and, quite frankly, life. They have been diligently looking for another job that might lead to a rewarding career. That person said something that hit me hard – “I feel hopeless.”

I have felt hopeless at times in my life so it brought back those feelings, and I could immediately empathize with their situation. I know that the economy is not good; Big tech companies have recently had big layoffs. I have multiple members of my family and many friends looking for new roles right now. I have been trying to find comforting and inspiring words for them. The situation can appear bleak, especially when you are not happy.

This afternoon, I was thinking about all of them. Which led me to consider how I might share some insights into how some of the most challenging situations have led me to something positive in my life. And, quite frankly, how I wouldn't be where I am without those challenges.

A note to my younger self:

Hey, you! Don’t be so down. You know things always have a way of working out. In fact, you’re fifty-two years old now and I can promise you that every step, even what looked like a misstep, has led you to the place you are meant to be.

You'll change your major from Education to Communications and no one will be able to figure out why you would do that (you always wanted to be a teacher, right?). They will ask what in the world you are going to do with "that degree". Little do they know it will open your heart and mind to any potential, and that will land you a rewarding career in healthcare.

Speaking of your career in healthcare, it won't be easy to find. You will mail out over thirty resumes to companies that have ads posted in the local newspaper just to find that first job. You will be "ghosted!" A lot. And just when you start to believe you will never land a job, it WILL happen. But only after you persist with that employer with a phone call every Friday while they are waiting for an answer from their first-choice candidate. Don't worry that you weren't the first choice. It won't matter. That opportunity will lead you to a wonderful twenty-six-year career, many wonderful life-long friends, and a strong foundation for your future.

Life will appear very challenging when you are working two additional jobs just to make ends meet. And after worrying about why you didn't meet "the guy" in college, you'll meet Eric, your funny, laid-back, future husband while waiting tables as your side gig! That leads you two to a beautiful, twenty-seven-year marriage (plus) and two wonderful daughters. You will also get over the fact that you did not have a third child and Eric will say he told you so.

You will certainly deal with rejection to get where you are today. And, yes, that rejection will sting. But then again, that rejection will lead you to a leap of faith into a new world where you will meet more wonderful people. And that, my friend, will prevent complacency (they call it “quiet quitting” in 2022). You know you hate to be stagnant! So, you will find a place where people believe in you, and you will (even though it is very scary) make the jump.

I am not going to share all the gory details of 2020, but just know that the world will look a lot different. There will be times when you wonder if you will make it through the challenges of a new job and an out-of-your-control situation. Looking back, you wouldn’t have it any other way. You'll be forced beyond your comfort zone, and you will take the opportunity to learn, grow, stretch, and practice your Faith.

Faith. It will be the common denominator in your story. When things look rough and you feel you have no control, that is when you will let a higher power lead you to the right answer. And, you will be able to look back and see how even the disappointments led you to a life with experiences you wouldn't trade for the world.

So...No matter what you're going through, don’t give up; Just keep the Faith!