A year ago this week, my world and that of my family’s turned upside down when I was told they were eliminating my position at work. For six years I had been working in what was called a Baylor position. I worked 24 hours a week (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 hour shifts) in exchange for getting paid what I would be making if I worked 36 hours a week. I gave up my weekends, but we didn’t have to pay for child care, I made enough money to support my family (because my husband’s income is unpredictable) and I could participate in school activities with my girls. It was perfect for my family.
A year ago this week, I unintentionally started a journey to finding my happiness. You see, I thought I was happy. After all, I was, for the most part, a stay-at-home-mom but I also had a great job that supported my family. I had the best of both worlds. Who wouldn’t want that?
A year ago this week, I started learning that sometimes you need to let go. I cried. I cried a lot. I didn’t know what I was going to do for a job. I didn’t know how we were going to afford child care if I worked during the week. I didn’t know how to give up being home with my girls…I didn’t know…
A year ago this week, I started learning that sometimes you need to take control. If I couldn’t control what was happening at work, I was going to control something. That something was my happiness. Despite the circumstances, I was going to make sure I did something for me.
A year ago this week, I began the best year I’ve had in a long time. I work more hours but I have most weekends off. I’ve spent more quality time with my family this year than I ever did when I had the week off! My husband was able to rearrange some things with his work to allow for as minimal child care as possible. Some how we’re making the expense work. Most importantly, I took control of myself and lost 45 lbs!
A year ago this week, my world and that of my family’s turned upside down and I began finding my happiness.
