Things have been keeping me busy lately, but for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I’m playing “catch-up,” and it feels good. I’ve made significant headway on the office overhaul the last week or so, and it is finally starting to really take shape again. I’ve also been working here and there on some other projects which are making headway as well. But some of the biggest news recently, has come from work.
If you recall, just about a month ago I changed jobs. I went from an unnecessarily high-stress, low-paying (minimum wage) job with lots of drama to a position with little stress, little drama and has better pay. Not really any downside so far, and in the last couple of days came out with a couple of surprises that I had no way of expecting.
The first surprise is that with my current manager, we work extremely well together. We have a tough job, but we are making progress and getting things done, in spite of the fact that I just came out of training a couple weeks ago. We also, as it turns out, seem to have a few things in common in our personal lives as well. It’s not like we’re going to be “besties”, but it does help that I’m working with someone I get along with on a personal level as well as professional.
The second surprise was much bigger, but still very small in it’s own way (seemingly a paradox, but I think you will understand). I have been working in the service industry for nearly 30 years (well over 30 if you include all of my scouting years – selling cookies and calendars, running booths for various events, volunteering, etc). I have been through company bankruptcy, company closures, and corporate sabotage. On the non-corporate level, it is very normal to experience the ugly side of business, and extremely rare for any form of employee recognition. It was a small thing, just a mention and recognition of my years and background, not even directed at me. And then it was confirmed later directly by my manager.
Spirit will give us messages in many ways, and not usually obvious ones. But the last week has shown me a message I truly needed to hear. The hard work is worth it. Not for the recognition or the kudos. It’s worth it for the progress that we make. The hard work we put in for our physical lives is reflected in the growth of our Spiritual lives, and those are the little blessings that make all of the effort worth it.
The Warriors Den 