Winter Solstice, New Beginnings

“ … I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Phil. 4: 11-12

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever.” ~ St. Francis De Sales

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December 21^st is the Winter Solstice. It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year here in the Western Hemisphere. From December 22^nd until summer, the days slowly increase in length and in light, until the sun’s zenith on June 21^st, the Summer Solstice.

Tomorrow is a special day to honor new beginnings and a point of change in the rhythms of nature.

Tomorrow is also the day that I start a new beginning: I start a new job tomorrow.

I’m very happy to be starting on this next part of my life journey. And yet, there is a part of me that is reluctant to let go of these gentle days, spinning on their own time. Yes, I want to work and earn my own way again, but I also want to be very careful not to lose the lessons and growth of the last nine months. This time has been wonderful, moving with the natural rhythms of each day, walking every morning, out in the fresh air and sunshine, saying hello to others out, too. There will be many things that I will miss as I begin to move to a new rhythm.

But it’s time to do so, to move forward in a new direction. I will meet new people, learn a new job, contribute the value of my experience and work. And getting a paycheck will be nice and will help me rebuild my savings account again, and provide greater ease for me financially. I’m looking forward … and I’m cherishing what has passed. I do pray that the gentle lessons are now part of my being and that I don’t return to previous unhealthy work patterns. I’ll find a walking route to take on lunch breaks so I can be out in the air and sunshine. I will remember to honor the sacred in each day and in each moment. I will be content and have a calm spirit.

I hope you all have a wonderful Winter Solstice day!

This could be good ...

I had the interview yesterday with the Web development company. I'd really like to work there and hope that they feel I'm the right candidate for the position. The work would be very similar to work I'd done in a previous company, project management on automotive Web properties, so could be a smooth transition. My skills and experience in IT management, team supervision, Web development, automotive and leadership provide a strong background for the role; everything I've done in the past has lead me to here and could prove valuable in the position.

I'm really trying to avoid the word "want" in relationship to this. "Want" indicates lack, and my life certainly doesn't lack. I have abundant happiness in my life; a satisfying job would be really great to add to it. My happiness and joy and light are independent of whether or not I land this position. Happiness does not depend on external factors; it is something we carry within ourselves, a yogic bliss that goes with us wherever we are.

A job with this company would be wonderful, and I did the work I needed to do in preparation for the interview. I researched, I role-played with my brother who made himself available late Sunday night to help me, I practiced, wrote possible questions and scenarios, even bought a new outfit that I would feel good in and that helped me to feel confident.

I interviewed with four people one-on-one, and I think the discussions went well. It was late in the day, though, and their workdays were winding down; I didn't get the meatier situational and behavioral questions I'd anticipated, but the questions and discussions were good and I felt a positive energy. I have sent my thank-you e-mails to the people I spoke with. I've e-mailed two of my former co-workers who are currently employed with this company in another office and asked them to e-mail their recommendations attesting to the quality of my work.

Now it is in God's hands. If this is where I am supposed to be, then I will be there. If not, then God has a different, better place for me to continue my journey. I am loved, I am happy and this has been a great experience to prepare for the interview and to get to know the people at the company. All these things are positive and fill me with joy. I will be where God wants me to be, carrying my happiness wherever I land.

Namaste