Since I left my job last August, I've been on a personal journey, trying to best determine what I wanted to do the rest of my life and make money doing so, while not compromising my health, sanity and happiness. It's been interesting and eye-opening, to say the least.
When I made the decision to leave the DMP (Detroit Media Partnership, aka Detroit News & Free Press), I was full of flash and fire. I had planned on starting my own business as a personal organizer. It seemed like a great idea since I am naturally organized and seem to have a knack for finding "a place for everything." I went so far as to get an LLC, "Got Clutter?" which I thought was an original and funny, yet relevant name for the budding business-to-be. I ordered business cards and told people about my business idea. My idea was well-received by my soon-to-be ex-coworkers, who wished me well on my new career as a personal organizer.
When I first left last August, I just wanted a break. I wanted to take some time off and enjoy the rest of the summer as well as my new grandson, Hunter, who was born July 18th. I enjoyed being a grandma yet again with adorable new baby Hunter, as well as my beautiful angel-baby, Mackenzee, who was turning two years old on August 31st. There was plenty of time to launch my new business venture.
As summer turned to fall, and eventually winter, with the holidays rapidly approaching, I realized that my so-called brilliant idea of becoming a personal organizer was a poor choice. Not because I couldn't pull it off, but because the job would have required bending and lifting and other things that I'm incapable of doing with my back problems, so I gave up the idea of becoming a personal organizer, as much as I liked it initially.
Divine Intervention
Late October I reconnected with a former co-worker and friend, Michelle, who found me through Facebook. Michelle is a web designer who resides in Texas. Her website is: http://www.studio1c.com. Thanks to Michelle, I've learned the basics of web design and continue to learn more and more, getting comfortable with terms like SEO, HTML and internet marketing. I've designed a website for Jim's carpentry business to attract viable customers while continuously increasing our web presence. Please visit: http://www.belliscarpentry.com.
Passion Plays an Important Role
Without passion, the soul is a lonely, empty place. With passion one can perform miracles. This form of passion had been missing from my life, the ability to openly pursue my options, find my life's work and redirect my future onto a path on which I truly belong. I've had to travel down many dead-end roads to find my path, but it was a journey worth taking as I've discovered an internal road map to my destination, combining my skills as an artist, hobbyist and writer.
I've always thrived while creating things with my hands as well as my mind. You could say creating for me is an obsession. I especially love to sew and lately I have been rediscovering just how much I enjoy being in harmony with my Husqvarna.
For the last several months I've been enjoying and using my craft room with a vengeance. In that 9x10 space I feel closer to my real self than I do anyplace else. So it made perfect sense to move my sewing machine and cutting table from their spots in the frigid basement into my warm, cozy craft room. Because of the proximity to the laptop, printer, and other craft items, it is easier to jump in and start a sewing project because everything is accessible. And I don't miss freezing my hands and feet while working in the basement!
Sewing is a seamless (no pun intended) effort in which to use my skills as a designer, artist and writer. I've recently designed my own oven mitt pattern which I'm selling at http://www.createdbyrene.etsy.com. I look forward to designing more patterns to sell.
I need to focus in order to write. Writing is hard work and takes an enormous amount of self-discipline. For a few years I haven't been able to focus on my writing. Writer's block has contributed to mental anguish, as writing is another passion. Reading is another passion, which I do endlessly on various subjects, always learning and enjoying what I discover. Many times I get frustrated with myself because I'd rather be reading than writing, but it's hard to justify one without the other.
My journey of many months has led me to discover many things about myself:
- It's vital for me to work at my own pace, earn a decent living and enjoy what I do
- My work must be creative and include hands-on design blended with writing
- It's important for me to help people achieve their goals and find their passions
- I'm open to new ideas and constantly search to improve older ones
- I must continue to learn and educate myself as I am a lifelong student
- My health is an essential key to my future successes and I must fight for it
- Keeping friendships flourishing and family in harmony is vital to my strength
- Balance is crucial to keeping one's perspective
- A sense of humor is helpful in stressful times
I hope you enjoy my blog as I continue my journey.
Happy trails!
