Automated affirmation, Albany, CA.
My Pops always says he’s an optimist mainly because the alternative is so much more unattractive. He’s also always been convinced that it came down to a decision on his part. For decades I fought with him over this: could he really be saying that our outlook could simply be re-routed, that the force of our will could redirect the impact of events, as simply and decisively as a railroad switch? Well, yes: that is what he was saying. And though I think he left out a few helpful substantiating details, more and more I find myself in agreement with him. And not a moment too soon.
Everyday care of my kids has rapidly filled the breach the sudden loss of my job opened up a month ago (step aside, babysitter, Baba’s back in the driver’s seat!). And though this throws a roller skate or two in the path toward my next Right Livelihood, there’s no disputing that children are grounding in a way nothing else is. Per usual, I need them every iota as much as they need me. Match made in mama’s ovaries, and in heaven.
One by one, as they gently come floating back into my field of vision, I see the things I had lost sight of during my year-and-a-half of hyperemployment (neologism alert!). In addition to a daily, cellular knowledge of what’s going on with my kids and in my relationship, this past month I have gratefully become reminded of my connection to the rich weave of community around me: the co-housing “village” in which I live, my neighborhood, my kids’ school community, our local farmer’s markets, and finally my town. I stay at my brother-in-law’s and wash the dishes after Sunday night family dinner; I take my kids to school and linger on the playground a moment to talk with other parents; I go to the farmer’s market and sit with my kids to listen to the banjo player; and at night, after the kids are asleep, I listen until my beloved is done expressing what she wants to express. Jewels, all. Each day I have had the time to not just look at the community around me, but to see it, and finally to absorb and appreciate it. This time I have now–even if it’s on loan–is precious.
To the analog life, and the examined one, two old friends of late forgotten: I vote yes.
I love that you sound so, so happy and grounded. My best wishes for you, always.
You are such an angel. (Were in NYC; I figger you are anywhere you are!) I have my ups & downs, but have a constitutional predisposition to look for (& therefore see) opportunity. Good folks around me help a HEAP.
My best wishes back at you, too, Carmen!
LD, over the years I have lost lots of jobs, some of my volition, others at the behest of events beyond my control. Each time I have been made aware that it is for the best despite the heartache at the often suddenness of the decisions. It’s almost always been an improvement in life-as you are finding out. I love the descriptiveness of your writing-it’s why I keep coming back. Oh, and that inimitable content !~! Thanks for sharing your lives with us.
And thank you, Lynda, for sharing both the wisdom and the gratitude. Truly: thank you.
ah, you make me a little envious, here. I’m making the transition from staying at home to employment, and losing so many little minutes of the day, even the school-drop-off that I’d been so looking forward to (convenience of who has the carseat in the car. ugh.) Not that I want our one-income family to slide into zero-income status, but aaah, for the day-to-day connections. So so so glad that you are grasping and seizing with both hands, wise Baba.
And, selfishly, if unemployment means more lovely posts, then I’m all for it. 😉 Good to hear your voice again!
It’s so good to hear this! Right livelihood be darned! What could be more right than being aware of the nuances of your family’s emotional life? Work that doesn’t leave space for that is wrong