New beginnings
I’m sure you’ve noticed I haven’t been publishing much in the past few months. The reason for this is I’ve started a new job and moved into a newly renovated apartment. It all happened within about 2 months which creates for quite the whirlwind of activity.
I struggled with letting my publishing schedule go. I’m not really into Substack for the reader/follower count. My substack started as a way to keep my family in the loop without having to write 10 different text messages. The long form format was also a benefit as most who know me (here’s looking at you Dad) know that I can be wordy. Why use a sentence when an entire paragraph with included side quests would do. But even so I still worried that you’d all leave me.
Back in September a lovely woman who I had interviewed with 2 YEARS ago called me out of the blue. She went on and on about this new person who was running for the Mayor in the City of Buffalo. Honestly I thought she was going to ask for a campaign donation. Turns out that was not it. She asked me if I’d be interested in working for his administration. Fast forward 8 months and here we are.
I work for a group of people who inspire me every day. They are energetic, passionate, driven and want nothing more than to made the city I love better, more accessible and financially stronger. I once prayed to God for a job where I’d feel a greater sense of purpose. Well he answered my prayer, in spades.
At the same time I was transitioning to a new and very demanding but rewarding job I was also designing my new living space, sourcing furniture, and moving. There is something greatly rewarding about creating something that you know will resonate with your heart and create peacefulness in your life.
Louise Penny once wrote that we are all just looking for a quiet place in the sunshine. I read that quote many years ago and have been searching for it ever since. I always thought that it was referring to a romantic partner or a cabin in the woods. Honestly last year I’d have taken either. But it’s was not. And it wasn’t something that was given to me, not in the way that I thought anyway.
Turns out my place in the sunshine was something I had to create. It has taken a year, almost two. I had go though the storm and endure a season of disappointment and then a season of waiting before I was ready to create the place that will bring me both joy and peace in equal measure.
So welcome back friends. And if you are going through a season of waiting or disappointment know, that while it feels unending, it is not. It is in fact, a time of clearing out the detris of your life so that you have room for the blessings and joy that are about to unfold.
Well done Alix! It must be very satisfying to have found a job that leaves you feeling so fulfilled and with a greater sense of purpose, which in turn will hopefully ensure you enjoy your job, which is probably the most important element.