My office and new supervisor #MisterTaquito
It’s been seven months or so since I was let go of my job of 20 years. What a scary thing! On January 2, 2018 we got the electricity back and for me that is marked in calendar forever as a very special anniversary. About a week later I started working freelance for my old job, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, and have been ever since to which I am very grateful. Due to cut backs they couldn’t rehire full time but with the hours that I have been working for them, I have been able to pay my debts and get by. I don’t like that phrase: “get by”. It sounds to me like the opposite of stability…peace. But in the “getting by” I also had time to work on some personal projects that I have been putting on hold for the past 20-25 years or so. Go figure.
So, by “getting by” financially…I was able to do other things besides work. That gave me some pause. I realize that I have been in the rat race for so long that I didn’t even notice time passing by. Things that I wanted to accomplish but just kept staying in the wish list year after year. Now…I had the time so let’s do them! I am not talking about traveling around the world (which is in my list by the way) or jumping from a plane (not on my list). I am talking about something as simple as exercising, keeping a journal, reading a self help book, learning a new recipe and ta-da…#WingChun. The kind of stuff that only would be for my benefit, but I never gave it any priority because I had a full time job, my kids were younger so I put them on hold.
On these past seven months I have learned to pause. To see the positive out of everything. It hasn’t been easy all the time but it’s a new thing that I can add to my list of things that I have learned and try to do everyday. A horrible hurricane destroyed my lovely island. So many people left, so many jobs, properties and lives lost. Sharing our experiences with friends, family, and even with strangers waiting on line I have come to realize that with perseverance, patience, and a lot of work in every aspect of our lives we are the same people but different at the same time.
Now, every morning before I get up from bed I thank the Goddess, God or my Higher Power for: my health, my family’s health and well being (dogs included of course), that we have a house with working utilities, good weather and the list goes on. I am not a religious person. I do believe in a higher power, but I just don’t click with religion…at least not yet. I always thought what a sweet thing that the religious people in my life were always thanking God for everything good in their life. Never gave it much thought until now.
“Getting by” has been a lesson. Yes, I want to do many thing, yes I want to work more to have financial stability and save for my kids university, travels and so many other wonderful things. But until I do, I am thankful for this phase in my life. So let’s get back to work #MisterTaquito. There is lots to do yet.
Jean-Marie Sánchez 