Don't Sweat the Small Stuff- Be Grateful Instead

Remember the saying (and book) "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Because it is ALL small stuff?", well, yes, that is true but going a step further I have to say to be grateful for it.

The small things can add up.

Struggle has been a way of life for many later, this writer included. I recently secured a job all on my own and although the pay is half of what I am used to, I am thrilled.

My mentality is that although the pay is low it is more than I was making. The job is perfect for me. Close to home so there is no stress over commuting, no worrying about using up a lot of gas and the job is MINDLESS!

No more bringing my job home with me.

As someone whose last several full-time positions sucked the life out of me, taking this job that does not involve much responsibility is a gift.

One might accuse me of being an underachiever but the truth is that I don't strive for a brilliant career. I know what kind of life I want to live and with this mindless job I can live it.

Managing my expenses is still going to be a struggle but that is only because my husband is underemployed. We will get by; we always do.

After long-term unemployment many people lessen their chances of re-employment the longer they stay out of work. I have written about this more often than I cared to but it is still very relevant to people. I know what I speak of; I have lived it.

I have also re-invented myself and proudly. I no longer care or look to what others expect a woman of my age and experience to do.

I am finally going to live for me and be able to indulge myself in the passions that I have discovered that although are not enough to totally replace my paycheck, they make me happy.

Life is too short to work a survival job that sucks the life out of you. You have to find a balance. You have to have passion for something in your life.

I have found that (finally) and also have found a way to do what I have to do to prevent homelessness and still be able to do what I love to do.

So this new job which is only part time may be small but I am grateful. I still have time to do my self-employment projects and mentally, I can handle it all.

Most of all I am grateful for the many small blessings in my life. Everything isn't bleak. Yes, at times it is scary and I could fear the future but instead I look at how far I have come and I know that everything is going to be just fine.