The Gift of Time, Pursuit of Purpose– My Journey through Displacement
May 20, 2009 at 4:30 am 8 comments
Guest Blogger: Tracey Amos a Modern Age Mom in Transition
I appreciate this opportunity to share Leslie’s space and my voice.
I attended the 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams “Women in Jazz” Pianist Competition Finals last Friday. The event was held at the Kennedy Center and it was free. That in of itself was music to my ears!
As I was on my way to pick up a friend accompanying me to the event, my mind wandered. I thought about the fact that if I had not been displaced from my demanding high power job in January of this year, I would never have stopped to pick up that free newspaper with the picture of Mary Lou Williams on the cover as I exited the library. I would never have taken the time to peruse through its pages and to read about the event and the legacy of Mary Lou Williams.
Even if I had done all of these things, I still would not have dined leisurely at the KC Café with my friend at midday on a Friday. I would not have been sitting in the audience in front of the Millennium Stage watching four gifted and talented aspiring female jazz pianist, accompanied by an accomplished female drummer and a dynamic sister-girl bassist, compete for an opportunity to perform as part of the 15th Annual Festival in 2010. I would have never experienced the passion with which each of these women shared the gift of their talent.
So what’s all this musing got to do with my topic you ask?
Tracey and daughter Amber
Like many others in my situation, I did not choose to be displaced from my high-power, high-paying executive level job. Given the choice, I would not have self-selected into the club of the 13 plus million other displaced (aka unemployed) Americans. But bills and financial obligations notwithstanding, I have embraced this transition and the journey that I am on as a precious gift of time. This journey has allowed me to step back and to reflect upon the things I am most grateful for. It has allowed me to take stock of where I’ve been, where I’m at today, and where I’d like to go.
I have concluded that I have likely already lived and most certainly worked over half of my natural life. I have committed to myself that the next chapter is going to be about me! Not egotistically about me but about me living on purpose, in pursuit of things that I feel passionate about. I have given myself permission to check-out and enjoy the gift of time when I can’t get my heart and head in the game for career transition work. I’ve paused to recognize and give thanks for all the blessings I’ve had in my life and for all the people who’ve touched me and whom I’ve touched.
Keeping it real, I am not independently wealthy far from it in fact. My family primarily relies on my income to support our needs. I was fortunate to receive a generous severance and to have wisely saved over the years in the event that I found myself unemployed. These two things have allowed me to not feel the sense of anxiety, desperation and despair that I see so poignantly in others who are not as fortunate. I am both grateful and empathetic. I have my days just like anyone else. I believe it’s okay to visit pity-city once in awhile, but make it a quick visit, and definitely don’t take up residence.
I fundamentally believe that each facet of life is part of a larger journey whose ultimate destination is not reached until it comes to an end. I am where the Lord would have me to be at this moment. I believe by faith that the next job in my future has already been ordained. I am traveling by faith towards it. While I am in route, I am doing what I can to help others who are on the same journey. In so doing, I am rewarded everyday as I celebrate the power of the relationships that I have built over the years and the impact that I’ve had by “paying it forward” through words, actions and warmth.
I’m finding great fulfillment in helping others get connected. I’m having fun. I’m connecting with old friends and acquaintances. I’m meeting new people. I’m exploring. I’m engaging. I’m embracing. I’m enjoying. I’m trying to live on purpose.
I don’t yet know what lies ahead but I know for certain that whatever it is, it is part of a divine plan that is bigger than me! I’m grateful for this knowledge. I choose to celebrate and to live in today.
With Leslie’s permission, I’ll visit again to update you on my journey. Keep the faith.
Sisterly,
Tracey Amos
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1.
Jennifer | May 20, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I can totally relate to you in this article. I am blessed as well. The amplified version of Prov 3:5 says trust in, lean on and have confidence in God. I find that I didn’t do that in my past. Now I’m growing and learning. I even find myself praying for my new boss, whomever it may be. Keep hanging in there. Peace & Blessings
Jennifer
2.
Bobette Banks | May 20, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Tracey, your reflections really hit home for me. I am right where you are and I am using this period in my life to recharge my batteries, spend quality time with family and friends, and embrace what the next chapter of life will bring.
Leslie, thanks to you for providing such a great outlet for “Modern Age Moms” everywhere. I am loving it!
3.
Tracey | May 21, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and encouragement that I have received from sharing my story. I thank all of those who have sent personal messages to me in response.
I also thank Jennifer and Bobette for posting their comments. I chose to share my story in the hope that it would provide a word of encouragement to someone who needed to know that they are not alone in their journey, a word of hope to someone who may be feeling a sense of hopeless at this very moment and a word of inspiration for those who are embracing the possibilities on their horizons as a result of their current situation.
Please continue to share your comments and your personal testimonies. I am certain that your words will speak to someone’s heart and deliver to them a message that they need to hear at this moment.
4.
Lorraine | May 28, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Very inspiring Tracey, and we know that our God will supply every need. It also makes us aware of the important things in life and how much we truly need.
Love ya,
Lorraine
5. Me Day « Modern Age Mom | May 29, 2009 at 4:32 am
[...] 29, 2009 Like my recently displaced friend Tracey, I’ve also been on a journey to a life of greater purpose which began nearly three years ago. [...]
6.
PPeterson | June 1, 2009 at 1:39 am
This is a nice article that reminds us to exercise faith doing life transitions. It’s difficult to trust that things will work out when you can not see or touch it. As Tracey pointed out, each person will have to push themselves past the pity stage into a trusting and doing stage. Of course, easier said that done…but with faith it is obtainable.
7. Look out Babble. Here comes Dabbl’d! « Modern Age Mom | June 3, 2009 at 4:34 am
[...] parent while exploring options professionally, dabbling that is. People in career transition like my friend Tracy Amos can rely on — and contribute to — the tools and resources as they transition from [...]
8. The Gift of Time, Pursuit of Purpose – An Update on My Journey « Modern Age Mom | February 9, 2010 at 4:48 am
[...] I shared with you last May that I had been displaced from my executive level job at the outset of 2009. I also shared my intent to embrace my transition as a precious gift of time, bills and financial obligations notwithstanding. I committed to myself that the next chapter of my life was going to be about me living “on purpose”, in pursuit of things that I felt passionate about. [...]