I took a break from work today after my first 10 hours in the building. Dreading my last two and feeling overwhelmed by the transition I was getting grumpier by the minute. I watched as a “facilities” staff person rearranged our lobby chairs and tables preparing for some kind of special event. This man was so
excited as he lifted and moved furniture. He took great pride in what he was doing and inspired me to return to work with a better
attitude. I was reminded in that moment that many people don’t have jobs right now and I have four...five if you count catering...and six if you throw in the Go Love Adventure Tour. It can be exhausting and it can make you lose sight of what you love about each job, but this man was a
reminder to take each day at a time and enjoy where I am at and what I am doing.
I often find it hard to say no (not because I lack strength, but more because I want to do it all) and this can lead to a crazy over-committed schedule. Again, life comes down to balance. I can be busy and I can be a “yes man” as long as I don’t allow myself to be walked on or over-commit to the point of doing things half-hearted. BUT regardless of schedule, I am the one who agreed to be there for a 12 hour day and being tired by personal choice is no reason for complacency. I want people to see that I also
enjoy my job. I want to be there.
As the universe would have it, turns out the lobby was being rearranged so they could host a dinner and I happen to know the guest of honor. She is a dermatologist and one of the leading experts on contact dermatitis...she is fascinated by her work. Talk about placing the exclamation point on my life reminder to enjoy work. However, Fran's energy extends way beyond her career and as I sat back and eavesdropped to her friends and coworkers toasting her, I was reminded that I am headed in the right direction. I aspire to find all the things that make me most happy, including a career.
Balance. In Fran's own words, "Mostly I'm more pleased than anything that I've been able to have a professional life that worked well with my private life. It's given me a chance to put my family first. And they remain central to my life." She is consistently challenging the known and has an open mind to learning new information...never stop learning. A mentor to myself and so many others both professionally and personally, she is also a role model for blazing trail, being a pioneer and maintaining excellent work ethic.
In regards to my new job while feeling guilty about leaving the old ones, Fran offered the best advice of anyone,
"Have a lovely life. I know you will. Life is just so thrilling!" Cheers to that.
I would also like to admit that one of the things I will miss most while on the road is Cross Crusade Cylclocross races. Despite never participating in the competition, I fell in love with the atmosphere last year and looked forward to photo opportunities, free coffee and Bob's Red Mill steel cut oats provided by Chris King. Sloshing around in my favorite galoshes, focused on the lens until Dylan rounds the corner...then I quickly forget what I am supposed to be doing and get lost cheering and counting the number of single speeds in front of him so I can shout out his number. The whole time listening to the cow bells ringing in the background.
