I am just absolutely thankful with the good things that have come into my life. Just the other month, I was feeling a bit discouraged. However in the midst of my angst, I remember a little rule that came to me at some point: “What is down, must come up. What is up, must come down. But when that happens you better have insurance!”
I remember being laid off from my first job out of college, not knowing what I was going to do next. I applied to jobs to no avail. I remember the struggles of starting my business while working a full time job, until I was laid off again. However, this time, that business sustained me for the next year and a half……It was my insurance. But even though it had it’s own highs and its lows, I never went hungry, never got kicked out of my apartment, never had my car repossessed, and never had a bill neglected. Things just fell into place. I was blessed.
I am blessed. Even when everything was cool–the living was easy–my car surprised me by giving me gift of extensive repairs (at $1700 in repairs and $1200 to rent a car for the month.). However, for some reason I was sustained mentally. When I realized that going in and fixing the problems with my car, ended up worse than when it left my possession, I had to make quick decisions. Get a new car, or continue putting money into its repairs while renting a car. I stepped out on faith. Not knowing how long the funds in my bank account would last,I put $2000 of it down on a new car which was a steal (only 12,000 miles). I didn’t know how it would come back, but I knew that it would. Unlike some people facing a predicament such as this, I was fortunate.
But, what’s down, comes back up. I knew I had to readjust and do what I had to do! I just continued working my business, picking up a part time job to build up my emergency funds AGAIN. But the hours were brutal. I was exhausted. Something had to give. Luckily, I applied to a job in my field not even expecting to hear back. Surprisingly, after two years, I was offered an even better position with a governmental agency (with benefits…yes)! But I faced another conundrum, give up my freedom and business to work for the government or continue the business. I again stepped out on faith and hired my first employee. I had to shift my mindset. “Use the position to fund the business.” My insurance.
All around the past few months have been amazing–just seeing the ebbs and flow of life and circumstance intermingled with my reactions to them. Earlier this year, I was asked to contribute to a book called 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70, it was just published this month, and little did I know that my name was listed on the front cover along with the notable Nikki Giovanni! I’m glad that I have this opportunity because proceeds also go to charities involved in the fight against cancer! It was even picked up by the Huffington Post!
Now when I look back on the times that I was kinda low, I know the personal philosophy that got me through. Having the faith that what is down must come up, and what is up must come down. Just make sure you have “insurance” if that’s the case. In other words, always be preparing for the downfall so that you are not surprised by it and have not prepared for it in some way.
