Releasing Into the Sky

 If I told you what I've seen, heard, and experienced, you wouldn't believe me. It tends to go against conventional beliefs. You'd probably say "she's crazy" and "ignore her!" So, "crazy?" Maybe. I'm a creative, and all true creative people tend to have an element of crazy in them! Ignore her? Maybe, if you want. But if you're looking for a truly inspiring story- something different from the rest- then read on and maybe, just maybe, you might learn something that you haven't learned before. 

To give an idea of crazy: I'm not even from Washington D.C. I stepped off the metro, moved into my new location (which consisted of dropping my two bags in the apartment), and went outside to explore my new city on a Sunday afternoon. Within a matter of five minutes, I had someone stop me and ask for directions because they swore I was a D.C. local who knew my way around town. I admitted I was new in town, they begged for directions, and I gave it my best guess. It's a true story! Most people say "you made that up!" Sure, why would I lie? Welcome to my life. It's way too interesting to make stuff up. The random finds me; I don't even go looking. The interesting fact: if I try to be funny it will be a failure. If I'm just "me" everything magically turns out incredibly entertaining without trying. 

Where to begin? How about with the current state of affairs. Life has been difficult for many people. We're all trying to be positive. The state of our economy is pretty rough. Many people are struggling to hold on to jobs- if they have one. The jobs they do have are brutal on the employees, sucking the life out of people by demanding hours upon hours of slave labor to a career that will never love you back. Kids need attention. Families require love and care. Individuals need to take care of themselves. There never seems to be enough time in the day. Finances are becoming tighter and tighter because everything in our economy is becoming more and more expensive. Gasoline, food, electric, mortgages/rent, etc. all of the pricing is sky high while wages are staying the same or dropping. Seriously, how does anyone get ahead in this game called life? 

Then, there are people who are losing their jobs. Some people are quitting. With many reasons why people are unemployed, that leaves a larger pool of people fighting for employment with the jobs that are available. Even if people did want to start their own company, it's too risky if you have no backup funds. So, that leaves people feuding for the few available positions in our economy. Which some are remote. If a position is remote, that now means the entire United States is probably vuying for that one remote position because there are few remote/hybrid positions left from covid days. Ah, the competition is brutal. And let's add A.I. into the mix. If jobs weren't scarce already, now people are fighting A.I. for a position along with reduced pay. The wages being offered aren't even livable wages anymore. Welcome. to. ... the new world. 

My sad story is an older millennial who is trying to navigate all the promises made that aren't coming true. I was told "if you work hard dreams will come true. First, graduate high school, get a college degree, find your dream home and get married to have a perfect family, you'll grow with a company, have a competitive wage, and be able to retire in your early 60's." Hahahahaaa. Nothing worked out like this it seems. None of the promises were real. I've worked so hard. I almost feel like I've gone backwards compared to others. But I've also learned the grass is not always greener on the other side. People wear many facades. Great for them! I'd rather be true to me- whether it's death to me or not- for being honest with myself. 

More of us are alike than we may like to admit. So many of us are scared, struggling, giving our best, hiding our fears, making a big entrance with what we do, and hoping for the best. We each have our own talents and gifts. We sometimes forget that it's ok to be an individual. We try to bend ourselves to fit into the mold. And what we get is a lifetime of unhappiness until we break the cycle. Does any of this resonate with you? Are you ready to make a change? Well then, here's a thought for you.

Give it to the universe! Raise your hands in the air, take a deep breath in, hold it for ten seconds, release the breath, and lower your arms. Let the stress exhale. Repeat as many times as you need. Then pray to the universe to take your troubles, and walk away. Turn your back and let the stresses go with the wind in the air. Be off to see where the water flows. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Stress free as we move forward and glide into position for the very next adventure.