I was catching up with a young friend the other day. Craig and I had been colleagues before the pandemic changed everything. My job had gone away, but he stayed on. During our call, he said the company had let him go.
Because I was so happy to hear this, I congratulated him. I know that sounds wrong but let me explain.
Craig had been a square peg in a round hole. Often we would commiserate at the new direction the organization was heading. He wasn't acclimating to the changing work culture. Their quality metrics were unyielding.
To be fired from a job where he didn't fit seemed like a gift to me. He'd been reluctant to end his employment himself and had nothing else lined up.
Then the universe intervened.
Don't you love when that happens?
Most of us have about 4,000 weeks of life. I thank Oliver Burkeman for his calculation. Burkeman's "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" is a perspective-changer. I'm at 3,068 weeks, more than three-quarters through my allotment, give or take. Time is worth so much more now.
Losing a job is a course correction. My congratulations stand.
Choose something that generates joy, dear Craig. Make it easy to get up in the morning. Keep the bounce in your step, whatever you choose.
When I was your age, I thought I had an endless supply of days. That there was time to waste. It’s only now I realize that’s not true.
If you're lucky, you'll get 4,000 weeks. When you find a new job and it doesn't work, quit. Please don't wait until they fire you this time. Keep going.
How you spend your time matters. Live every day on purpose, with purpose.
When you get to week #3,068, like me, you’ll be glad that you did.
YOGA THIS WEEK
We are in week 3 of a 4-week series called Yoga for a Better Back. Tuesday night, our focus will be on twists. Twists give a deep stretch to the muscles of the back and improve range of motion. Twisting also increases the spacing between the vertebra, lengthening the spine and promoting spinal nerve health.
The next series will begin at the end of February. It will be a combination of gentle yoga and meditation. Details coming soon!
BOOK CLUB
Don’t forget our meeting is next Wednesday, February 9th, at 7 p.m. The book is “The Confession Club” by Elizabeth Berg. This is free of charge! We’d love to see your face. Sign up here.