So today’s prompt is to talk about a challenge we have faced in 2009, well as my family says, 2009 WAS my challenge. This year tried me, pulled me apart, made me cry, and lastly made me grow as a person. I experienced many “firsts” this year and while most of those were exciting there were a few I would have rather done without.
I moved home to Houston to start a new life. In January of 2009 I started a new job and everything was going pretty well except I was still living at home with my parents and my soon to be roommate, who was suppose to come home when I did, got delayed 6 months from moving back to Texas. So I had to wait. I did the 1.5 hour drive to and from work everyday, but it was in those 3 hours of driving I O got a lot accomplished. I learned to be patient, cause Houston traffic is awful. I caught up with old friends on the phone, and even made plans so that I could try to start making friends for myself in my new home.
In June I got laid off, which was a first one for me. To be honest, though, I was very unhappy where I was working. I remember coming home daily and being frustrated to tears with the environment I was in. I tried everything to make my work environment more pleasant, but in the long run it just wasn’t enough.
When I was let go in June a wave of anger and resentment rushed over me, but after that faded I was truly able to see this situation for what it was, a blessing. After I was let go I became the healthiest I had been in a long time, in both body and spirit, and before you knew it had a new job, my roommate moved back into town, I got a new apartment and things just started to fall into place.
Amongst all of this I dealt with several other challenges along the way. My thyroid started to act up again so I started to loose my hair, my weight rollercoastered from week to week and I was still dealing with the emotional baggage I brought with me when I moved to Houston. But, like everything else, I have learned to grow from these challenges. I am learning to take better care of my body. I have learnt to face some of my biggest fears and on top of that I have done it without showing an ounce of fear on my face. (haha if you only knew)
So I would have to sum it up with 2009 was one of, if not, the toughest year of my life. It tried me physically, emotionally, and professionally, but I am happy to say….I did it!
A special thank you goes out to my amazing family for helping me through this time. Without all your love, support and patience I never would have made it. You are the best!
Bird of the Summer by A Fine Frenzy
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
If you’ve been going through tough times, trust me, it did not show. Don’t worry about a thing, you’re doing great!
Thanks Brian. Your the best! =o) Brunch soon!
What a year! I am proud of you. xxx
Congratulations on making it through. And on being a challenge winner!
I absolutely adore the look of this blog, btw. So friggin clever!
Sounds like you had quite a year and you carried it with grace.
Congratulations on being a challenge winner. I’m the maker of the prayer beads you won. Get in touch with me and I’ll send them on their way. ~ Mahala
what a year. all those cliches about how it takes heat to form a diamond and stuff like that? true. they are all true. and you say it much more eloquently. congratulations on the win, too! i can sure see why gwen selected you. i won the bryce widom art piece on monday (still tearing up about it)!
Jess
2009 sure gave you some challenges, but soo glad you have worked through them. Losing a job can be so difficult but I hear it opens up so many opportunities you never thought. I hope you love your new job and that it fits you better.
You know, I always chuckle a bit when people in Cincinnati complain about traffic, because having grown up in Houston, I know that “they ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”
Wow, sounds like you had a crazy year. I’m glad you can look back on it so positively, and I hope 2010 recognizes your good karma build-up and rewards you handsomely.
Oh, and that’s a lovely shot of Houston!
I’m grateful you reposted this along with the post from Day 17. I missed it the first time around and am glad to read it now, so I can get to know you a little bit.