If you live in the Silicon Valley, you are bound to know people who have lost their jobs in the tech industry in 2023. Losing a job can be incredibly stressful, especially if it happens at a “bad” time. It is very tempting to feel sorry when we lose our job, or when our spouse loses their job. But we can also change our state of mind and say “Thank you” to the universe for whatever happens.
Challenges are transformative, and most times, if we can figure the lessons to be learned, they make us more powerful. For example, unemployment is an opportunity to finally register for this master’s program you maybe have been considering, or an opportunity to look into other careers, take a few months to travel or meditate; get away from a boss who pulled you down. That’s more power to you!
One of the ways I have looked at job losses in my own life, was that they are reminders to stop over consuming, and be very grateful for what I had in my life: a beautiful relationship with my husband, pretty cool kids and a house I loved. Even when I wasn’t sure I could still afford my house, I tried to focus on the chance I had to have had a lovely house, and just thought if I must move into something smaller, it would be an opportunity to get rid of a lot of “stuff” I don’t need and spend less time organizing and putting things away than before, more freedom from the mental burden of owning too many objects and a new life experience in perspective. More power to me.
A divorce can compel us to investigate the heavy baggage we’ve been carrying, clean house (figuratively) and pave the way to a healthier relationship, first and foremost with ourselves, and secondly, with another person. It will make us more powerful.
I recently found out that a woman I knew a long time ago lost a child by drowning. On a personal level, this loss is utterly tragic. On a higher level, so many lives will be spared because of this death. The child’s mother turned her grief into creativity and tremendous empathy. She made a documentary film to educate people about the risks of drowning and water safety. What does not kill you makes you stronger.
Life has ups and downs. Enjoy the ups, embrace the downs and the lessons to be learned!