Lessons learned through unemployment

One of the benefits of being out of work is that it has allowed me to refocus on the things that really matter to me and really think through what type of life I want to live. Some of the most important lessons I have learned so far include the following:

• Life is too short not to play. David's motto has always been work hard, play hard, pray hard. I believe it. I was doing far too much of the work and not enough of the play.  I have loved putting some fun back into my life. (Although I am still working quite hard at finding a job.)
• People matter.  Moving out to Mesa from Phoenix put me back in a place where I could meet new people. I love being around people, meeting new ones, and having roommates (who keep me from getting set in my ways).
• Don't take life so seriously.  I will never put myself in a situation again where the work is so stressful that it comes home with me. I am so happy again, and people who have known me for years have even commented on how this is the first time they have seen me so relaxed.
• God is aware of us. It's not that I didn't know this, but I have been amazed at the friends and family who have sent text messages, called, or emailed at the times I needed it most. For the most part, being unemployed has been a pretty positive experience for me because it is giving me a chance to start over. Still, in the moments that I may get a little discouraged the Lord has been there to support and sustain me. Priesthood blessings have also been a great help to me.
• Take risks. For a long time I haven't been one to take risks. However, I have really come to love taking chances--chances at love, chances to make changes in a career, and chances to live in new areas. These things can sometimes be scary, and I will be the first to admit that when I relationship failed I was pretty heart broken. However, I have grown so much by all of these experiences that I am actually anxious to continue taking chances. I find that I am growing so much more and that my life is more full.
• Take time to learn. I am so grateful for the time I have had to learn what makes me really happy in life.  These are the things that I have determined must remain in place when I finally do become employed once again, and include running/exercise, scripture study, good music (going to concerts), having great friends and family in my life, and having some down time.
• Miracles happen. Joy is possible. Life is to be lived with joy. Much of what we experience is because of our own choices. We can have as much joy as we choose, if we will take note of the things that bring true joy and keep them in our lives.