You may be wondering, "Why is he asking this question?". Well, I've been unemployed for four months and have very mixed feelings about this situation. On one hand, the insecurity and anxiety of living day to day without a job can be very stressful. But, the freedom of being able, within reason, to completely change my lifestyle is a challenge that excites me. There have definitely been good days and bad days but overall it's a tremendous opportunity to re-invent myself. I've been in the jewelry business for 20+ years, establishing and maintaining many great relationships over that time. People in the business have offered me several jobs but, my heart is screaming " time for a change". The possibilities are endless in this technological world we live in today. Nonetheless, every day can be both a blessing and a bummer!

You would think that not having anything to do each day would drive a person insane. The beauty of waking each morning with no obligations is a godsend. No schedule. No appointments. No meetings. No commute. I determine how my time is spent. Of course, being a responsible human being, I am actively searching for employment or some sort of sustainable income. This mini sabbatical has taught me about what's important in my life. Its' not always about money, position or possessions. Independence and the ability to structure my time as I see fit is a revelation. Everyday is a new adventure. A blank canvas to create whatever life my heart desires. And, Hubpages has been a huge blessing. It lets me express in writing what I'm passionate about or just what's on my mind. Just having the ability to grow as a person in these troubled times is transforming.

Living day to day, on a very limited budget in this economy is stressful enough. Add trying to find employment to the equation and you have chaos emotionally. Rifling hundreds of resumes out online and not getting any response is frustrating and truthfully scary. Spending hour upon hour scouring job boards for something that matches your skill set is exhausting. Some days I just want to pull my hair out! That's why the idea of a home-based business is so attractive. But going online and encountering all the scams is unbelievable. Is there any hope? Your mind, as powerful a tool that it is, plays excruciating games with your imagination. Just trying to stay in the present can be a huge chore. I'm glad for little distractions like exercising or writing to release my anxieties. Thank goodness every day isn't this stressful. Realization that good things are in your future brings closure. And you just move on. More resumes, more disappointment. It's never ending cycle. OH MY GOD!

If I don't count my blessings each morning, this could lead to insanity. But, this experience is eye opening and really makes me appreciate everything I've got going for me. Amen.........