managing the unexpected...
The unexpected is inevitable. It comes on both sides of the coin. Both forms, "good" and "bad" can easily make you spin. I had both sides occur this week. The first was a less-positive form. It wasn't outwardly "bad" - and the news wasn't exactly directed at me - but was related to what I do for the client. It made me question my relevance and abilities to deliver for a client, that I thoroughly enjoy working with. Not going to lie, I was sad. Sad, that I maybe didn't have the skills to do what they needed, and that what I have done so far, just wasn't enough. I fought hard to stay off the train of negativity. After all, I hadn't yet had a conversation about it, just read an email or two. I repeated mantras that I go through when I meditate (yes, I mediate. I LOVE it. That is a blog topic for another day) - back to my point. Those mantras helped me focus on positive energy, to release the things out of my control, and that I am enough.
Fast forward, only a day or two. I was able to talk with the client and was reassured that this change wasn't a reflection of my work for them nor in replacement of me. I may actually be needed even more now. It strengthened my confidence and energized me in a fresh way.
The other unexpected moment, came the very same day. I was contacted by a local business who was inquiring about my skillset, as it might relate to their holiday campaign which needed to begin ASAP. I got seriously wheeled-up for a brief time. Given their timeframe and my potential learning curve for what they needed, it wasn't the right fit, at least for now. But it is a project I could really embrace, and honestly, I would rock at. To say I was flattered, and surprised is an understatement. This is a prestig business, that dominates their market in our community. It opened my eyes to new possibilities, deepened my appreciation for the stellar clients I have right now, and solidified that the business I have created...is really, really...right.
To pull this all together - managing the unexpected. In work-life, in family-life, in everything really, the surprises will come. It takes work to keep the mind focused and not (overly) distracted by the good, the bad and the unexpected.