VeeCee

Okay - am I the only female on this site who is bothered by the wrinkled boobs comment ? Sorry but this 48 year old female (with very nice breasts, thank you very much) takes offense. V.

Okay - so this topic isn't specifically about taoism. However, I've been lurking for a bit and you all seem to give really thoughtful advice, so I thought I would give it a try. Here's my story... About a year and a half ago, I was in a job that I really didn't like, but I was trying to make myself stay put for personal reasons. The stress of the job caused me to end up in the hospital for 3 days, and while I was there I got laid off. I knew about the possibility of a lay off, but the timing was really crappy. Anyway, after I lost my job I started reading about taoism. The idea of working with things instead of against them really appealed to me, especially since I felt like I'd been beating my head against a brick wall for the last 5 or 6 years! The taoist philosophy really helped get me through the anger and grief of losing my job. I also read some books on manifesting (Esther Hicks, etc.) to work on finding a new job. I've had a few interviews, but no offers. So I just feel stuck! Part of me feels like I'm here for a reason - that I need to go with the flow. Another part of me feels like I should actively be doing something, anything to get the energy moving. I'm open for any ideas, advice or comments.

I once read a story about a woman who left her high-powered career and took a job bagging groceries just to learn a lesson in humility. I remember thinking to myself " I wish I could do that." This could be my golden opportunity. Paper or plastic?

Nemo, Thanks for your feedback. Yes I am guilty of having preconceived expectations. I have been in this field for 15 years and had reached a certain level of responsibility. Most of the jobs currently available are for people with approximately 5 years experience. It would be hard for me to go back to what I was doing 10 years ago, but it may be necessary. I agree with you that going into an interview with no expections is best. In such situations, I have always received a job offer. My problem is that I am a single mom, with no unemployment, who is living offer her savings. I think it's the combination of pride (I'm too good for the jobs that ARE available) and desperation (help - I need a job NOW) that has me in this corner. Who knows? Again, I just try to stay calm and focused (as much as any desperate, unemployed, single mother can be). Thank you for your thoughts. V. Edit for typo

I agree with Cameron. I LOVE silence. However, I have found that the more time I spend without any artificial noise (tv, radio, cds, etc.) the more I feel overwhelmed when I AM around it. It's like sensory overload. Has anyone else experienced this? V.

BCT, I hear what you're saying and you're right. It would be better if I could just play the game and be content whether I win or lose. Unfortunately, I'm not far enough along on my journey to do that yet. Gives me something to aspire to. Thanks for the feedback, V. Edit for typo

How does one set up a sub-forum in Personal Practice Discussion? I posted a new topic, but it shows below in the general discussion area. Thanks for your help. V.

Thanks!

Okay - so maybe I've completely lost it, but one of the things I've done is play a LOT of solitaire in the past year. What I've learned is if I play long enough, I will eventually win. That's the attitude I take toward life right now - if I stay at it, I will eventually win (or come out on the other side of this). Maybe I'm nuts, but it helps to think that way. Added comment: Rather than post all my random thoughts here, I think I'll start a personal practice journal - that way I can detail some of the things that I have been doing. Again, I am open for any thoughts, advice or comments. BTW - I just won at solitaire

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Just so you know, I do meditate daily. I also try to get out for a walk each day. It helps keep me sane. On the practical side, I do continue to look for jobs in my field - the problem is I'm over qualified for most of them. But I keep looking. I try to stay calm and stay focused. Getting myself worked up into a frenzy doesn't help anything. So.... I guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing. My latest prayer is " All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." Thanks for listening, V.

Hello all, I was just checking out various websites and this one seemed friendly and open, so here I am! I am fairly new to taoism, but it seems like where I want to be right now. Look forward to getting to know you. VeeCee