Learning the value of ...

.....Money! How easy it is to forget the value of money when you have it - regularly. I have relearned the value of money by realizing what is needed versus wanted. It seems that it's easy to tell yourself that you 'need' things without even thinking it through. As the weeks of unemployment grow, the understanding of needing versus wanting becomes clearer.

Friday I was able to clip coupons, take advantage of store specials, and a coupon lured to bring customers in. I was able to get $100 of groceries for a mere $53! That would make anyone feel like they won.

.....Family! Family is probably the easiest to forget the value of, regardless how close your relationships are. They are the easiest to take advantage of their time, money, and kindness. I don't believe that any one intentionally would take advantage of their family, but I think it comes all too easy. Regardless of my situation in life whether it be good or bad, I know I can count on my family. They are hundreds of miles away, but are always there to listen and support me.

.....Friends! Friends are the best... they are there to celebrate when the news is good and they are there to lend an ear when the news is bad. Friends come in all shapes and sizes and no two are alike. So my philosophy is "Have plenty, you never know which shape you may need today". I have been so blessed with the friends in my life, that I would never want to lose them.

Being unemployed is tough on the mind. It makes you question yourself, your abilities, and your knowledge. It can get easy to fall into a trap of only thinking about you. My way to counteract these self indulging thoughts are to make sure I reach out to my friends and family regularly. Meet for coffee, tea, or a bite to eat.

.....Your Network! The network that each of us has spent a lifetime building is so important now. This is true probably more so now than ever. I heard a statistic that more than 60% of people landing jobs are through networking. Don't think that you have time to build your network later, now is the time. Continually build your friends and acquaintances - you never know when they may be the lead you are looking for.

.....Self Satisfaction! Learning the value of this is a work in progress. I have realized that my job did not fully satisfy me. My extended education did not fully satisfy me, nor has traveling or spending money. I have taken time to reflect on what it is in my life that brings total satisfaction. My relationship with God is the only thing that fully satisfies me. When my relationship is strong, then everything else in my life is satisfying.

.....Life! We often hear that life is short. But we listen and live in that manner? I constantly remind myself that little things don't matter in the big picture of life. I never want to have regrets and I want to be remembered by the good things I have done in my life. I have had the opportunity to volunteer and would like to continue donating my time to a good cause.