I had an amazing opportunity this weekend. I was interview by a LA Times reporter.
Now let me start about by saying…never in my WILDEST dreams did I think anything like that would happen to me. I mean, seriously. I’m just a small town Florida beach girl living in Tennessee. So, saying that I was shocked when she contacted me, is an understatement. I actually thought it was a joke. So naturally, I went online to check out her credentials. Sure enough, she was legit.
So…how did she find me? Through Twitter. Yup, that’s right. The very thing that so many of my friends (irl) make fun of me for. I am a passionate evangelist for Twitter, and now this only makes my case stronger. It’s a powerful networking tool. Period.
Ok, enough of all that. Why did she contact me? Well…she’s doing a story on people who are unemployed and making the most of it. In some of my tweets (Twitter “posts” for all you non-twitterers) I made reference to finally having time for friends and family. Being free to have coffee and great conversations with friends. Learning new things. Instead of calling it unemployment, I called it “funemployment.” And that’s what caught her attention.
Funemployment
(Gotta say…thanks Natalie Dee for this image and idea)
While chatting with her, she told me I’m not alone in the many things that I am experiencing. Such as learning to live with less, feeling like I have more freedom, my health improving due to less stress and actually wanting to be intentional about helping those less fortunate then myself. Also, placing greater value on my relationships. My friends and family are way more important then a job.
More then anything, I felt the interview motivated me. It caused me to reflect on how my perspective has changed in this relatively short time (almost 2 months). What are my priorities? What do I want to do? What do I want to be known for? What can I do to help those around me? I can choose to be positive or negative. I can choose to see opportunity or failure. I can choose help or hurt. It’s my choice. My future is laid out…one choice at a time.
I have realized how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family (both immediate and extended -to me it’s all the same). I have a wonderful Church family. A big eye opener to me, has been my friends who I have met online. They have been there for me with words of encouragement, prayer and a listening ear. They take time to check in on me, even if it’s just a quick message. I don’t care what anyone says…online community can be more real then those we encounter in our daily lives. For that, I am truly thankful.
I’ll keep you all updated and let you know when the story runs.
Enough about me. What about you? What opportunities have you had lately?
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Congratulations on turning lemons into lemonade, it’s not easy.
I found the same thing true about the main stream media. I got written up in the NY Times for a tiny house I’m building. It’s actually easier to get on TV and in the Paper than most people think.
If you can tell your story… whatever it is… and it has value to other people… eventually the media will want to tell it. Reporters are always looking for a good story. Blogging and tweeting are perfect for connecting with people and sharing stories.
Good Luck!
Love the funemployment image!
I’m preparing for a missions trip to the Philippines next month. Guess, I’ll really see people who live with less.
fantastic thoughts Aubs! I do hope you let us know if the story runs…how cool!
Opportunities….not very many… but I am praying, praying, praying for some…especially in the creative areas
Wow girlie…how absolutely amazing. Look at what He’s is doing through you!
I am so proud of you! This will only lead to a ton more doors opening for you…and most deserving you are of them. You have always been a true inspiration ever since we met! Thank you!
Hey Aubs – that is so great! You were noticed b/c of your smarts and wit – funployment!
Honored to know you, and blessed by your involvement in our online unlg group, and your tweets!! Keep it comin’!
how cool is that! Fun huh? I really appreciate your outlook on this.
@Michael -Thanks for the encouragement. I hope all goes well with your tiny house. My cousins have really turned me onto them. I might go in that direction. Keep up the good work!
@Pokinatcha – Going to the Philippines?! Oh wow…that’s gonna be awesome! Make sure to take a ton of pics and write down your experiences. Traveling overseas has been life changing for me! I can’t wait to go on another mission trip!
@Christy – You rock, girl! I’m praying for you. LOVED your WFW image today! Creative, encouraging and beautiful.
@Erica – Thank you for being such a source of inspiration to me. You’ve helped me out of many “ruts.”
@MaryBeth – I’m honored to know YOU, my friend. You’re a woman of great wisdom and encouragement. Thanks for your input in my life, I’m better because of it.
@Randy – Thanks! Obviously, I’m still in progress…but I’m learning to seek out what the Lord has for me. One choice at a time. And have fun with it.
Just read this…and gotta tell you…there is a joke down here in Oz that our prime minister is trying to change the “name” unemployment to funemployment…
You’re changing the world you know