unemployable

Have you ever thought "I should write a book"?  I'm sure there has been a tickle in the back of your mind, but who knows what to write about or how to start? As a member of Toastmasters, I have attended several Leadership events ( known as TLI  or other names depending on the District).  The workshops are always interesting and help us to run our clubs well. In January,  I could only come to the afternoon session and didn't take a good look at the the topics until I got there.       One stood out.  

 "How to write a book in 30 days"

The Guy that was presenting had been a roadie among other things for many hard Rock bands. Through a series of events he ended up writing about his experiences ( and had lots of material to choose from).  Never seeing himself as an author he realized he could share what he learned to help others with their "Unexplored Abilities" Most of the workshops were in class rooms but his took up the entire dining hall- and it was full up! ( I had no idea there were so many unrealized writers out there!) He took the mystery out of it. Broke it down into small steps, with a simple outline to follow. He made it seem easy...  I got excited.

The next morning I was up at 3am. I have always been a dreamer; I am very visual and when I don't let my head get clogged with junk,  see ideas and concepts almost like a movie in my mind. My recent experiences being unemployed and how I was handling it, seeing it as an opportunity, sparked something in me. I wrote in my journal ( I had just started the previous summer)   " I want... from the beginning of my sabbatical,  I have had three goals. To rest and recuperate; to clear my mind of negativity by examining my life choices and their consequences and to determine and act on my definite main purpose in life leading to a path to follow... "  the Title, ten chapter headings with 3 or 4 sub chapters came out in a flurry. I had the foundation of a personal story that I felt others could learn from. I went on to write the first chapter in under a month.

It's called "Unemployable" and it has a double meaning.

1) Being over 50, no college degree and over six months out of work, my resume is routinely kicked out of the pile of online applications.  No one wants me or the many others like me. 

2) After 35 years in two careers and 2 companies, I've had 6 jobs in five years        ( including being unemployed for 18 months).  I got the message -                             I am an Entrepreneur and will not fight it any more.

When I started Chapter two I had a set back. I was looking at some of my less than Stirling life choices, and was feeling the emotions, sense of loss and self loathing that comes from letting yourself and your loved ones down.  I'm good at ignoring things and putting them out of my mind. It's a good devise temporarily - but held me back too.  But I am stronger now.

I go to a writers club started by a wonderful young woman. She calls herself a social butterfly. She is an angel, helping so many people with her wisdom and the support group she shepherds. It has helped me alot. The feedback I've gotten has helped the quality of my writing, while the content has been well received and lets me know I'm on the right track.

So... with so many good things going on in my life, I'm ready to get back to it.            I need to adjust some of the chapters...

my story is going to places I never imagined.