Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Being Fired...Can Be A Blessing in Disguise

A good friend of mine was let go today from a job she held for almost 13 years at MTV in NYC. Her last day is Friday. The stories are all around us, friends, family members, colleagues being giving the pink slip. I was let go, actually, I was fired, back in the 80's from an advertising job in NY myself. I've found whenever I've lost a job, it was a blessing in disguise. It got me thinking about how do we take care of our emotional selves when we've been shown the door. I've come up with a few tips that I feel can help ease the blow.
FIVE TIPS To Get Through the Blow of Being Let Go
1. It's a loss...no matter how much you hate your job. You will miss people, your identity will take a blow, you will feel the same emotions as with any loss: anger, fear, sadness, doubt. Remember, it's about the economy, not you. You are still a valuable, intelligent, creative, and wise individual.
2. Make sure you feel the feelings. Seek therapy, support, don't isolate from friends and family.
3. Keep a journal. You might not want to write about this experience, but it will help you get the feelings out instead of keeping them inside of you. Put your feelings down on paper. I tell clients, let the paper hold your feelings...not your body.
4. Find something to laugh about every day. Listen to music that makes you feel good. Watch a funny movie.
5. Don't limit the job search to what you've always done. Maybe there is a new career awaiting you. Give time to reflection and what it is you'd like to be doing with your life. Be creative in your job search. Think of all the skills you use on a daily basis and see if they are skills that can be applied to a new position. Let everyone you know, know that you are looking for a job. Set time aside for the job hunt, for fun, for quiet time and be hopeful. Keep your eyes open for job fairs. Stay positive and hopeful.
These are just a few ideas I have I hope that they are helpful to you. I will continue to write as I have new ideas for you.
Be Strong

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Using Collage to Tell the Story of Your Life

Collage is an exciting art medium that uses different materials to create an art piece. In this workshop, you will use magazine cut-out images, fabric, textured paper and other objects to create a collage that reflects the story or stories of your life. Supplies will be provided. $10 donation suggestion. No art experience necessary. We will begin with a short meditation to begin the art-making process.

"Enough is Enough" a time for change

To the left, my art-piece Kali-Ma. This goddess represents my inner demons that I work hard to understand and abolish such as negative self talk and doubt. She is also with me in my fight to be heard from my healthcare team and insurance companies.

I've been reading Jean Shinoda Bolen's book, "Goddesses in Older Women...archetypes in women over fifty," and can not put it down. I've found wonderful ideas for art directives as I turn the pages of this fascinating book. In the chapter titled Goddesses of Transformative Wrath: Her Name is Outrage, Bolen speaks of the goddesses who come forth when it is time for us to take ction in order to make changes in our lives, or as she writes, when enough is enough. The two goddesses Bolen includes in this chapter include Sekhmet, the ancient Egyptian Lionheaded goddess and Kali-Ma, Hindu destroyer goddess. These goddesses come into our lives when it is time for change, when we have stayed in a relationship too long, or a job, or to speak out about a cause close to your heart. I am writing about this subject in Creative Journey instead of Wisewomen because of how we can use an idea such as enough is enough to go deeper into this idea with creative self-expression. I would like to suggest that with the theme of enough is enough, you create a collage, write a poem, drawing, painting or short story addressing this subject in your life today. Begin by writing the words enough is enough on a piece of paper, focus on the words, close your eyes and repeat the words. Be aware of what images come to mind as you say these words. When an image comes to you, begin to put the image down on paper. It might come in the way of words or images. Continue to work with this piece as you allow the paper to hold what it is you have had enough of in your life. When finished, reflect on the piece and let it speak to you. You may wish to add to it at a later time. If you are in therapy, bring it with you to share with your therapist. Many times when we engage in art-making feelings can surface so seek support from a professional if you need to. And remember, to be with the process.

Victoria