Did I Mention I Love Change?

Sometimes I seek change and at other times, change finds me.

Seven months ago, I moved back to Utah, and shortly after accepted a position as an interior designer for a firm near Salt Lake City, UT.  Now, seven months later, due to lack of work and in preparation of possibly eliminating the interior department from the company, my position was eliminated. A bit unexpectedly I have been gifted with an opportunity for change. Most would expect or encourage me to look for a new position but I'm not sure that is the best option for me. I am a bit weary of working for firms that do not value people and what they have to offer. The bottom line often takes precedence over the importance of people. I do understand that a business cannot run on the merits of good people. However, I firmly believe that when people are at the heart of business, which includes every employee, client, consultant, and contact then a business is far more successful. 

Let me go back a few weeks to some events that will help explain where my heart is. During my time at this company we have not had much work and it has been a challenge keeping the Interiors team busy. Several weeks ago, my boss called me in and we had a long visit about how the department was going, what was working and what was not. It was not an encouraging conversation but I took this meeting to heart and began brainstorming with my team on options and avenues we could explore that would place our department and team in the position of being an asset to the company instead of a liability. We came up with some great ideas but of course all would take some time to develop and implement. 

I started rereading the book "The Outward Mindset" by the Arbinger Institute, because I wanted to keep those principles at the forefront of what I chose to do. The basis behind this book is to see people, their needs, their objectives, and their challenges. To focus on seeing and being intentional and thoughtful about how what I choose to do and hoe it might impact the people around me. I also met with a life coach who helped me verbalize my hopes and dreams and to think more deeply about who I am, who I want to be, and what I want to accomplish. The weeks following that meeting with my boss were filled with prayer, pondering, searching, studying, and pleading for a change of heart and mind. I believe God was helping prepare me for a change and I am so grateful!

Last Friday, my boss met with me again and informed me that the partners had decided to eliminate my position and the following Friday would be my last day. When things like this happen I typically feel that gut punch and my head spins. Not this time. As I sat in his office and listened to him explain and present his reasons and decisions, I was calm and my head was clear. My first thought was how this would effect my team and what would happen to them. I also thought of the other employees and what this might mean for their jobs, their projects, and their abilities to provide services for their clients. I was amazed at the positive and people focused thoughts and responses that came to my mind as we talked. I realized that my choices and actions to turn to God over the past few weeks had blessed me beyond measure!

As I move into and embrace this opportunity for change I am not sure how things will go. But I trust God to help me navigate and make choices that will lead me to do some good in this world. I hope to utilize all that Heaven has blessed me with in ways that bless others and turn hearts heavenward.

​Cheers!