I'm not really sure how to explain my lack of blogging over the past few months. One would think it would be easier to blog with so much "free time" on my hands, but that's just not the case. I really am an optimistic person and I'm convinced I have an over abundance of serotonin. The over abundance makes it virtually impossible for me to experience depression...even the common depression most people call the "blues". Lately though, I'm wondering if my inability to blog might be my version of the "blues".
Of course, if that's the worst I feel when I've been unemployed for 4 and a half months and am on the verge of losing the grip I have on the last bit of semblance of my former life, you'll not hear me complain. But, then again, maybe my lack of blogging comes from one of the many wise lessons my very wise mother taught me......"Heather, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
I know her words of wisdom are meant to keep one from saying mean and ugly things to another, but I feel it also helps one deal with difficult times in life if one chooses to filter all the bad things going on through this wise truth. Anyway, everyone knows I've always got some hair-brained theory bumping around in my noggin.....I guess this is just the latest.
Other things which have been on my mind are much weightier topics of which I'm unsure about being ready to discuss. Not because I don't want to share them yet, but rather, because I feel I need to do a bit more research to be as informed as I can before I possibly reveal my ignorance to the blogosphere. However, I don't mind throwing the subject matter out there so it can begin to marinate in one's mind as I begin to put my ducks in a row to write about these things.
Currently on my mind:
The homeless: How and where do they go to survive the bitter cold? Are some shelters more dangerous than others or are they all equally dangerous? How does one apply for jobs with no phone or address? Our attitude toward the homeless and unemployed: perception vs. reality.
Resources for single people with NO children: Why are there no government programs outside of unemployment for those who have chosen to be responsible and not get knocked up? Where do single people go when they have no where else to turn?
I know there are more topics which will probably come about once I delve into the research on these things, but for now, this is what I'll be working on. I've been hesitant to take on these topics as it might be hard to keep my optimistic approach given the subject matter, but as I'm an optimistic person and I'll be drawing on some of my own experiences, I think I'll be able to keep it on the optimistic side of things. I'm trying to boost awareness, not depress people.
I always welcome your comments and posts, but if you feel you have something to share and want to keep it between you and me, just send me a message.
Until the next blog.........grace and peace to you all.
3 comments:
Those are some great questions. A lot of the people I have known that are in a shelter do not want to work. It is sad but true. The ones that are like the stories I see on movies are rare. That is just what I have experienced in the neighborhoods where I work.
I can't imagine not having a phone number to put on an application. That has to be hard.
I feel so terrible that I didn't know you lost your job again. I thought you had started one and I was so excited for you. Clearly I am a terrible blog friend!
You are NOT a terrible blog friend!
I've been unemployed for 4 months....and for most of it, things were fine because I was able to sew and pay rent and meager living expenses because I had a roommate. Then he got fired from his job and I just wasn't able to make up the difference.
It's amazing how quickly and easy it is to become homeless. I'm very blessed in that I have family and friends who won't allow me to stay in shelters. It's really been an eye-opener for me to discover all my years of paying taxes and being a productive and employed member of society mean very little.
I'm not one who can easily accept help when I don't see any way in the near future to pay back that help......but for a single person with no children, there really aren't many things available to me. I'm not looking for the governement to support me....in fact, I'd much rather work a minimum wage job and be classed as "working poor" than ask for help. But, when I was trying to keep utilities on and a roof over my head, I really, REALLY needed help.
However, even with all of this, I'm not unhappy. I'm so thankful God has given me such a positive outlook and has blessed me with family and friends who have helped me beyond measure.
Nothing happens by accident and I really feel there is a larger reason I'm experiencing these things at this point in my life.
I really have hestiated to write about this for a few reasons. One....there are many of my friends who have no idea things have gotten so extreme. Two....I don't want people to perceive my writing about these things as a way to solicit help.
I fully realize I have resources available to me many unemployed and homeless don't have. I give thanks everyday for that and continue my job search.
Who knows.....maybe I'll be able to get back on my feet and start an organization to help others who find themselves in this same position.
Thanks for reading and posting. I love you, my bloggy friend!
I totally agree that it's a disgrace that there are no resources available for single women/men, when benefits are handed out without even a second glance to many who are abusing the system. And this is coming from someone who used the system (not abused) to its full benefit at a time when I most needed it. I'm disheartened that it's not available to you in a time when you need it so much.
I know I've said it before, but just a reminder: If you want me to post something on my intranet at work about your sewing services, or even put a flyer in the kitchen, I'd be happy to do so. There are always people like me who don't know how to sew, yet need pants hemmed, curtains made, special gifts for family/friends, and I know everyone would love the work you do. Especially when I tell them you MADE my wedding dress! That's just the icing on the cake to your skills, if you ask me:) Anywhoo--just an idea....
Also--- would you be interested in watching the kids tomorrow? If not, no biggie, but they are out of school, and I'd rather pay you a little to watch them than to add to my big a** total to the daycare:) Just let me know....
Love to you!
Jess
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