New Beginnings

It’s been a while since I posted here on the ol’ blog. Lots of stuff has gone on since my last entry. Sadly, some folks have left us, I had some back surgery—and I’ve been laid off at work. It’s been a trying year.

So as I sit here on 9/11 and reflect with the rest of the country about moving on from a tragedy like the attacks on the Twin Towers, it puts into perspective my personal “tragedy”.

Tomorrow is my last day with The Walt Disney Company, my work home for 14 years. I’ve learned a lot in my time there, and believe it to be one of the best companies there is to work for. That is not to say, that, as a large corporation, it does not have its share of problems! But, this is the company that I chose to work for. It means something to me, because I believe in the company. As my friends have heard me say over the years about Disney—“Yeah, I drank the Kool-Aid”.

Not a place I want to leave, for sure—not until I’m able to retire (if that day ever comes!).

What I have been touched by, is the outpouring of concern my fellow workers, as they learned that my position was being eliminated. I’ve had people watching for jobs for me, giving me words of strength, affirmations of my abilities and contributions, and even adding me to their families’ prayers (!).

This has made a very difficult event for me a bit easier to handle. In the eye of the hurricane, it is hard to get perspective—and finding a new job at my age and in this economy, seems a daunting proposition.

One of my good friends, Boze Harz, has been through this recently—I hadn’t known as I was lamenting to him about my layoff on Facebook. He sent me back a note that I’ve thought about, every day since I got it. He spoke about faith, learning about himself and being humbled. Also, that he is better in some ways having been through this difficult period.

I know that whatever happens, and wherever I end up—I’m still applying for Disney jobs—it’ll be OK—and most likely, better than in the past. I’ve got people who support me and believe in me—especially my wife, Mo.

But I’m telling you, in the eye of your own hurricane—small as it may actually be as you relate it to the events in the world—it is sometimes hard to see your New Beginnings.