Moving Out, Moving On, Moving Up

In some writing I worked on a few weeks ago, I jotted down these three moves...
Moving Out
Moving On
Moving Up

These are three parts of what we are doing as we go through the process of divorce. Our lives are changing. They are evolving. We are once again emerging as our true selves. It is not easy, but it is an exciting journey that is worth enjoying.

My co-author and I have talked some about these three moves. And, we have referenced them in discussing some of the steps we are taking. So, for the first time, I used it with someone who hadn't heard it previously.

I went to get gas one day last week at my old gas station. The attendant hadn't seen me since June of last year. She complimented me, saying something about how nice I looked. I was flattered. When she said something a second time, I again thanked her, but added, "I moved out. I'm moving on and I'm moving up." She replied, "And it shows, sister."
I left with a little more confidence than I had when I arrived. It was a great feeling.

In addition to really delving into the Biblical journey portion of this process today (see post below), I also did some grown-up things today. I know it sounds funny. A month from now I will celebrate my 35th birthday. I make grown-up decisions all the time. That's no unusual. I enjoy being an adult who makes mature decisions. But, every so often, I have a day that reminds me that I am a grown-up. I had one such day today.

Today, I called around to track down information on a credit card debt that needs repaying. It took multiple phone calls and some patience. I finally tracked down the information I needed. I then needed to draft a letter, which led to a second letter that needed writing. I did nto give up. I did not wait for them to contact me. I took some necessary initiative. It felt good. I also took a step toward one of my big goals for the year. I contacted my worker and canceled my cash aid. I have been receiving assistance for a few months and I needed it, but I am anxious to have more control over my life and the life I provide for my children. I have started doing some substitute teaching again and am anxious to do more and more as I look for a regular teaching job. In making the decision to cancel the cash aid, I am also deciding to get myself on more call lists. In deciding to get on more call lists for sub jobs, I am making the decision to keep myself to the goal of having my TPA task writing done this month. All of this so that March can be my first month really and truly moving up! I hope and pray that the decisions I make today and the goals I start meeting help provide a better tomorrow for my two beautiful children. They are why I do so much of what I do. I can't move up without taking them along with me. We will move up together. And it is a beautiful thing for which I am incredibly thankful.

Days aren't easy. Each day brings with it a task, a trial, a battle...something to conquer. But getting my mind straight helps. I know the decisions I am making now will pay off in the future. So I continue to forge ahead. This is all an incredible journey!

What goals have you set for the year ahead? What are you doing to work toward them and "goal tend"?

I am a little more reflective, of course, as we are going into Lent. I have made a commitment to God, and to God only. I am not sharing it publicly yet. I have also decided to start a new Lenten devotional, thanks to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Lastly, I am going to create me own 40-days of thankfulness. Be thankful and "give thanks with a grateful heart."