I worked for 35 years and it wasn’t easy. I had to continually step out of my comfort zone. Over time, it took a toll on my health. I’m retire now thank goodness!
I don’t love every aspect of my job, but recently we had an extraordinary day!
A dog with no tag and only a bell on its collar was roaming around the parking lot, going up to people eating their ice creams. My husband and I work together in an ice cream shop, and after some children asked us if the super friendly and smart dog in the parking lot was the ice cream shop dog, we brought the dog inside and gave him some water and a dog treat. Since he had no tag and no leash either, one of the parents recommended we call our local Animal control, but they didn’t pick up the phone because they only had one staff member on call that day. We didn’t think the dog (he) would be safe with people constantly going in and out of the shop and opening the door, so we decided to bring him to the animal shelter ourselves. About half an hour after I dropped him off there, his owners came and picked him up! It was a happy story with a happy ending, but I was struck by what a team effort it was with everybody helping to get this dog safely home. So… even if I don’t feel I fit the expected model bubbly ice cream server all the time, extraordinary moments like this, (in addition to some not so glamorous daily tasks I am good at), keep me motivated 🙏
Today, I couldn’t face the “firing squad” instead I listened to my body and gave in to its needs,I am sick and need to rest. Simple right but it’s not. I love my job as an oncology nurse but today i couldn’t face the demands of being my best for others.
I am curious if others experience the familiar heavy heart that comes with the moment, the slice of time, just before a sense of dread arrives and just after it dissipates. These moments seem to be a treasure trove for the artist and the muse.
All to say, communion with kindred souls shortens dreads runaway and encourages a hasty departure.
"Knees to chin" is so apt and so amniotic. I do that some mornings, too. My job can be pretty dysregulating - plenty of slings and arrows for an introvert. But luckily, it's less than full time, so I can spend a few moments drinking in beautiful art like this from Emma Haworth. All those pinks, and fine little spidery twigs and daffodil petals. A soft and a sharp lens all at once!
This is a truly beautiful piece Susan it evokes strong memories for me: the delicious warmth of awake before rising in contrast with the “firing squad”. Thank you. 🙏
Susan, my experience in "little law" was similar to yours in "big law" - only the composition of the daily firing squad was substantially different. Mine contained unhealthy doses of unreasonable clients, opposing counsel, and insurance adjusters.
Angles weeping tears, soldiers soldier on, mothers stay strong within silent tears, fathers went away in hopes of bringing back a better day, boy had to be a man, little girl stop playing make believe to cook dinner for her siblings, inner child cries in dreams and dreams and dreams ....
Angles without wings, lie amongst ever days, holding our hands, sitting with our pain, crying together in our loneliness, taking on the nightmares, monsters, making miracles out of nothing but one-piece broken oven burner but somehow you never hungry, driving endlessly around town finding scrap wood pallets as their cold hands broke bleed, so you stay warm that night... Love Warriors behind the scenes, within the shadows...
I can relate to the firing squad analogy. At work when I stood up for myself or others in the face of unfair criticism or injustice, that's when the firing squad took aim. They fired all the usual epithet, I was too sensitive, too emotional, not rational etc. I took my a while to realise that it is not weakness on my part to be in front of the firing squad. My quiet strength and courage helps to face the firing squad, however unpleasant it might be. But my quiet strength and coorage also helps me know when to just get out of the way of the firing squad!
Thank you. Wonderful post, and, yes I was moved. I have gone through periods like this, but not so much blocked by work -- just life. Thankful things are better now.
Oh it sooo moves me! As I decided to leave my job y.e.s.t.e.r.d.a.y.! A job I haven't wanted for too many years.
Inspired by your books and now your Substack, and truely feel that I can find the job I want and deserve.
Thank you for your book "The Power of the Discreet" and the "Quiet Life".
The first, I read it to understand my daughter better and recognized myself also in it.
The latter, I listened to it 5 hours straight coming back from a Germany trip this winter.
It has given me the courage to take action and listen to my needs.
I am a francophone from Quebec Canada. And I know a French version of your community would be well appreciated and needed. Thank you for all this and all of you!
Waking long before dawn she would lie, curled up knees to chin in the warm darkness, knowing that these were her last minutes of peace….this is the part of my day that I cherish the absolute most before the firing squad of the day begins!!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful passage Susan and to remind me to remember the other kindred Spirits amongst us in those quiet still moments of the day 🩷
I worked for 35 years and it wasn’t easy. I had to continually step out of my comfort zone. Over time, it took a toll on my health. I’m retire now thank goodness!
I don’t love every aspect of my job, but recently we had an extraordinary day!
A dog with no tag and only a bell on its collar was roaming around the parking lot, going up to people eating their ice creams. My husband and I work together in an ice cream shop, and after some children asked us if the super friendly and smart dog in the parking lot was the ice cream shop dog, we brought the dog inside and gave him some water and a dog treat. Since he had no tag and no leash either, one of the parents recommended we call our local Animal control, but they didn’t pick up the phone because they only had one staff member on call that day. We didn’t think the dog (he) would be safe with people constantly going in and out of the shop and opening the door, so we decided to bring him to the animal shelter ourselves. About half an hour after I dropped him off there, his owners came and picked him up! It was a happy story with a happy ending, but I was struck by what a team effort it was with everybody helping to get this dog safely home. So… even if I don’t feel I fit the expected model bubbly ice cream server all the time, extraordinary moments like this, (in addition to some not so glamorous daily tasks I am good at), keep me motivated 🙏
Today, I couldn’t face the “firing squad” instead I listened to my body and gave in to its needs,I am sick and need to rest. Simple right but it’s not. I love my job as an oncology nurse but today i couldn’t face the demands of being my best for others.
So beautiful! It is amazing how someone puts into words things we all feel...and the wonderful way of bringing this to life. It's so amazing!
I have a reminder in my calendar that I read somewhere some years ago in Spanish. It is "You are not alone, you are with yourself."
Thank you, dear Susan!
Oh - I so appreciate this Susan. Thank you!
I am curious if others experience the familiar heavy heart that comes with the moment, the slice of time, just before a sense of dread arrives and just after it dissipates. These moments seem to be a treasure trove for the artist and the muse.
All to say, communion with kindred souls shortens dreads runaway and encourages a hasty departure.
"Knees to chin" is so apt and so amniotic. I do that some mornings, too. My job can be pretty dysregulating - plenty of slings and arrows for an introvert. But luckily, it's less than full time, so I can spend a few moments drinking in beautiful art like this from Emma Haworth. All those pinks, and fine little spidery twigs and daffodil petals. A soft and a sharp lens all at once!
This is a truly beautiful piece Susan it evokes strong memories for me: the delicious warmth of awake before rising in contrast with the “firing squad”. Thank you. 🙏
Susan, my experience in "little law" was similar to yours in "big law" - only the composition of the daily firing squad was substantially different. Mine contained unhealthy doses of unreasonable clients, opposing counsel, and insurance adjusters.
Angles weeping tears, soldiers soldier on, mothers stay strong within silent tears, fathers went away in hopes of bringing back a better day, boy had to be a man, little girl stop playing make believe to cook dinner for her siblings, inner child cries in dreams and dreams and dreams ....
Angles without wings, lie amongst ever days, holding our hands, sitting with our pain, crying together in our loneliness, taking on the nightmares, monsters, making miracles out of nothing but one-piece broken oven burner but somehow you never hungry, driving endlessly around town finding scrap wood pallets as their cold hands broke bleed, so you stay warm that night... Love Warriors behind the scenes, within the shadows...
Nice
I can relate to the firing squad analogy. At work when I stood up for myself or others in the face of unfair criticism or injustice, that's when the firing squad took aim. They fired all the usual epithet, I was too sensitive, too emotional, not rational etc. I took my a while to realise that it is not weakness on my part to be in front of the firing squad. My quiet strength and courage helps to face the firing squad, however unpleasant it might be. But my quiet strength and coorage also helps me know when to just get out of the way of the firing squad!
Thank you. Wonderful post, and, yes I was moved. I have gone through periods like this, but not so much blocked by work -- just life. Thankful things are better now.
Oh it sooo moves me! As I decided to leave my job y.e.s.t.e.r.d.a.y.! A job I haven't wanted for too many years.
Inspired by your books and now your Substack, and truely feel that I can find the job I want and deserve.
Thank you for your book "The Power of the Discreet" and the "Quiet Life".
The first, I read it to understand my daughter better and recognized myself also in it.
The latter, I listened to it 5 hours straight coming back from a Germany trip this winter.
It has given me the courage to take action and listen to my needs.
I am a francophone from Quebec Canada. And I know a French version of your community would be well appreciated and needed. Thank you for all this and all of you!
Happy Saturday!
I like what I do but yes, it often feels that way.
Waking long before dawn she would lie, curled up knees to chin in the warm darkness, knowing that these were her last minutes of peace….this is the part of my day that I cherish the absolute most before the firing squad of the day begins!!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful passage Susan and to remind me to remember the other kindred Spirits amongst us in those quiet still moments of the day 🩷