9 doors, 9 possibilities.
Which door will you knock on?
When I told a colleague of mine about my recent photo play date and the wonderful collection of door photographs, she made a connection with the Mexican tradition of las posadas. We decided on short notice to collaborate on a Web feature that shares this wonderful tradition in video, words, prayers, and activities, and of course these door photos. Check it out HERE.
This collaboration is an example of what I love about my work. This week I was recognized for FIVE years of service. Today my position is in the communication department where I'm known for my creativity and my pretty picture making skills. I get to use Photoshop every day. I have a little office with windows on one wall. I plan Web content and publish two e-mail newsletters. Best of all, I have a couple of co-workers who are fabulous collaborators who also share my mission to serve and love for laughter.
It wasn't always this good. In fact, when I started I had left a life behind where I lived in a beautiful Colorado mountain town and ran my own successful Web design business. I left all of that to move to New Hampshire to be closer to family as I worked through a divorce. I was broken in many ways - emotionally and financially. As a temporary measure I went to a temp agency for a job. I'll never forget the excitement in the account rep's demeanor after I completed 4 hours of computer skills testing. I had passed with flying colors and was told that I was certifiable in Microsoft Excel. Oh I was certifiable all right. Within the week I was placed in a position as an executive secretary. For three years I worked for a very demanding boss. I went from meeting with entrepreneurs, writing proposals, giving presentations, and designing Web sites to answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing, and get this, dictation. Who does dictation? Fortunately for me when it comes to typing, I'm smokin'. My fingers whizz along the keyboard. To entertain myself I would put on the headset and would dramatically move my fingers across the keyboard much like Liberache on the piano. I would imagine that I was making beautiful music. I would smile and chuckle to get through these mundane tasks. I would begin my day by thinking about how grateful I am to have a job. I set out to smile and whenever possible graciously accepted the work they needed done. I decided that I would really see each task as a gift. One day my boss came out with a stack of papers and a tape. As he handed it off I smiled and thanked him. I didn't over do it but you would have thought he was handing me a bonus check. He wore a quizzical look on his face because he knew how much I hated dictation. When I look back on those years I felt a real struggle. Any chance that came my way I would show my design skills. Fortunately for me the communication department at the time was really non-existent and all of the design projects were outsourced to design agencies. My boss, as difficult as he was, did recognize my talents, and after three years finally opened up a new position for me.
Although there are many things about my current job that are on my dream job list, I still seek to take my design skills to a new level - a level where it truly makes a difference. The words, true north, really resonate with me and hence the name of my venture, True North Arts. I'm ever so grateful for my job and I continue to put my heart in soul into it but after hours I'm dedicated to forging something truer to my calling. I have a vision of products and workshops, presentations, and collaborations. Now is the time to open the doors before me and take the visions and make them happen.
Today's Pause: Take a moment to look at the nine doors. Think about the doors you've opened and shut. What doors will you open in the coming days, weeks, months, and year? Who will you open doors for? As you go through your day, notice each door that you open and close. Where are they taking you - to work, the grocery store, the bank, home? Now look at those doors again. See what I see?
9 doors, 9 opportunities
Don't miss it: Today I share my story about participating in Wishcasting Wednesday and The Next Chapter on Jamie Ridler's Web site. Check it out, here!
Related Links:
True North Arts
Las Posadas
December Views
Creative Every Day
