Perception is everything, get excited for what’s next. If God allowed it, and it’s out of your control, then what’s coming is even greater…be excited for the journey, the adventure.
-Meagan Good

I know, I know, I haven’t written in almost a year (geez), but when I watched this E! News clip of Meagan and Tia Mowry this morning, I felt compelled to write. Honestly, there have been many times in the last year when I’ve had these moments, usually in the morning, and allowed myself to become distracted by something else. Now, I’ll actually have fewer distractions, so there is no excuse not to put “finger to keyboard”. But we’ll get to the “whys” of that in a minute.

Meagan and Tia were both being asked about their recent divorces from their husbands, and how they’re coping with the new normal. Y’all know, so I don’t have to go back down that road, but for those who may be new, “Been there…done that…bought the t-shirt.” And their experiences and advice are spot-on. At least they were in my situation.

Back to why I’m writing this post—

On Tuesday, I found out that, for the first time ever in life, I was being laid off from the job I’ve had for the last 8 years. That’s right, I’ve neither been fired nor laid off before—I told y’all I’m a late bloomer. And like Tia and Meagan (and me when I was going through it), my support system surrounded me immediately. Between early morning check-ins, late-night check-ins (my little cousins knew I’d be asleep, but alas…), notes of encouragement during the day, people being pissed on my behalf, walks to get fresh air, laughs, offers to provide space if needed, and a 3-4 hour reworking of my resume (thank God for the boyfriend…), these past 66 hours have been a remarkable whirlwind.

And I thank you all.

Something that keeps being noted, however, is how I’m handling this situation. What would devastate some, and absolutely would’ve sent 2022 Monica on a spiral, is being welcomed by me. I’ve had a positive outlook and sunny disposition about the whole thing..so far.

Now, that doesn’t go to say that I haven’t been sad. I was in my physical office on Wednesday, looking for something, and began to get choked up. I even cried when I got back to my apartment, because this job has meant something to me. You don’t stay in a position for 8 years without getting attached. But, the news of the layoff hasn’t brought self-pity, loathing, or doubt in my abilities.

As Meagan said, “Perception is everything.” I’ve instead chosen to be excited about what’s to come. As I’ve pointed out to several people, my horoscopes (and the Pattern app) have been calling this for weeks, and I’ve been earnestly praying and asking God to close doors that are supposed to closed and open doors and windows that are supposed to be open. And if my life has taught me nothing else it has taught these three things:

Be careful of what you wish for, because you will get it. Manifestation is real…and powerful.
God answers prayers. The universe delivers. It may not, and likely won’t, look the way you anticipated, but you’ll get your answer.
If you don’t move, you will be moved.

I tend to have the uncanniest knack at subconsciously preparing myself for major life transitions. Anyone who knows me, knows that I had been slacking lately in my spiritual connection..in fact, “slacking” is a HUGE understatement. It no longer existed. But, about a little over a month ago, I made the decision to pull myself out of a dark depression that I’d been in for a good 2 years, and reintroduce myself to myself. I’ve been making healthier decisions diet-wise (I still drink when I go out, but have y’all had the non-alcoholic wine/spirits/beers??? They’re bomb!), mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I’ve started picking up my hobbies again—who knew I could read?! I made the decision to live life instead of just existing through it. It’s been a journey, but a welcome one.

Okay, tangent over.

Where was I? That’s right, writing about perception.

For me, it’s simple: I can either choose to wallow and wonder “why me?” or I can be excited about the gift I’m being given and let adventurous Monica come back out to play.

I choose the latter.