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Enjoying the Journey

Life is truly an adventure. Heartened by two stories yesterday of people finding jobs after periods of full-time unemployment/underemployment. One was out for 6 months, the other for almost a year. One diligently followed the steps, another enjoyed the time a little more. Both landed gigs. One person held out for a full-time offer, another converted a consulting role into a staff position.

We can never be sure where the journey takes us.

I just saw The Hurt Locker (and am also watching a provocative DVD called The Butch Factor). Both detail aspects of what it means to be a man. In one, there's a clear call to defend and protect American interests and ostensibly the 'free world.' The men take risks each day. They are never sure if their actions will have the desired reactions, and the negotiations with others are constantly fraught with chaos theory. It's an edge of the seat experience from start to finish. The other demands thoughtfulness about what it means to be masculine: what the actions look like, and what the underlying words and thoughts are. It seems we are all driven to take care of ourselves and relate to others with boundaries and with some self direction. At the same time we have to take their interests, passions, and desires in mind as well.

It's certainly a challenge with many forks in the road.

In both films though, and with both these job hunters, there were clear moments of letting the guard down and finding delight in the journey. Barrelling through life is unpleasant for the soul. Find ways to laugh, and enjoy the little things. Find one thing to appreciate and celebrate about last week. Find something to enjoy today. And watch the knit brow relax, even if you have no idea how your story will all conclude.

This is the day. This is the time. You are here/now. Laugh

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