The First Month of Not Having a Day Job

I haven't added anything to my blog for weeks because I've been scurrying pretty hard to make sure I had some income. I promised my husband I'd come up with some money to contribute to our household expenses on the 10th and 25th of each month, which were my paydays back when I had a job. September 25th was my first payday without a paycheck, and I did manage to contribute about the same as I normally would. Phew! It was challenging, but doable.

Now that I know I can do this, my next goal is to do it with less stress and more joy. I'm going to direct my thoughts to the purpose of my work and spend less time thinking about the money. Both of my ways of making a living (selling on eBay and doing mosaic artwork) bring pleasure and satisfaction to both my buyers and myself, and both allow me to be creative, flexible and independent--that is, my authentic self.

I'm also going to dwell on gratitude rather than suffering, struggle, losses, deprivation, etc. I have so much to be grateful for about my work, besides the money I bring in! I'm going to infuse gratitude (not anxiety) into all of the little daily acts that are involved in making a living. In this instant, for example, I'm grateful that I can share my thoughts about my work openly, something that wasn't always possible when I worked for other people, and I'm also grateful to be entertained by our ridiculous kitten while working.