Dream It, Do It - The Playlist (installment one)

Since I 95 percent decided to pursue a full-time freelance career after I was downsized, I've had days where I've felt like I could make all my life dreams come true followed by a gut-wrenching feeling that I won't be able to pay my bills and my family and I will be holding up signs that say "feed me" on the corner of Titabawassee and Bay. Emerson can wear one like a bib.

Yikes.

I'm diving into my dream

I've browsed the job postings online for seven weeks now, applying for those that caught my interest, but I don't think I have the drive I had when I was seeking a job with my last employer.

Hmmm, maybe being downsized has changed me more than I realized.

Or maybe it hasn't changed me. Maybe it's just pushed me to get to know myself, understand myself better.

Great things can come from difficult challenges

I interviewed earlier this week with a local nonprofit organization and something the CEO had said to me really stuck, mostly because it's a philosophy I am trying to live by as well.

When I asked her why she enjoys her job, she explained that she likes to make opportunities out of challenges.

Hmmm. Imagine that.

It's Fun Friday! - Kiddie edition

Since giving birth to my baby boy, Emerson, in November, I've become motivated and inspired by the writings of Dr. Seuss. Each book offers a wonderful life lesson that - whether you're a kid or an adult - you can learn from.

I especially am drawn to Oh! The Places You'll Go!. It's therapy for adults. Seriously. Especially adults who recently lost their jobs. When employers pass you a pink slip, they also should deliver you a hard copy of this classic.

Don't tell my hubby ... I fell in love today

Something special happened today.

It doesn't happen often.

I felt the butterflies in my stomach. My palms got sweaty. My knees felt jittery.

I knew the symptoms.

I am in love. And it's not just any kind of love. It feels as strong as first-time love!

So I'm just going to put it out there. I fell head-over-heals in love ...

It's Fun Friday! - Indianapolis, Ind. edition

Sometimes, applying for jobs gets monotonous, so I've decided to spice things up. Fridays will now be called Fun Friday! Each Friday, I will focus on a theme for applying for jobs. I might focus on a certain industry, a specific location or job function, or something else that might pop in my head that day. Whatever inspires me.

360 degrees of emotion: my first interview post-downsizing

Last Friday morning I woke up before the sunrise for the first time in weeks. The house was quiet except for the humming of the furnace on a very cold February day. I opened my eyes, dreading getting out of bed, and looked to my right to admire my baby boy sleeping soundly in his bassinet, his eyelids fluttering.

Could I find a trifecta?

I remember the first time early in my career I heard someone refer to the project triangle. I thought it was so simple, yet brilliant.

Change is inevitable, but when is it too much?

Eww ... I'm having a bitter moment.

I like change. Flavors of lunch meat, cheese, cereal ... change it up! Sunny days, cloudy days, warm days and cool days ... change it up! It's sometimes addicting for me, I think, since I get bored easily. I excel at change management too. But I wasn't particularly in the mood for a big life change in 2013.

Does reality get in the way of dreaming?

It's been one week since I was permanently laid off, and I'm sitting in a local coffee shop right now dedicating time to my future. I watch as men walk in and out in business suits, and I wonder about their careers and their happiness. Are they in town on business? Are they living their dreams? Do they wish they were home with family? Then I think, where are all the women in business suits? Do I belong in a business suit?

We can learn from professional athletes

Yesterday was a big sports day for me. In addition to the Super Bowl, my parents bought me and my husband tickets to a Detroit Pistons game for Christmas, and yesterday we took the trip down to the Palace of Auburn Hills to watch the Pistons take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

As we settled into our seats and watched the teams coast up and down the court, Jordan was telling me how he was disappointed that one of his favorite players on the team was traded earlier in the week. I started thinking about how professional athletes pick up the pieces, move their families and start over many, many times in their careers. Certainly I could do the same.

Doomsday

Today I was fired. Let go. Laid off. Axed. My position was eliminated. However you word it, I am unemployed. But I particularly prefer saying, "I was fired today!" just because I know I did nothing wrong and don't know if I'll ever have the opportunity to say it again. It's kind of like saying "I got married today!" You typically only have one chance in your lifetime to speak those words.