I got fired from a production company almost two years ago exactly. I’m currently an executive at one.

I pulled out my “Oprah was fired at 23” shirt that I had made years prior as a reminder to not give up and I filed for unemployment and made a game plan as to what I’d focus my unemployment period doing. I returned to freelancing and developed tv and film ideas.

Preparation would meet opportunity and I “pitched” one of those tv ideas to one of the principals of the production company I’m now at. There was interest in the project (currently in development) but the company was literally just at its inception.

I asked to come along for the ride. I continued freelancing and conceptualizing ideas as a consultant as well as performing a variety of tasks outside of the company as a freelancer.

I was consulting on a regular basis and also co-created a project during that time. I was doing fine financially but my income was based on volume.

Recognizing my dedication, commitment, & value...they offered me my current position (much of what I was doing) & added benefits.

I know this is a very uncertain time for many of you. I’ve heard several stories of unemployment amidst this crisis and I’VE BEEN THERE (I had just moved across country and had no savings). That period was such an unexpected blessing for me.

Apply for your unemployment. Take the time to envision what’s next for you. Do you even want to do what you were doing? Access your skills! Write down a goal to work towards and also your BIG VISION. Each day, make some effort towards that goal and/or vision.

I looked at unemployment as a much-needed, yet unexpected pause and time to recalibrate (much like this quarantine). I diligently worked to keep my spirits high and reminded myself that I still had life to change my situation.

A set back is just a set up for a comeback. May your minor setback prepare you for your major comeback!

Peep the date. April 3, 2018. 735 days later and my life is more than I could have asked or imagined on this day.

I’m the person who remembers every conversation. I remember texting @jb_doe the day after I got fired and just the sense of calm and peace I had. I was really in the book of Matthew at this time.

If you need scripture during this time, I leave you with these that I leaned on heavily during that period of uncertainty.

Matthew 6:25-27
Matthew 6:34

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

By the time I was fired I had been working since I was 13 and had barely RESTED in 10 years. I was in college hustling, working multiple jobs, skipping trips with friends...

I didn’t even realize how TIRED I was. I leaned into that (forced) period of rest and now, I’m grateful.

I prioritize my rest now because I remember when it prioritized itself for months on end. While it will try to do all but that, let this season CALM YOUR SPIRIT. Let this season allow you to look forward to what’s to come.

Anyway, this whole thread was really not about me buttttt really was me sharing my personal testimony as a reminder that