This is my new mantra: Daunting, but doable. When I feel that strange sense of heavy rising in my chest, swapping my air for panic, I take a breath and tell myself, “Yes, this is overwhelming and hard and you’ve got so much to learn to make it all happen BUT… it’s doable. You can do this.”
Daunting, but doable. Nothing wrong with that.
I can do this because, you know what, we always do this. All of us do hard things all the time. Things we don’t want to do. Things we don’t like to do. Things we are scared to do. All of us, we can do anything we really, really want to do. The trick is to know what we really, really want to do and why.
I freelanced for three years before I went back to a salary with Mumtastic, so I’ve previously proved to myself that I can do this. Back then, I landed a good, ongoing freelance gig with Kidspot straight out of the blocks and that was that – everything else was gravy. I know I needed something reliable and regular to boost me along because I’m a reliable and regular kind of gal. I’m not a showperson or a salesperson or a hustler. I can do lots of things, but not those things. I know I’m going to struggle with those things.
But hey, like I said, daunting, but doable.
Two other things that are really helping me right now:
- People are awesome – for every dick out there, there are 1287 really awesome people who not only boost you up but also catch you when necessary. I have had so many people reach out to me already to see if we can work together, all referred to me by friends – little angel friends who have saved me a ton of grief. Like during the awful aftermath of a disaster, I’m looking for the helpers. And I like them very much.
- It’s fun – making things up from scratch is pretty much my favourite thing ever. So I’m going to do that.
I’m supposed to be having the week off and yesterday I went and saw two movies in the middle of the day (my ultimate luxury), so I was right on track. Today I’ve got a sick kid home with me and I told myself I’d be doing lots of reading (I scored big at the library over the weekend), but I can’t settle.
Instead I cleaned up the backyard, folded the washing, baked a chocolate slice, had a good chat with my friend and told myself I would stay away from work at the computer. Then I redid my CV, registered the domain name and started creating a logo for my new parenting website (it’s going to be called www.mumlyfe.com.au) and now I’m here, writing to you.
Saying thank you. Thank you for reminding me that daunting is hardly the end. Daunting is doable.
Denyse says
You are indeed doing it and it is doable. Rising again is what you & I (& many do!) because a day or two of wallowing is about all we can stand so it is, as Kim Berry said “Onward” and I can’t wait to see what is next! Much love and admiration because it is still is a BLOW to your system and psyche but you are on your way again!! Denyse xx
Maxabella says
Onward indeed. And it’s true – turns out I’m a hopeless wallower.
Shannon says
Bloody oath, Bron. You’re terrible at being idle. And I mean that as a huge compliment. You’re unstoppable xx
Maxabella says
Hahah, I TOTALLY AM. x
Eliza says
I was in shock when I heard you had been made redundant. there is no way you or anything about you is redundant! I’ll be glad to see more of you around here.
As for the good vs dicky people, I am so with you! Optimistic and scratching my head when people complain how bad everything and everyone is in the world today. LOADS of good people. Don’t let the small proportion of idiots win.
I shared this on the podcast Happier ages ago, but once I was in a horrendous work situation. I went to my dad’s place and just cried. After about an hour, my dad said “You always have options. Some you may have already dismissed, but maybe it’s time to look at them again.” He was so right, and after leaving after 6 months from said horrible job, I went to a company I worked for for 10 years, met my husband and many dear, dear friends at. Something good is around the corner although sounds like you are already there.
Thinking of you,
Eliza
Maxabella says
Love it, Eliza. What wise advice from your dad. Give him a hug for me. x
Sarah @sarahdipity says
You totally got this
Maxabella says
xxx
Bec says
I can’t wait for your new website! I love both your ideas on parenting and life and the way you express them, it’s sure to be a success!
Maxabella says
Thank you, Bec. I’m looking forward to creating a place for mums that is welcoming, non-judgemental, honest and true. With loads of commonsense and absolutely no bullshit. That’s my plan.
Suzy @ In the Lyons Den says
Yay to new adventurous and totally rocking them. Absolutely doable. Can’t wait to see the new site. And the daunting is what will make it such a successful and wonderful new beginning.
Maxabella says
Very good point, Suzy. As they say, the best view is at the top of the mountain. x
Corinne says
So daunting, yet so doable. I was made redundant when I was pregnant for the first time. And boy does the feeling suck. It’s funny though, looking back it was actually a really great opportunity for me.
My husband’s company was shut down last year, and again daunting because we had to leave the city we called home on really short notice and start life in a new city with neither of us working. I won’t lie 18 months on it’s still daunting, but it’s doable.
When challenge and change come and it’s not on our own terms it’s really hard to deal with. I think redundancy is a lot harder than we generally give it credit for and the impact is more than just losing a job.
Unfortunately in the media game it’s a common occurrence, I don’t think think I know anyone who’s worked in some form of media and not been made redundant at some time. It doesn’t stop it sucking though.
Take care of yourself and allow yourself to feel all the feelings. And I know for a fact that you will turn this into something amazing.
Maxabella says
Thanks Corinne. I know you’ve been through some tough changes these past couple of years and are proof that we keep on keeping on. x
Kate says
I think you are awesome! I’m so interested that you are doing this in public and not feeling shamed into the shadows. This situation and how you are being honest and vulnerable is so much more interesting and inspiring to me that than the perfect, designer bullshit. I’m so on your team. I’m so sorry this has happened to you but I’m sure that any day now you’ll look back and be glad it did. xxx