To Be Expected…The Unexpected…

Welcome! As always, thank you for taking the time to journey with me via our MEO Blog, as I look back at the ebb and flow of navigating my way back into the working space and all I’ve learned along the way through the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). This is my 24th Blog of sharing with you, with hopes that my journey of hope and not giving up can be a help to you, or someone you support, whenever you need it.

There’s so much we don’t expect in life. I didn’t expect to have a (dis)ability. I didn’t expect to have to exist on SSDI. I didn’t expect to have to start my career over and honestly, didn’t know if it was possible. When I think back…there was so much that I didn’t expect and never could have imagined. I didn’t expect that I was as strong as I’ve had to be. I didn’t expect the grit and determination it would take to find a job that was a good fit and that allowed me to manage my (dis)ability.

Life…so much of it is about the unexpected and how we handle what we didn’t see coming…but then there it is…a (dis)ability in some cases, showing up and asking…what are you going to do…give me all of your attention or remember that you have abilities without (dis) attached?? I had a decision to make and that decision led to a series of other decisions that I had and continue to have to make and navigate, if I want to Live and not just Exist. Although we expect the unexpected…it truly does come in a way and a time that seems extra and most unexpected.

A (dis)ability doesn’t stop other unexpected things from showing up. They can compound and even complicate a (dis)ability…they are all parts of life. So much of it, we can’t control, but there are things we can. We can take care of ourselves the best we can; we can be relentless in finding a job that works best for us; we can ask for help when we need it and accept it without judging ourselves; we can be flexible…if not that…then this; we can focus on, and celebrate, our strengths and abilities; we can appreciate…and show it…to those who have and continue to be reinforcement and support throughout the unexpected.

Sometimes, what we expected…comes…but different from how we expected. I knew that I wanted to work again. I didn’t know how…but my how turned out to be via the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). I didn’t know when…I made my way through a lot of applications and assessments to finally get a job that I wasn’t so sure I could do, but I was willing to try. After all, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain if I was able to do the job. It wasn’t what I wanted or even enjoyed, but it was a steppingstone that got me to where I wanted to be.

Patience was a key requirement for me to get back to my previous career. I waited for this job, as an Employment Specialist, for a year and ½. It came when I least expected it. I continued to work my other job…doing what I had to do…until I could do what I wanted to do. I got the call ~7 ½ years ago. It was that feeling that you get when you walk into your home after having been on a long trip. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Everything that I learned on the journey to get back to doing what I wanted to do…I needed…patience, resilience, determination, faith and believing…no matter what it looked like or how I felt.

Every day is a new opportunity to believe that it will be better than the day before and doing all you can to make it so. And although it doesn’t always work out that way…tomorrow is a new day with fresh air and fresh opportunities!

I cannot believe that I’ve been writing this blog for 2 years…an unexpected positive! The Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style) has also been an unexpected positive on my journey as I entered, dwelled in and exited the maze of returning to the workspace. 

Rest when you need to, recuperate and recover…but don’t give up!! The unexpected will come, but we get to decide how we handle it and how we handle it will determine where we land. Our try can exceed our expectations, or it may not measure up. What’s most important is that we try and try again if need be.

Thank you so much for your time! Be encouraged to keep looking up and celebrate each new day that you’ve been gifted. Please take good care of yourself and all connected to you…until next time…!!

**If this is your first visit to our blog site, please feel free to visit previous blogs. If you’re interested in more information regarding applying for the MEO Ticket to Work Program…click here: https://myemploymentoptions.com/apply-now/