The Year of the Tiger (2010): With Every Challenge, There is a Blessing.

I couldn't explain the feeling I had then and still can't even today as to why I started 2010 with the most optimistic of feelings.  I didn't know what experiences would come; however, I knew they would be great (in magnitude, not size) and welcomed.  Looking back on the last 12 months...I was right.

• In January, I made it official and began my marketing business, One Epiphany, LLC.  Wasn't ready for it, but I jumped in anyway and for the teaching moments I have had, I am blessed.

• After year on the job hunt, I was finally offered employment with the US Census.  It was temporary, but employment nonetheless and for that I was blessed.

• I was awarded a scholarship to participate in the "Making a Lateral Move into Advertising" pilot program.  Since I traveled from Richmond, VA to New York City each month to participate, it cost me travel money and time.  Even so I felt blessed. 

• After 7 months of trying to rent out my house, I found a roommate. Later I found full-time tenants who have treated my home as it was theirs and for this I am blessed.

• Four months after establishing my own company, I had my first "real client" (signed contract and deposited check) and for this I am blessed.

• When I was literally all packed up, moved to another state, and uncertain as to what to if or when I would work professionally in my field of interest, a door of opportunity opened that kept me in Richmond a little longer.  It wasn't the type of work I had wanted, but it gave me exposure to the advertising industry I had grown to love and for that I was blessed.

• After months of stress and prayer, the heaviest of my financial burdens was lifted and for this I am wonderfully blessed.

• In 2009 & 2010 combined, I applied to almost 750 jobs in search of full-time employment.  Jobs I was over-qualified for, jobs I was under-qualified for, as well as jobs I thought were made just for me.  Between June 1 & August 31, 2010 I applied to only 52 positions.  It may sound odd to some, but for the decreased number of hours on the computer & on the road searching for a job...yes, for that I was blessed.

• By early summer 2010, I had a focus on the type of advertising career I wanted as well as individuals willing to help guide me along the way and for this I am truly blessed.

• Three times this year people have opened up their homes, for months at a time, so I could find my footing as I continued up a difficult path and for this I was  blessed.

• In Fall 2010, I was offered a position for which I had not applied and it was exactly in the area of advertising I was targeting as well as with the type of account I had wanted to work on and for this I am blessed.

• To have the constant support of family and friends believing in me and cheering me on every step of the way has been utterly amazing & humbling and for this I will FOREVER be blessed.

This year (2010) has been one of the most challenging years I have had to experience, but it was also the one with the most blessings.