Turn around

It's amazing what a little hope will do for a person. Just that little bit of thinking, "Hey, there really is a chance that things can change for the better. There really is a chance I can succeed at life." Your mindset, posture, health... all seem to instantly change for the better. When people start talking about "mind over matter" and mental fortitude, there really is something there. The problem is getting past the depression and the stone walls that block your view of the hope that is there to hold on to.

This is what I experienced after I finally gave my two-week notice at my customer service job yesterday. I have had this job for over 2-1/2 years, but didn't want it to last six months. It took a lot of mental gymnastics to keep me going back day after day, with only the entertainment and interaction of those I worked with and my walks during breaks helping me get through each day on the work side.

Now, though, I'm scared, too. I have to actually kick into gear my goals and plans for this next chapter of life:

• Generate an income writing freelance through numerous websites.
• Generate an income via blogging.
• Substitute teaching.
• Develop and write for my book ideas.

So far, I already have a start on substitute teaching. I actually signed up with the local Educational Service Center and already got called to sub last Tuesday, which happened to be my day off from the full-time job. This also makes me hopeful and nervous. I actually have a license to teach high school or junior high English, but was not able get a full-time job (and not entirely certain I want one). One of my weaknesses with teaching is that I tend to be too laid-back about enforcing rules and focusing students on their work, so this makes the idea of substituting interesting.

Now we shall see.