Unemployment Part II

I never realized how distracting work can be until I freed myself from it. I have seen, heard, tasted, felt, and experienced more intensely these past couple weeks and have found inspiration in the most surprising places, which I'm doubtful would have happened had I been focused on work.

A sampling of my jobless journey to self-fulfillment:

• I went to the beach at 1:00am and made a point of feeling the sand between all ten of my toes, then proceeded to dance like an idiot. (we're talking country line dancing, irish jigging, the waltz)
• I went to Six Flags Great Adventure and experienced what if feels like to fly. (seriously, you have to check out the Superman ride - it's a roller coaster on your stomach)
• I ate a funnel cake the size of my head, guilt-free. It was worth every last calorie.
• I saw an old Mexican dude playing Justin Bieber on the subway and asked the people around me if they, too, found this hilarious. This led to an amusing conversation with a stranger about the joys of life in NYC.
• I went to a jazz concert and felt syncopated rhythms and heard beats like I never had before. It turned me on to a genre of music that I've never fully appreciated.
• I danced the night away without wondering who was noticing me or if I looked cool.
• I randomly (on the same day, back-to-back) bumped into two individuals who have done me wrong and, to my surprise, felt nothing but compassion for them.
• I started a crazy long-distance diet and exercise challenge with my sister.
• I started cooking and even made brussle sprouts for the first time.
• I met someone who is also looking for more inspiring work and shared this list with him.
• I watched a youtube video that reminded me why this time is important to me.
• I danced alone in my apartment to September Radio on Pandora for a solid 30 minutes while my roommate was at work. (I highly recommend this next time you're home alone)
• I walked 40 blocks through Central Park as the sun set gloriously over the city, just to take it all in
• I felt the power of the earth moving beneath me as I sat on the shore during the earthquake. 
• I saw a young man making the sweetest coupon book for someone on the subway - likely broke and crazy in love.
• I've been writing again.

On August 24th, I wrote these words in my personal journal:

I'm happy. I don't know why, but I'm happy.  

I'm going to figure out what feels good and right and I'm going to do that. In the meantime, I will play and love and treat myself well.