This past week, I seemed to encounter a lot of drama surrounding work. I had a job. I lost it. I had it again, this time with more responsibility, a bigger role, and subsequently, more pay. I lost it again due to a switch in production dates. Back and forth, up and down. A never ending roller coaster ride. Add huge egos into the mix (and trust me, my ego was not excluded from this equation) and it was a recipe for well, like I said: DRAMA. I was challenged to remember what is truly important in my life.
I'd like to tell you about a few people and situations that kept me in check. And in doing so publicly offer up the utmost gratitude to them. Last week, I was fortunate to be involved in a program called Shape Up NYC in conjunction with Equinox, a program that is offering free fitness classes to dozens of locations throughout the five boroughs. I had been assigned to Hamilton Fish Recreation Center in the lower east side. Trust me, I was not looking forward to the 40 minute bus/walk trek down there, but my selfishness was quickly replaced with extreme joy and gratitude the moment I started teaching those students. Their excitement to have me there was overwhelming. These ladies (and one gentleman!) were so eager and thrilled to have someone help them along their path to health and wellness. They took no breath, no movement for granted. I dare say it was more rewarding than teaching the most dedicated member of any gym. On Wednesday, during Svasana, or final resting pose, I was rubbing a student's neck, temples, and head with essential oil. The words that came out of her mouth moved me to tears. "Thank you Jesus." To hear her, a woman who was probably facing far more difficulties in her life with far less resources than I ever would, utter such gratefulness was profound. I can only hope I played a small part in her feeling of open gratitude and love. It made me want to keep giving all I could. To her, to everyone in that room, to the entire universe. It was a moment that I will never forget. 
The work drama ensued over the next two days. So many players. So much 'he said, she said'. So much work trying to decipher the truth, the exaggerations, and who really looks out for my best interest. Slowly but surely, I am learning who to trust. Who would be there for me, regardless of money or individual gain. While I struggled to decide whether to take a job that would help me feel more financially secure, or pass up the opportunity to be by mother's side during surgery, I thank Carie and Lisa, two women who both loss their mothers way to early to cancer, for their guidance. I think about it and I begin to cry. And while the procedure is outpatient and fairly routine, how could I even THINK about not being there for the one woman who gave her entire life for me? And I know you are probably reading this thinking the same thing. "How is that even a question in her mind?" But I was raised to believe that work is important. Succeeding, in the traditional sense, equals satisfaction. And many times my mother would tell me to take advantage of the work. But not this time. Nothing is worth not taking my mother to the hospital or being there when she comes out. It didn't take me long to know I've made the right decision. 
There have been a handful of other incidences that occurred all week and through this weekend that kept reminding me of what truly is important. 
Here are the conclusions I developed. Family is more important than money. There is so much more to me than 'what I do' for a living. My self worth, self respect and faith will provide ultimate security. The security that only comes from true inner peace and happiness. Honesty is paramount, in all aspects of your life, but especially with yourself and the ones you care about. Giving is not necessarily better than receiving, because when you truly give of yourself, you receive much more than you can possibly imagine. I also know that we ALL understand these principles on an intellectual level. Practicing them and truly believing them, with complete faith and without question? That's a whole other ball game. Drop me a line if you'd like to know how it's going.