Tags
addiction, Alberta, believe, building community, Calgary, caring, Charity, Community engagement, courage, Diana Schwenk, dream, Fundraising, Homelessness, Hump Day Chronicles, life, living in the moment, Oxford House, teamwork
Good morning!
It’s a wonderful day!!
Thank you!!!
Those are the words I wrote on my whiteboard at the end of April.
It was the springboard to a shift in my thinking; from fear to trust. From despair to hope. A knowing that if I brought my best self forward, things would work out.
Hanging out my own shingle as a consultant was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from the few clients I worked with. But early in the year, it became very clear that it wasn’t going to be sustainable, and I began looking for full-time work.
So as I was closing off a very successful campaign I’d been working on with an amazing group of people, I turned my attention to finding full-time work.
It was a trying time, in the sense that jobs in my area of expertise seemed to have dried up all of a sudden. I had a few bites here and there and even a few close calls to maybe jobs, but nothing panned out. Although I still had enough money to keep me going for a few months, my future was unsure.
Let’s just say that by the time April came, I was ready to do any kind of job. So I picked myself up by the boot straps and wrote the above message on my whiteboard to help me start every day on the right foot. A message that I read out loud every morning on the way to my coffee pot in the kitchen.
And then some promising opportunities started to come my way. A phone call from someone in Vancouver who heard of me from someone I had coffee with because someone else suggested we should meet, and another job posting that looked promising and finally another possibility to work with someone I hold in high regard and respect tremendously.
That last possibility moved to the top of my wish list and I am happy to say that’s the position I was offered and accepted.
So finally my dear friends, as promised, here’s my update.
On May 1st, I started my new job at Oxford House; an organization that provides homes for men and women in recovery. Oxford House has 31 homes across Calgary and Edmonton. Each home has 4-5 bedrooms and provides a safe and welcoming space for men and women who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.
Oxford House has its beginnings in the United States with hundreds of homes throughout that country. Here in Canada, Oxford House was founded by the previous executive director who sadly passed away late last year . I am learning about him and the rich history of this incredible organization from the small group of people who make up the staff here.
A passionate staff, all of whom are also in recovery and some are even previous residents of Oxford House; deeply committed to helping others take responsibility for their recovery and make valuable contributions to their community.
How lucky am I to be part of something so amazing? I look forward to learning more about Oxford House and working within this dedicated team to build on the wonderful foundation that has already been laid.
The community-builder inside me is beside herself with joy.
I can’t wait to tell you more in the coming weeks and months!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
This new opportunity in life, my dear friend Diana, sounds as if it will both challenge and reward you every day. Congratulations. You will be helping people helps themselves. Bravo, Diana. Here’s to tremendous continued success for you and Oxford House. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much Mark! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
To chime in with many others: Congrats and it does look like a perfect fit for you!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Smitty, loving it! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
How cool, Diana! That sounds like the perfect fit for you! ❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Diana it sounds perfect for you. Wishing you much happiness and success.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Kath! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana,
Congrats! Much success and fulfillment in your wonderful new and noble endeavor.
-Alan
LikeLike
Thank you so much Alan! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a brilliant position for you and your talents and passion. You are well-suited for this and I wish you well. It also must be a relief to you to have found the security of permanent work. I wish you well in this new venture. Are you still continuing with ‘the other bottom line’ on the side?
Today I nominated you for a writing challenge. I know that you do not accept awards (neither do I) and so don’t feel you have to accept this challenge. I accepted it simply because I was in a bit of a writing hole and I thought it would give me a reason to begin writing again. Part of the challenge is to nominate someone every day and I wanted to acknowledge your cyber-friendship and support.
Thanks for always keeping up with my blog. I really appreciate it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elizabeth, what sweet words, what a gift of encouragement you are to me. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Photo Challenge # 2 – Transition from childhood to adulthood | Almost Spring
I was going to give this shot Elizabeth. But after a little reality check, I realize I don’t have the time. Thanks for thinking of me though and for your beautiful friendship here in the blogosphere. ❤
LikeLike
Absolutely fantastic news!
LikeLike
Thanks Julie! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
You are certainly suited to the post…. have fun and enjoy. ..
LikeLike
Thanks so much bulldog! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Congrats Diana! That sounds like an amazing opportunity for both you and those you will work with. Sometimes a little patient and perseverance goes a long way. I understand being nervous about how you will continue to pay your bills while you are looking for the opportunities. I have had that struggle myself as of lately. Starting a business and trying to get clients can be tough. However I truly believe good things happen to good people (whether you are a religious person or simply believe in a higher power of the universe). Happy to see a good thing happening to you 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much! I often think of you and your business and wish you much success – you are very gifted! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Diana! What a boon for them, and for you. For someone with such passion to be joining others with the same passion. It sounds like a great opportunity for everyone!!
LikeLike
Thank you very much Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Diana! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What great news and what a wonderful person you are. DIana this is just perfect for you, it sounds great! Enjoy this amazing job!
LikeLike
Thank you Ute! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
The best post I’ve seen in a while, Diana. Congrats on the new job, but more than that, for the positive affirmation that you gave yourself ! So many good things come out of that kind of energy, you were so smart to recognize that fact. Bravo…and onward ! 💕 Van
LikeLike
Kind and generous words – thanks Van! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome, Diana. ❤️
LikeLike
🙂 !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done Diana. I like the way you visualised and were grateful, before you even received the job. This is a great example of our power and our ability to create. Congratulations, they are very blest to have you on their staff. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Karen, I feel blest to be there as well. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
My best wishes, Diana. So much to learn and to give.
LikeLike
A great way to look at it Jean – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
How wonderful indeed, a post that left me happy after reading it
LikeLike
Aww thanks Jo-Anne – how nice of you to share in my joy. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
I agree with Ann – this is the best post EVER Diana!!!
I have goosebumps right now.
This is so right for you, for them and for the world 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Val – what a sweet thing to say! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Way to go kiddo !
LikeLike
Thanks Bill – I’m a happy camper! ❤
LikeLike
They are so lucky to have you, Diana. Good luck with your new job! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Kristi! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Diana, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, you will be a terrific asset to Oxford House (if you haven’t proven it already! 🙂 ). The job sounds like the ideal fit for you and I wish you only the best as you delve into this new chapter in your life. I know a couple of wonderful folks who work in similar positions in St. John’s, and I have enormous respect and admiration for anyone who is dedicated to helping the needy and the vulnerable in our society.
While I am sorry your consulting endeavor didn’t pan out as you had hoped, I am certain you will be a huge success in this new venture. ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for this heartfelt comment Jennifer – means a lot coming from you! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Diana! It sounds like you have found a wonderful job. I wish you much luck and look forward to hearing your stories. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you very much Alicia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
CONGRATULATIONS to you (and to Oxford House for wisely hiring such a great resource and person!) I’m delighted by your news, Diana! May you and O.H. have many wonderful years together.
LikeLike
haha! Thanks Russ! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
You are truly an inspiration! I’m so happy for you. Sounds like you are embracing this new adventure and opportunity with the perfect outlook. Wish you all the best 🙂
LikeLike
Aww thanks Kelly, you are an inspiration as well! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, I am very happy for you! Congratulations …. you are going to do great, and the Oxford House community will benefit from you. Persistence and passion pay off!
LikeLike
Thanks Jim for your kind words. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Happy for you Diana. Admire the way you have gone about it.
LikeLike
Thanks Don! How are things going across the pond? ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Very well thanks Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear Don. I’m sure it’s been quite an adjustment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has, Diana. But we really love England and that makes it so much easier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you very much Sir! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations!!! Sounds like the perfect job for you. And great that you tried your own business– you learn from taking a risk, trying something new– so it’s not a failure, just a misdirection of talent. I too am starting a new chapter– or maybe it’s more like a return- going back to teaching in Sept. to the school I first started at over 20 years ago. This is 3/4 time, 4 days/week about 4/hrs/day, teaching creative writing to 7 th & 8th graders (12-14 years old). I dappled a bit in my own business ideas though never fully pursued them. I realize my biggest drawback is lack of self-promotion and to do any type of business you need to market yourself. So back to the classroom! Will be posting. Good luck in the new job and have fun! xoxox
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa! I learned so much with The Other Bottom Line and do not regret one moment of it. And yes, the job is a great match for me – the people are so amazing!
I can’t wait to hear about your teaching adventures Lisa. Teaching creative writing sounds like great fun and a perfect match for you! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
This is the best post EVER.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha thanks Ann! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a very rewarding job. I love the flower shot….and the idea of writing down such a positive statement to start the day.
LikeLike
Thank you so much April! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike