You’re starting over.
Maybe you lost your job
or your business didn’t survive
the Great Pause
or a relationship ended
or you were forced to move.
First, realize
you HAVE started over
in the past
and you managed that.
You weren’t born
with the job
or the business.
You started over
when you started
that job or that business
and you succeeded at that.
You can succeed at this.
Second,
you aren’t starting over
with nothing.
List what you have.
List your experiences,
however unusual.
You made breakfast this morning?
List that.
You tended to a child
when she was ill?
List that.
This, of course,
includes the tasks you’ve done
on all the jobs
you’ve ever held.
Note which tasks you enjoyed.
List your education.
Did you complete high school?
List that.
Did you listen to a podcast
on social media?
List that.
Did you watch a documentary
on climate change?
List it.
List your physical assets.
Do you have a car?
List it.
Do you own a suit?
List it.
Do you have plants
on your windowsill?
List that.
List your connections.
Do you have a friend
who has a job
at a coffee shop?
List that.
Do you stay in contact
with a coworker
at a previous job?
List that information.
Don’t filter the additions
to your lists.
Not yet.
List everything you can
think of.
Next,
list everything you’re interested
in doing.
Everything.
If you’re interested
in doing crosswords all day,
list it.
If you like tasting draft beers,
list that.
If you like sleeping in,
list that.
Look at your lists.
Look at everything
you have.
You might be
starting over
but you’re not
starting over
with nothing.
You have skills
and interests
and connections
and possessions
and other assets.