Ann
Ipock
Humorist,
author, speaker
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Something Around the Corner
by Ann Ipock
Gilbert Keith Chesterton once said, "There is one thing which gives
radiance to everything. It is the idea of something around the corner."
Life would be a bit of a bore if we had nothing new to look forward to:
a vacation, a baby's birth, a holiday or a school graduation. For as long
as I can remember, I've never been satisfied with status-quo. This theory
of anti-boredom/creative living has gotten a pretty bad rap in the last
few years: folks like me have been labeled ADD, schemers and dreamers
and Type A. But what if, just what if - all those traits aren't
so bad after all?
What if it's just the simple fact that again, "we are never satisfied
with
status quo", AND we like new things? I am constantly inventing and
re-inventing my world. Sometimes it's self-induced and other times, out
of necessity. The process can be as simple as changing my hairdo or as
complicated as starting a new career. It can range from a new exercise
commitment to learning a new skill.
The most recent
"skill" I tried to learn was jewelry making. (Ah, now
I know why those posh, trendy boutiques sell jewelry at exorbitant prices.
It's worth it!) True, I didn't know what I was doing and I didn't have
the proper tools. No wonder my claw-shaped hands cramped like an
elderly arthritic. My back ached as I stretched over the tiny crystal
beads that rolled around on the counter. A few dropped to the floor and
I stepped on them, barefooted. Ouch! The sharp fine-gauge wire pricked
my finger more than once. However, the worst pain was in my eyes! After
working tediously for 30 minutes, I blinked several times, then peered
straight ahead and only saw itty-bitty black dots everywhere. I wasn't
sure if I was going blind or if my retina was wrecked. Not all "new"
projects work out. Some might even say my attempt at jewelry making
was a mistake. Others would argue, saying, "In life, there are no
mistakes - just opportunities." Ha!
These folks never tried to string a beaded necklace - and the only
"opportunities" that day were for an eye doctor.
Truthfully, I admit I've made mistakes in the past. But it was in the
valleys - not the peaks - that I truly grew. After five years of a successful
career in commercial sales with a telephone company, I was laid off. Forced
to either transfer to North Carolina, or find a new career in town, I
chose the second option: I began working from
home as a part-time medical transcriptionist. For thirteen years, that
lifestyle worked well for me. When I first began, our daughter Katie was
seven years old. I was able to take her out of daycare and pick her up
from school. No amount of money could equal the joy I found then; in hearing
about Katie's day, or running to the store with her and getting snacks,
or helping her with a school project. I had more flexibility than I'd
ever known - choosing to work late at night if I wished, and take the
next morning off; or enjoy a three-day weekend.
When my second book was published, I found it increasingly difficult to
do book tours and public speaking with a deadline looming at home for
transcribing. About the time I was being forced to make a decision, one
was made for me. The doctors I worked for chose another option: an employee
to work inside their office and perform other clerical duties, as well
as transcribing - something that I did not care to do.
Some would call
that synchronicity. Thus, I had more time to write. Openness to new things
in life is paramount - whether you find them, or they find you. I've discovered
if you follow your dreams, don't let small setbacks throw you into a tizzy,
and stay true to yourself, good and honorable things will come your way.