From the moment I lost my job, back in May, people have said some variation of the cliché’, “When one door closes, another door opens.” In my heart of hearts, I have not only known this to be true, I have said it to other people before. But, to be on the receiving end of these words of comfort- that are really about the only thing you can say to a friend or loved one who has lost something they dearly loved, can make you want to lance your own eardrums.
In the moments after a job loss, there is a certain degree of numbness. It doesn’t last long, though; self-pity and fear flood through the cracks around that closed door. If you allow these two emotional cancers to overtake you, they absolutely will. Fortunately, I am surrounded by good, strong people who are not about to let me be consumed. These are people who are honest enough to say, “Hey, get up, dust off, and look around you. This will all work out.”
I have been sending out resumes like a mad woman. I am on every job site in existence. It has been a real challenge to explain how my TV reporter and weather lady skills translate into the real business world. It is, sadly, very easy to get discouraged. I have been reading a lot of inspirational quotes, hoping for some magic words. I actually found a few. “Do what you love! Love what you do!” I like that. It got me thinking. I write a couple of magazine columns. I love that. It doesn’t pay the bills and takes a lot of time, but it doesn’t feel like drudgery.
I also discovered I love doing wedding ceremonies. At first, it was just a thing to do for friends. I really love to write wedding ceremonies. I enjoy the whole process, and will put a lot of time into it, just because it is fun. I get to know my friend and his/her betrothed really well. I learn new love stories. I meet families and find more proof of just how alike we all really are. Now, I have done a few weddings for strangers, and find it just as rewarding. It takes a lot of effort, but it never feels like work. That is not how a career is supposed to feel- at least that is the impression I have always had. They call it “work” for a reason, you know. Well, there really are people who do what they love and love what they do.
In the course of building this wedding officiant business, I accidentally discovered I enjoy doing funerals, after I was asked to officiate one for a friend. I know “enjoy” and “funeral” are not typically in the same sentence. I do not relish the pain and heartache of death, but I do consider it a privilege to celebrate a person’s life, to help their families say goodbye. I get to know more about people- their life stories- and come to appreciate them even more.
Planning ceremonies brought out another passion: helping people. I have coached couples on a few of those pesky little issues that are easy enough to remedy, with just a little objective perspective. I am not afraid to tell it like it is, which is why this sort of “coaching” has always come easily to me with my friends. Just as I was wondering if I should really consider life coaching, came another little ray of light from that slowly opening “other” door. I was asked to do quality of life classes with cancer patients. I am teaching them about journaling and getting to the heart of their feelings. They are teaching me more about living than I may ever be able to completely absorb.
The “other door” is opening. Maybe it is just a window; or, maybe this whole doors and windows closing and opening isn’t right either. It is still quite early in my journey. I do not know where exactly I am heading. Each day, it seems, another puzzle piece falls in my path. I have been pocketing them for weeks; now, it is time to find a picnic table, where I can stop for a moment and start putting the pieces together and see the emerging picture.
What I am discovering is a “calling”. I am, for the first time, truly hearing it. I think those voices have been audible for a long time, but I tuned them out. I have been giving “should” and “practical” and “you can’t do that” my full attention- they have been blaring in my headphones for years. Well, another internet quote has inspired me to change the station, if you will, “Whatever you focus on gets bigger”, or, in this case, louder. I am cranking up the volume on the voice of purpose, listening for that door to crack, or that puzzle piece to land. If I focus there, the sound will get louder and life will get bigger.
Love Your Life 
Leslie, I love your spirit! You my dear a true fighter AND winner a knock out combo in my book! Keep smiling that smile keep your spirit up and keep reaching for your STARS 🙂
Thank you! xo
Feels to me that your listening – finally – to the voice of direction. The voice we all try to hear while life whirls noisily around our heads. I have recently had to reevaluate my own purpose and my voice is leading me down a very calm road of live this moment and look for what I have in store for you. Patience is finally developing for me. Through the pain I am also feeling peace.
I think you may be at the brink of that same threshold. Patience and quiet…you’re already to hear it.
Leslie, I wish I had known you when I had cancer. But I made it, 7 years now, and there were so many times I questioned my future. My life has completely changed since then, in ways I never imagined. Unfortunately, it was a long hard road but it did change for best. Again, it takes time, and I am sure you already know that. You are such a wonderful person, I know, when you least expect it, something special will come your way.
Cyndee Lehner Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:22:27 +0000 To: lehnercyndee@hotmail.com
Leslie sounds like you have found your calling, good luck and bless you. You have a lot of followers. I love your weather report every day on facebook.
Leslie
Do you do ceremonies for gay/lesbian couples?
If so my partner and I would love to talk with you
Thank you
Shawnie
Yes. Absolutely. Call me 248.505.7988 or Leslietoldo@yahoo.com
Congratulations and Godspeed. I have wondered about you since you have been gone from, you know. I am thrilled you are out and about and helping people in the community!
Leslie, I totally understand what you are going through. Last June one day after my 50th birthday zi was laid off after 20+ years of service. After well over 100 resumes, I too am looking for that door to open. It seems like yours is opening. Good luck with all your new endeavors.
And best of luck to you. xo
Leslie you’re a great woman. You know God had other plans for you. God let the door close at ch-12 for a reason. I hope you have many blessing come your way. God bless you.
Good for you! You are very inspiring!
Leslie, I loved your article. It is inspiring, up lifting, and very positive. And yes, my dear friend, you do have a gift(actually several gifts) and I’m so happy you just shard one, with all of us. I wish you continued success, and please, please keep us posted, and keep up your “SPECIAL CALLING”………Many are called, few are chosen. Continue to follow your light. Hugs to you.
Cathy Keener
Dar is definitely smiling down on you and cheering 😇
Dear Leslie,
Even though we have never met, I feel ‘drawn’ to you, and the quotes and stories you tell. You are always a Positive person, even in the face of adversity. I am certain a really good trait to have.
All of us, are on a ‘Journey’, to where, we sometimes find out at the end of. Seems like, your Spirit Soul, has decided this ‘Journey’ for you!
Good Luck in this portion of your ‘Journey’. I send you Angels, and Strength, to do all these Amazing things.
“It’s A Wonderful Life”
Be Happy, on Purpose! It is Free!
Because Nice Matters J
Thank you, Julia!
I’m so happy for you. You sound like you have found some interesting things to do. Your missed by so many people. God has a plan for you and you will find it. God bless.
I sure miss you! Loved your spirit ! God bless and good luck!
One more reason, or reasons, to admire you and your strength!
Everything is for a reason. You have a gift for telling a story. Maybe writing a book should be on your list in the future.. Best of Luck to you, you are finding your way!
looks like to me you have found your new passion and Started the next chapter of your life. I am so happy for you that you have found a way to do things you love and make some money along the way. I am in awe of you and inspired by your for so many reasons. Love you my friend
Though I never comment, I always look forward to each new post from you. After reading about your latest venture, I must tell you how happy I am that you are working with the Cancer patients. As a retired Hospice nurse, I can assure you that you are teaching and encouraging a very special treatment plan for these people! BUT you have already realized some of what they can do for you. Working with those (like Hospice) that are dying, will teach you so much more about living, you have truly “opened a new door” that I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Actually, I am envious 🙂 I was forced into early retirement due to my own health issues and even after 4 years being away, I miss it so much. I tried going back as a volunteer but found that I cannot NOT be a nurse, falling right back into that caregiver mode, I was physically harming myself again. You will learn such valuable life lessons from the dying person’s perspective. Your life is changed forever, and I know it is for your own betterment. You have so much to offer so many different people in all walks of life. Take it for what it is and maybe you will never again find a “job” , Best wishes, my friend 🙂
Wow, just last night I wondered out loud what you were doing, and today you appear on my FB page! I like your quote “what you focus on gets bigger”. Another I like is ” Make a decision and the universe conspires to make it happen”. I am in the process of making some tough life decisions and I have always loved a good quote- thanks for reminding me to use them as inspiration!
Leslie, I found myself without a job after 16 years as an Air Traffic Controller when I was fired for going on strike in 1981. It was the only thing I knew how to do. I was 35 years old and I had custody of my son from the time he was 5. I had to pick up and move from Colorado back to Michigan, where I was born and raised and had family, during the depession of the early 80’s. No jobs here. By shear chance I met the real estate agent that administered the HUD real estate program. He asked if I would like to board up some windows on vacant houses? Long story short, I ended up bidding on and getting lawn contracts, cleaning out houses etc. I then would buy some of these houses on sealed bids. I barely knew how to change a light bulb then but had to learn many skills to rebuild these houses, carpentry, electrical, roofing, siding etc. I am now semi- retired but still have 10 rental houses, a lovely wife and home. I am telling my story to give you hope and confidence in the future.
I also have a daughter that stayed with her mother and lives in England. She has a business that you might be interested in starting since you are a wedding planner. She holds 2 wedding shows each year. This involves her renting a hall and charging suppliers such as bridal stores, caterers, photographers, tuxedo rental stores and flower shops for table space to show there wares. She does the advertising. This might be something you would like to do. Check out her web site http://www.suffolkweddingshow.uk. Best of luck to you. Dwight
Thanks for sharing your story, and for the information. I will look that up!
So glad you’re finding another path 🙂 My husband and I both noticed your absence on TV, and were upset to know what happened…that aside..I truly believe things happen for a reason, and when we renew our vows…you are the woman.. 🙂 Much love to you and may your new path bring you much happiness and success! 🙂
You are an inspiration to so many. I had a similar thing happen to me with my job. I was a Pharmaceutical Rep. for a well know Pharmacy in Flint, that came to me to grow their business and offered me a position, that I could not refuse. After 3 years of hard work growing the Physician base rolodex for them they eliminated my position…..so they said. Wow, like you said, so dis-heartening, confusing and a feeling of why did I fall for this? After having 18 years at a major hospital system in Flint as a Physician Liaison….and then leaving to kick start the other company….I want you to know that it was an amazing time in my life….my husband had retired before I took the other job. Little did I know, when my job was eliminated that it was a time in my life to retire also….may have never had that revelation. We have enjoyed retirement for 4 years now….keep your optimistic spirit and know that the ” Master” has everything in control . Things happen for a reason…bless you Leslie!