Find Your Own Bit of Sanctuary

[At Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont MA; 3/26/12]

I discovered Habitat, the Audubon sanctuary in Belmont, soon after I took on a full-time job here after having my own freelance business for 13 years. That first year, I commuted 45 miles each way from my condo in a semi-rural town, where I used to take long walks every day past acres of farm land and woods. Although Belmont is a lovely town with some well-appointed homes (Mitch Romney lived here when he was governor), most of the area, even in Belmont, is more densely packed and urban than where I was living. But after languishing as a single woman out in the hinterlands for so long, I craved the urban life with all its culture and activity. I soon grew tired of commuting and, after a year, the opportunity to move close to work arose and I emptied my condo, rented it out, and moved to the big city, or at least near the big city. Still, over the years, Habitat has offered an antidote to urban overload and has also provided a haven from the stress of my job, a place where I went to grieve my mother's passing and other heartbreaks, to delight in nature, and to ground myself in the natural world. Just a 20-minute walk from the office, its woods and meadows a hidden treasure.

[Bits of nature, at Habitat]

Habitat was the first place I went to on Monday after getting laid off from my job. Yup, although I have been looking to leave for a long time, they beat me to it and booted me along with six coworkers on Monday. Since then, I've been busy letting my former freelance clients know that I'm available again, updating my resume and LinkedIn profile, and fielding lots of emails from former colleagues, both those still there and others who have gone before me and find themselves happier than ever. I still have to go into the office tomorrow to bring back my keycard and sign paperwork, but otherwise it's over. I do feel freed, although of course there is the issue of money to worry about.

[Turtle Pond, at Habitat]

Walking around the trails on Monday afternoon, I realized I didn't have to rush. I could stay and enjoy it as long as I pleased. There was noplace I had to be. There was also a strange sense of having been uprooted from my home and deposited, or maybe chewed up and spit out, washed up on this strange shore, not sure where to go but at least with my feet under me again.

Comments

[marja-leena]

Leslee, I'm sorry about the job loss even though you were planning to leave. It is a relief for you, I'm sure, mixed with some trepidation for your future. I wish you all the best of luck in finding a far happier work situation soon. And keep up those walks at Habitat, it looks lovely and sounds like it's a good place for you!

[Leslee]

Thanks, Marja-Leena. It is a relief mixed with trepidation, and I hope work is much happier soon. I do hope to have nice walks at Habitat this spring!

[Keith]

Sorry for their loss. Hope you are able to enjoy the freedom. Good luck

[mm]

Freedom has been thrust upon you, Leslee! Good luck as you navigate your path towards a new career. In the meantime, enjoy the spring sunshine.

[Relatively Retiring]

So sorry to read this, Leslee. It is infuriating that they beat you to it, but, as others have said, take the opportunity to breathe deeply and look around carefully.
All the very best wishes for the next step.

[Lorianne]

So bittersweet, every last bit.

[Leslee]

Keith: Hey, you're still out there! Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes.

MM: Thank you. Not so sunny today, but at least the light does last increasingly longer, and I'm grateful that I can go out and enjoy it whenever I please.

RR: Well, the good thing about being laid off rather than quitting is that I can collect unemployment compensation, which will be much needed. Still waiting to breathe deeply and relax though!

Lori: Yes, very true.

[Roberta]

Happy Freedom! I know it didn't come about the way you wanted but the change is upon you. You are such a talented writer, I have all the faith in the world that you will find another path, a better direction soon. Good luck to you.

[Leslee]

Thanks, Roberta! I hope you're right. :-)

[Sky]

i am sorry that you have the financial concern, but i am so glad you are out from the heavy weight of stress you were under with that job. i just KNOW you are going to be so much happier all the way around. sending good wishes for some down time as you move forward finding that perfect fit for your career path. my best to you, leslee! (Glad about the UCB.)

[Mary C]

Well, poop. But a toast to weights lifted and to new beginnings.

Been down this path a couple of times. Unsettling, but eventually good things appear.

[Leslee]

Sky: Thanks. Yes, I'm sure I'll be happier away from that stress. It was more than time to go.

Mary: Thanks - floating and drifting a bit without the weights, but I'll figure out how to navigate soon I'm sure!