Honestly…|an honest take on the world of PR and other things by Cindy Ronzoni

You know that old saying, “never under estimate the value of your friends” - well, that certainly has been ringing true for me as I transition from a six-year 40+ hour work week that included 20 hours of driving. For followers of my web log life, I have been walking a pretty wobbly path these first few days, but along the way I have been given so many moments of beauty. My heart is probably the warmest it has ever been…it’s getting filled up with incredible conversations and opportunities with friends, new and old. I was telling someone today that I think all my senses are brighter and keener since this change. My listening skills are much sharper as I have all the time in the world now to hear how they are doing. My vision is brighter too. I can look them in the eyes and see them without rushing off. Oh and the hugs…those are my favorite.

I have a strong faith and so wholeheartedly believe that my brushes with friends are not coincidental but gifts from God. I think for the first time in my life I’m tasting freedom and I like it. I can’t seem to wipe the smile off my face. I’m really happy.

I received countless emails and phone calls from colleagues in the press that have warmed my heart. I’ve had old work acquaintances contact me out of the blue to say hello and wish me well. I’ve been taken to dinner, been checked up on, given sound advice, lounged in a friend’s pool and given love. I attended a childhood friend’s wedding yesterday and had the opportunity to catch up with some of my dearest friends in life. These have all been truly unexpected gifts.

Most of this couldn’t have been accomplished without the new tools of the trade. I first posted by job change on Facebook and instantly started receiving notes and well wishes. And then there’s Linked In which brought in my second wave of activity. I’ve been hearing from so many people who my path has crossed during my life and without these tools, I would have never known how to contact them. Simply remarkable.

Even with these new advances, I am bit worried about how am I not going to lose who I am becoming once I join the workforce again. Will my senses get dull once again? And how can I keep the smile on my face and spend quality time with friends?

This has been a real eye-opening change for me - one certainly for the better. For all those who said this will probably end up being the best thing that ever happened to me are appearing to be right. I don’t fault my job in anyway, I’m the one to blame for allowing my life to get out of balance. But, I think back then I hadn’t known what freedom felt like…but now that I am beginning to…I want to keep it the rest of my life.

If anyone reading this has any suggestions regarding life balance…I honestly would love hearing your thoughts.

Keep smiling….

and remember our soliders not only on Memorial Day but everyday.