I got laid off - but I also gained some things too.

I got laid off this morning. In all honesty, I’m still a little burnt out from the high emotions after this year’s presidential election - you can really only do so much disappointment in one week.

My natural response is to immediately go figure out how to fix it, but weirdly I don’t feel sad. I’m shocked, I’m definitely aware that I’ll need to figure out how to pay my bills, but I also feel grateful that I don’t have to make any decisions right this second.

However - getting laid off and the way the people who care about me responded was an incredibly unexpected gift of being reminded what matters most.

My best friend, and a girl that has quickly become one of my best friends, both leapt with an offer to buy me lunch or any treat I needed to feel better that day. They and all of my other good friends really showed up for me that weekend, and it made me realize a larger truth about my past partnerships.

I never understood why people would always say in their wedding vows that their partner is their best friend, because my best friend and my partners have always been so far removed from one another and completely interchangeable. I’ve also never been with someone who consistently and loudly supported me, or showed up for me without fail when something bad or sad happens to me - but I sure as hell have friends that embody everything I’ve ever looked for in a man. Now that I’m single again, I feel so lucky to have had this realization before I get back out there and start dating - I’m looking for the qualities of my best friend in my next long-term partner.

I'm so grateful for all the friends that I have and the lessons that they continue to teach me and the ways that those lessons continue to improve my life. I’m glad that my friends and family are able to be here for me when I need them.

Like the title says, I got laid off today, but I also gained quite a bit too.