Cindy W. Morrison

What A Difference A Year Makes!

Exactly one year ago, I was facing a layoff of a 20yr TV career, major surgery and a lightning strike to my house. Talk about a reality check: my health, career and home all literally and figuratively struck a year ago this month. I was about as low as a person could get.

Sad to say, but my identity was caught up in what I did for a living. As a newscaster for two decades, I could hardly go to the grocery store without someone commenting on a newscast, offering a story idea or laughing about all my hairstyles caught on tape. While I always saw those moments as the biggest compliments (they recognize me yet feel comfortable enough to chat), the notariaty also meant I never really got away from my job. TV news WAS my identity… at least until the economy changed. My contract came due after two big layoffs behind the scenes. Losing my job was not my fault yet I felt like a loser.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I fell to the bathroom floor in the worst pain of my life. In the ER, doctors told me I had a grapefruit size tumor. I practically had whiplash from the mind shift! Suddenly my job didn’t seem important anymore because I just wanted to live. I was frightened as I went into the OR with one of the top ovarian cancer surgeons. What would he find? The tumor turned out to be benign but after major surgery I spent a week in the hospital surrounded by my nearest and dearest.

I came home with a shred of hope that something would be normal. Welll, let’s just say that God has quite a sense of humor. The day after I was released from the hospital, lightning struck our home. It fried everything from the air conditioner to the doorbell. Seriously?! I couldn’t take anything else…

Needless to say, everything (including my faith) was tested one year ago. But my Girlfriends refused to allow me to wallow in self pity and painkillers. They stepped in and got me back on track. They also made sure my husband and kids made it through the month from hell. A year later, I can say with complete certainty that a good support network can help you not only survive anything but also thrive in spite of it. It’s just a shame that business schools don’t teach this because it is a vital key to your success.

First, they made me laugh. One good Girlfriend brought me a bedazzled grapefruit… LOL! Well, of course MY grapefruit size tumor would have to be bejeweled.. that’s just how I roll! Another Girlfriend told me I was just like the Chocolate Easter Bunny. After losing my thyroid and galbladder (in previous surgeries) and now my female plumbing… I was officially sweet on the outside but totally hollow on the inside. (That STILL makes me giggle!)

Next, my Girlfriends and family gave me hope. Instead of seeing last May as a job loss, major surgery and lightning strike… they made me realize this was a new career opportunity, I was cancer free and my house DIDN’T burn down. Wow! My faith was tested, but theirs was not.

Finally, they made me realize I was helpless not HOPELESS. With their help, there was an exciting future ahead. They helped me get out of bed, quit feeling sorry for myself and monetize my passisons. They convinced me to start my own business, showed me how to come up with a business plan and made me believe anything was possible. Where I came up short… they delivered. When I said I couldn’t… they knew I could.

What I difference a year makes! Today, my book is not only written, it is a reality. I have a number of big speeches coming up including Atlanta and Boston. Also I consultant clients ranging from TV stations to major universities. I don’t write all that to say, “Yay me!” I tell you my journey because it would not have been possible without an incredible support system of Girlfriends (which includes guys, by the way). When I was ready to turn in the towel and my husband was more worried about finances than my mental health (God bless him!), my Girlfriends made sure we stayed on course to not only survive but thrive. A year ago, I felt like a failure… now I wouldn’t trade my life for ANYTHING.

Take a look at your support network. If you have a Suzie Sabotage, Abigail Agenda or Helen Hater in your life… DUMP THEM! They will not be there when the chips are down. Instead, surround yourself with the best people possible who will make you laugh, learn and love. No matter who you were, are or become… it’s your support system that is key to keeping your spirits up, your goals on track and your kids out of years of therapy. Lol…

I owe my Girlfriends and family SOOOOO much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.