Five years ago, I left the company where I had worked for the last 16 years. To the outside world, it looked like a big leap of faith (I was asked over and over if I was sure about what I was doing), but for me, it was the next natural step in my life.
I left to seek new adventures, to conquer new fields, to learn new ideas and find the next thing to be passionate about.
What I found instead: a bigger world than I had previously known filled with fascinating people doing courageous things, new fields that I didn’t have to conquer, where I could just play alongside a bunch of really cool women I admire. I also discovered the joy and extreme discomfort of being a beginner, of making all the mistakes, of fumbling and getting frustrated and wondering if I was headed in the right direction. I also went down many paths and found out that I didn’t need the next “one thing” but that I could put a whole bunch of different elements together (writing…retreats…journaling…tarot..publishing…coaching) that honored my past experience and skills, my curiosity and creativity.
What I would have told myself five years ago (and anyone who’s ready to take the next step towards their next adventure):
Trust yourself and trust the process.
Thank you for creating a safe landing space.
Overnight success is a myth.
Follow your curiosity.
Be compassionate and gentle towards yourself.
It’s natural to be scared but don’t allow the fear to paralyze you. What’s bigger than the fear?
Find joy in the journey. If you can’t find happiness while you’re building something new, you won’t find it in success either.
Honor the person you are becoming. She is far more interesting than the woman you would still be had you stayed.
There are no mistakes or failures. You just pick yourself up, shake the dust from your knees and hands and learn and unlearn and relearn. Then you do it all over again.
Are you looking at making a big change? Are you taking the next step towards a life that feels more meaningful and intentional? Let me know about it and allow me to be your support and guidethroughout this process.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash.
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This is an excerpt from this month’s Joyful Little Note, my newsletter that will add some inspiration and mindfulness to your month or even just your day. Subscribe by filling up the form below.
