Guys, listen. That stuff they say about what you put out to the universe, you get in return? It’s real.
For starters, let’s not call this a midlife crisis since I just turned 40. Let’s call it a midlife awakening. Because there really is no crisis here. Life is pretty peachy. But (there is always a but) I came to the conclusion that I want to be sure that I am living my best life. When I die I don’t want to have a single regret from here forward. God willing, I still have many more years on this earth and I intend to make the most of them.
So here is what’s going on. I don’t do what I love. What do I love? Well I am trying to narrow that down. Like, commutes over 1 hour are definitely in the “do not love” column. Writing about things important to me? Super love. Encouraging others? Super duper love. Collaboration of ideas, creating and improving things, leaving others with a feeling of purpose- all awesome. But I don’t currently do those things as much as I would like because this girl needs a J-O-B that can pay bills. However, I’ve realized that my excuses for staying in the same unfulfilling industry for 17 years are getting worn out.
I am finally in a place where I have decided to decide to make a change. I didn’t type that wrong, I decided to decide! So there it is. Change is happening. Now what?
First and foremost, I was very honest- I told my husband how I was feeling about all of this and thank God he supports me 100%. But if you do this and don’t get that positive response, do not stop here. Tell your best friend, tell your neighbor, tell your hairstylist. Rally anyone you can get in your corner. We are better together friends! We need accountability and cheerleaders!
Maintain a positive outlook- There are some things I cannot change so I am doing my damnedest to accentuate the positive in all situations. This can be so hard. But it lifts such a weight when I stop sweating the small stuff.
Writing things down- Part of being intentional (deciding to decide!) means writing down what I want. Think, The Secret but less creepy. I have a list of what I want my work to look like and what I don’t want. It’s very specific. I want to work in my pj’s. I do not want to work with contracts/numbers/budgets. I may not get exactly that. But it sure does narrow down my search options, doesn’t it?
Reading a lot- I started reading You are a Badass for inspiration. Also in my reading pile is 100 Days to Brave. I’m really good at talking myself out of things because I don’t think I’m good enough. These books are helping me with that. But I also subscribed to some interesting newsletters about the world, commerce and different industries I’m interested in. Trying to broaden my knowledge and possibilities. I can’t expect different results when I keep doing the same thing, right?
More purposeful with my spare time- I need time for this reading and TED talk watching. Oh my, have I been TED Talk watching. It was worth sitting through same lame ones to find others that spoke directly to my heart and soul. My crappy commute is sometimes done via bus which means a solid hour each way for my reading/viewing pleasure. I am forgoing the Facebook scrolling for intentional learning.
And faith- so much faith. Knowing my God is with me and for me is the backbone to all of this. I find so many parallels to what I am going through and what I read in the Bible. Church helps me reset and refocus. I keep a journal solely for prayers to help me clarify and solidify these hopes and dreams that I have.
Each of these steps are bringing me closer to bravery to make changes, narrow my desires so that my job search will be fruitful, and remind me that this life is temporary and precious. Oddly enough it has made me more grateful for the job that I do have too.
So why am I so excited today? Because whatever you believe, whether it be the earth’s energy, God’s will or a little bit of both, things are MOVING in my life. So much that I am feeling all sorts of topsy-turvey in my belly because I can’t believe it. It’s WORKING!
I’m being super vague because, well, these stories will all be better when there is more to be told. And who knows, these opportunities knocking at my door might not be the answers. But if they aren’t, I’m positive that they are part of this intention that I have set forth.
Do you have any similar yearnings for change? I promise you, there is no age or stage of life where it’s too late. We get to make the decisions about how we live. Look outside the box, ask for help, and work towards loving your life!
