Today my plan was to meet friends for a hike. It was a new spot for me and I thought I was in the right place. Instead I was alone, not quite lost, but not with my friends. They called, we negotiated and I went to them. Problem solved and a beautiful walk/talk ensued.
Instead of being upset, I reminded myself that without a hiccup most journeys lack adventure. I can’t tell you how many of my hikes contain an aspect of wrong direction, not enough water/nourishment, sore feet, “danger”, too hot/cold, fatigue. But I love that. I love that there is a challenge to overcome. It feels like a test followed by an accomplishment. It’s not perfect, but it gets done.
The hiking/journey metaphor can be used for career paths. Looking back, has yours gone smoothly over the years? Of course not. But what have you learned from those bumps? The obstacles, doubts, crises have to be there to grow the stamina to appreciate the blessings of your path. You have the choice to stop, retreat, go back, veer off, march harder, think deeper, ask for help.
When you are out of the crisis, it doesn’t seem so bad. But when you are mired in it, you wonder if you are up to the challenge. Tackling these experiences is like building a mastery muscle. The more you push through and create solutions, the more you believe in yourself. You amass a history of lessons faced and learned to use as resources.
Jessica is fed up with her job. She wants out, but has no idea what to do next. Like many, Jessica knows what she doesn’t want, but not what she does. That veto list pops up pretty quickly when you are in pain. To find what you do want takes effort. A review of times you were in work flow, remembering the particular circumstances: the colleagues, the purpose, the projects.
Often your work life cycle becomes a variation on a theme. You change situations 10 degrees at a time. Or others, you head for the opposite side of the pie. A doctor who works for a hospital starts her own practice. Or a teacher becomes a professor, or a lawyer becomes an artist. If you look closely, we seem to carry familiar skills and interests as we move around the career pie. Sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, sometimes across the diagonal. Taking a slice as you go.
Jessica is looking for a radical change. She’s a teacher who is burned out by administration, faculty, students. The schedule worked well while she raised her children, but after 20 years she craves a change. It’s been so long since she has job searched, she doesn’t know where to begin.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the (your) world”
Harriet Tubman
One way to create solutions for your world and your thinking is to get “away”. This can take many forms. Forms that stimulate all senses. One is to be in nature. Seeing trees, water, skies, wildlife. Smelling new flowers, fresh air. Another is to visit art museums, art shows, outdoor sculpture gardens. Another is taking a course.
Visiting a new neighborhood, city, country is assured to reshuffle your thinking and being. Experiences that allow whole brain thinking. Having great talks with friends and family can recharge your spirit and brain. Even playing with babies and children propel you into a new head space.
Being in a state of Awe leads to healing and possibilities according to Project Awe in California. Thinking of when you are at your best, when you feel alive, engaged and hopeful helps you to set the stage for problem solving and creation.
Jessica has decided to treat herself to a weekend trip to New York City. There she will connect to her interests in music, performance, art and walk in Central Park. She plans to eat adventurously and write profusely as she begins her journey to brainstorm a new slice of life.
Ready to begin?
Choose a beautiful journal
Set your intention or question
Enter a customized state of awe
Write/draw your findings
Design your first action step
Happy discoveries and see you on the path soon!
