Willkomen, Bienvenue, Welcome (if you did not watch Eddie Raymond’s Cabaret performance please go do so now, okay?*) It’s been two (ish) month since the first Radical Sabbatical post which means - time for a check in.
“Growth can be lonely, growth can be painful, but it is a journey worthwhile”
I saw this quote the other day and it really resonated. There has been a lot of pain and fear and loneliness the past few months on my journey. So many times I’ve thought, “is it really worth it?” Any good spiritual growth book (or quick google search) will tell you this is exactly how you know growth is happening and to keep pushing through. So pushing through we are.
As stated last check in, I have been taking time to rest and recover and really dig deep into what I want from life. In the past month I took singing lessons from Kerry Butler, went on some solo hikes, went to therapy (then stopped), spent time with family and friends and got a part time job! I started working with a career coach and think I have narrowed down my career ambitions which is honestly a HUGE weight off my chest (I truly do recommend hiring a career coach if you are unsure what your next move is going to be and need a little guidance). I’ve been sticking to a regular workout schedule, breaking down my toxic thought patterns and actively being as present as possible (so much easier said than done). I have been pouring into cups I usually let go un-filled. I’m making lots of progress, but still have lots of work to do. I have learned some incredibly important lessons along this journey and thought I would compile a list to share (for anyone who cares).
Life Lessons:
Put Yourself Out There
Start sharing what you want to do with people closest to you - you would be amazed how quickly connections will start. Someone knows someone who does what you want to do and would love to connect you, I promise. Don’t be afraid to reach out to strangers too! Send an email to a company you would love to work for, reach out to someone via LinkedIn asking if you can buy them a cup of coffee for their input on your career path. I can not tell you the number of times a simple email got me through the door and to an in person meeting. Continually put yourself out there.
2. Say Yes to Everything
Open all the doors, you can be specific later. If there is an opportunity that you think maybe could work, go for it. Apply for all the jobs, reach out to all the people. The truth is the number of offers or responses you get will be much smaller than the amount you put out. It’s a numbers game. So say yes to every meeting, every application, every interview. At best it will bring you closer to your end goal, at worst it will provide clarity on what you do and do not want.
3. Learn to Pivot
Things are not going to go the way you thought they would. You will run out of money quicker, you’ll get sick, your car will break down etc. A million things will happen that you could have never anticipated and will threaten to stop your journey in its track. This is when the art of pivoting is crucial. Adapting to change and looking at obstacles as opportunities instead of block will be instrumental in continuing your growth.
4. Find Your True Purpose
Figure out what your core values are in life and how you can get them met each day. Do you want to travel, do you love helping others, do you want a family? What are the things that YOU desire most from this one life we have and NOT what society has pushed on you. Once you’ve figured it out, pursue it fiercely. Don’t give a second thought to what others will think, it’s not their life!
Some days I feel incredible and others a bit hopeless. The important part is I keep moving, keep growing and keep pushing for the life I know I am capable of creating. I encourage those still reading to do the same. Push through the uncomfortable and keep going.
Have you been inspired to make a change? Let’s connect!
*Is this reference outdated because this blog post took a month to finish? Yes, probably. Is it worth keeping in anyway? Also, yes.
A gallery of simple pleasures
Changes. The song. Thank you Ms. Thank you for it. It will be my siren. We are now friends.