Hopeless

Last Year around Christmas time I got the urge to get a part-time job. Now you may say, “What is so special about that?”  It was the first paid position I was to have in the past 13 years! There were years of indecision complicated by many beliefs that no longer supported me. For example: talking myself into believing I didn’t have any worthwhile skills, that I couldn’t blend all the aspects of my life  and be balanced and in my power, that women over 40 can’t start over, or that I needed to have a professional career in order to be fulfilled. My self esteem plummeted, and I felt hopeless.

Hopefully passionate

Fortunately the time had come to take new steps to find out what where my passions lay. The limitations came off after I healed my old beliefs using Humanistic Neurolinguistic Psychology. I decided to go inside with meditation,  journaling, and slowing down and spending time with myself in nature.

Getting to know myself was fun and I was made aware of my passions while making numerous lists, including my childhood pleasures, my strengths, what people had shared I would be good at, what books I had on my bookshelf, how I enjoyed spending my time, and what I wanted to accomplished  in my life looking backwards (very powerful exercise).

What emerged was a passion for transformational activities including cooking, gardening, decorating, and a strong desire to help individuals as they tranform to be all they are able to be. After all, it takes one to know one!

So off I went with my resume in hand and I got a call about 3 months later for a part time position in a flower shop. I enjoyed the beauty of the flowers, the creativity of the  environment, the interaction with the staff and customers, and it helped me to stay grounded and provided me with so much more than a paycheck. It gave me hope.

Know when it is time to start a new adventure

I stayed at the flower shop for about a year, and when the time came and other passions were calling I found it difficult to leave. What if they can’t find anybody during this busy time of year? Or maybe they won’t be able to train someone new and they will be stressed. They will be angry with me for quitting.

I knew my heart was no longer engaged and I wanted to honor that so I gave my resignation. Wouldn’t you know a casual employee already trained and ready to go asked for the position. I learned that day that all I need to do is follow my heart and my spirit will look after everything else. Listen to your internal guidance and what does or doesn’t get you excited, and be thankful for your challenges, for there is always a hidden lesson or opportunity waiting for you.

Please comment on any challenges you have had finding your passion.