Here’s my “Do Over!”
After 15 years of working at a job I’ve really enjoyed, I was faced with the decision to move across the country to keep it or “explore new opportunities.” I’m a guy who has always played it safe and done what was expected of me. I’ve been very successful and also see how I’ve lived well within life’s margins by focusing on stability, security and avoiding exposure.
Life has clearly presented me with an opportunity to choose again. The path I’ve been on holds no passion for me any more and so I’ve chosen to “create new opportunities” and figure out how to bring my unique talents into the world through a career filled with meaning. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and learned a great deal about myself.
I’ve felt nearly every emotion in this process–excitement, anxiety, happiness, fear, confidence, doubt–and this is progress, since avoiding emotional experiences had always been my mode. I’m so grateful for what I’ve learned through Live Dynamite over the past three years and that I have a daily practice. It’s made my transition much smoother.
When the doubt kicks in I Spiral Up and get back into a positive mindset that helps me see what more is possible. I read through the vision I’ve created for building a consulting firm. I review my goals and take action towards my plan. And it’s working.
I’ve already landed my first contract and have made more new contacts than I could have imagined. I’ve made alliances with other firms and built a consortium of partners that keeps expanding. As I’ve moved outside my comfort zone, I see how much more is possible and I feel excited again. Most importantly, I’ve reconnected with who I am. I am far more present to life’s experiences. I am learning as I go. And I am excited to live a life that’s successful and filled with meaning.
Part of my daily practice has included reading to stay inspired. I’ve just finished reading “Chop Wood, Carry Water” and wanted to post this closing poem that pretty much sums it all up. It’s by an 81 year old woman who didn’t live as fully as she’d like.
Thank you Live Dynamite. Here’s to creating a happy, meaning-filled life. Now that’s success.
–Mike, Minneapolis
If I Had My Life to Live Over
I’d like to make more mistakes next time. I’d relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I’m one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.
Nadine Stair
