I’ve always wanted a career driven life but it never worked that way for me. I followed many paths and often tried to change the subject when people asked - what is it that you do again? I’ve followed a life purpose with margins (or I suppose open spaces!) so that I could change my role or projects without changing my purpose - to be a storyteller. Best to you as you continue to explore this chapter of your life.
I totally agree that each chapter of our lives have purpose. At this point, I try to start my day with the thought… “how can I help someone today?” - and then at the end of the day, I try to look for the little things I did that might have helped.
While chatting with a friend recently, she was stressed because she was leaving for a girls trip abroad and she would be the driver (on the wrong side of the road) - she wasn’t sure she could do it. The idea popped into my head so of course I shared - to just follow the car in front of her. Two days later I received a text with a picture of her following the car in front of her with a huge Thank You because it worked!
I love the way you start and end the day, Diane. Can there be a better purpose than helping someone else? Probably not.
Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference. Like enjoying a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream at the end of a long workday, right?!😉
I think if more humans had such open space, there would be less suffering. We're more able to care for ourselves, our bodies, and each other and the planet in a mindful and loving way. I am much more available to those I love in retirement than I was when I was burning the candle at both ends, even though the work was for a pure and good purpose. Each chapter has gifts.
You're so right, Stephanie, that each chapter has its gifts. Yet it seems our fast-paced culture tends to celebrate the fast-paced chapters, while often missing the invaluable joys of the quieter years.
Astutely put Donna, this is absolutely right!!! All chapters matter. All ages, all paces, all spaces. And we lose so much in a culture that values young and fast only. This is not wisdom.
Ah. This post rings so true. I read about people who have made contributions to the world and think, why haven't I done that? Or scaled huge mountains, gone diving into bottomless chasms and I marvel at their courage. My modest work accomplishments pale in comparisons with those of my former classmates. Sigh.
Especially as women we tend to downplay our contributions. Here's what I tell myself when I have the same doubts as you -- don't compare yourself to others. Have you made a difference in someone's life? Is someone or something better than if you had not been there? For you, I know the answer is undoubtedly "yes." In my book that's far more important than scaling huge mountains. Embrace what you've done and who you are. Both deeply matter.
I have lived my life within a big mission which was my career in healthcare. Now, semi-retired, I have found myself struggling with the spaciousness I find in my days. I'm learning to sink into it and your words have helped me further. Thank you!
I’ve always wanted a career driven life but it never worked that way for me. I followed many paths and often tried to change the subject when people asked - what is it that you do again? I’ve followed a life purpose with margins (or I suppose open spaces!) so that I could change my role or projects without changing my purpose - to be a storyteller. Best to you as you continue to explore this chapter of your life.
I totally agree that each chapter of our lives have purpose. At this point, I try to start my day with the thought… “how can I help someone today?” - and then at the end of the day, I try to look for the little things I did that might have helped.
While chatting with a friend recently, she was stressed because she was leaving for a girls trip abroad and she would be the driver (on the wrong side of the road) - she wasn’t sure she could do it. The idea popped into my head so of course I shared - to just follow the car in front of her. Two days later I received a text with a picture of her following the car in front of her with a huge Thank You because it worked!
Those little things really can help.🤗
I love the way you start and end the day, Diane. Can there be a better purpose than helping someone else? Probably not.
Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference. Like enjoying a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream at the end of a long workday, right?!😉
Beautiful, Donna!
I think if more humans had such open space, there would be less suffering. We're more able to care for ourselves, our bodies, and each other and the planet in a mindful and loving way. I am much more available to those I love in retirement than I was when I was burning the candle at both ends, even though the work was for a pure and good purpose. Each chapter has gifts.
You're so right, Stephanie, that each chapter has its gifts. Yet it seems our fast-paced culture tends to celebrate the fast-paced chapters, while often missing the invaluable joys of the quieter years.
Astutely put Donna, this is absolutely right!!! All chapters matter. All ages, all paces, all spaces. And we lose so much in a culture that values young and fast only. This is not wisdom.
I love this so much. Yes, yes, yes.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the essay, Kim. But from where I sit, you are leading a multi-purpose life! And I applaud all you do.
Ah. This post rings so true. I read about people who have made contributions to the world and think, why haven't I done that? Or scaled huge mountains, gone diving into bottomless chasms and I marvel at their courage. My modest work accomplishments pale in comparisons with those of my former classmates. Sigh.
Especially as women we tend to downplay our contributions. Here's what I tell myself when I have the same doubts as you -- don't compare yourself to others. Have you made a difference in someone's life? Is someone or something better than if you had not been there? For you, I know the answer is undoubtedly "yes." In my book that's far more important than scaling huge mountains. Embrace what you've done and who you are. Both deeply matter.
I have lived my life within a big mission which was my career in healthcare. Now, semi-retired, I have found myself struggling with the spaciousness I find in my days. I'm learning to sink into it and your words have helped me further. Thank you!
Finding ways to incorporate chocolate in my day always has and will continue to be, a priority.♥️ (Miss you my friend)