Last week we celebrated Independence Day. By far, one of my favorite holidays. I celebrated Independence Month personally. On June 4th, I quit my job.
‘Goodbye’ to my career …
I may have quit my 28-year career. No, I did quit my career. It no longer serves me. I have spent years doing what I thought I was supposed to be doing. Every next step, every class, every certification, every degree, every job change or promotion. God (or the Universe if you prefer) tried to tell me several times it may not the place for me. My ego depended on it. I made it a priority in my life and got little in return. I sacrificed self and family for little return. It felt like a constant battle with occasional wins.
It no longer has the power over me. Nor will I be made small by another’s ego, insecurities and judgement. I am enough. I get to walk away with everything I learned and use it for a new purpose.
What happened? I am great at what I do. I honor my strengths and work my weaknesses. I am not perfect, but I could no longer be me because of what other people wanted me to be. I had to fit in their mold. I could only say what they wanted me to say and how they wanted me to say it. I had to be their perfect. I had to not be me. How it went down is a tale to tell, but of no significance because it is over. I hold no bitterness, only sadness of loss which fades everyday.
I know many of you can relate …
My journey in fitness and nutrition led me down a path naturally where I find myself now. A big part of my struggle was my mindset and self-care. I know I’m not alone. Almost every client, particularly females, I connect with struggles with their mindset and taking care of themselves. We have convinced ourselves we have to do it all and look great while doing it. Men struggle with this as well, but in a different way.
I’ve done a lot of work on myself over the last two years. I know I have to honor my strengths. I’m a Learner, Relator, Activator, Achiever, and Connector. Defining and defending my ‘why’ has been freeing. I’m happiest bringing people together and supporting them – not fighting people to be that person. That is just a waste of time.
What will I do with my independence?
This independence is terrifying and extremely liberating at the same time. The shame gremlins float above and judge me. Who are you to think you can do this? You do not have a perfect body, you are older, you are a girl, you like Cheez-its. Why would anyone want to work with you? Let’s see, maybe because they can relate? Maybe because I’m a Learner and can help Activate others by Connecting with them to help them Achieve their goals because I can Relate? See what I did there?
So, independence. I’m where I’m supposed to be now. Join me on the journey.
(Shout out to Anything by Brené Brown and to Strengthsfinder 2.0)
