This Wasn't The Life I Planned

This Wasn’t the Life I Planned…

Back in 2007, I found myself in the middle of the “perfect storm.”

One moment, everything was wonderful. I was content, happy, and thriving.

But then…

My youngest son left for college, my husband left for another woman, and the company I worked for left for Chicago.

Within a few months, my entire life changed.

Thankfully, I was able to get a business up and running very quickly and soon secured office space in a nearby town. But I was stressed, tired, and questioning every move I made.

One day, as I was driving to my office, my mind was swirling. I had received an upsetting call from my ex-husband, and I was distracted by something he said. As I came around the curve, I was completely unprepared when a squirrel ran out in front of my car.

It hesitated just for a moment, its eyes huge and confused, before scooting back and forth a few times and then finally returning to the safety of the ditch it had left only moments before.

Without thinking, I slammed on my brakes. My tires squealed, and my body stiffened. With my heart pounding, I pulled over to collect myself. I was safe. My car was safe. Even the squirrel was safe. Thankfully, I was on a back road, and there were no other cars in the area.

As I sat there catching my breath, I thought about the squirrel. In my mind, I replayed it running out in the road, zipping back and forth until it finally decided to run back to the comfort of the ditch it had just left.

Suddenly, I was hit by an "AHA!"

With all the major changes that had occurred in the few months before, I was feeling just like that squirrel—indecisive and reactive.

I wanted to return to the safety of my previous life just a few months earlier, but that option was no longer available.

I was functioning in “react” mode. Because my thoughts were constantly spinning, I wasn’t choosing a direction.

"I was letting a direction choose me."

I still needed to eat, so I had started a business that allowed me to do just that. However, I was doing work I was good at, not work I was passionate about.

At the time, I kept the business running, but in my off hours, I began to envision my dream life.

I chose a path, and I began walking—taking little steps every single day. It took some time, but I was finally able to step away from my grunt job and do the work I am passionate about—helping others create their best life.

I wrote a book, and I began speaking at events and conducting workshops. I created corporate workshops and also began working with teenagers.

Now, I look back on that squirrel and the lesson learned on that backcountry road with fondness.

If you love to read and enjoy self-improvement as much as I do, check out my book here.

If you’d like to get started on your own path of discovery and creation, reach out. I’d love to have a conversation. AND, I offer a free 30-minute brainstorming session. No catches.

Let’s get to know each other!