“I think we often short change ourselves by thinking too small. Or thinking something can’t be done. Or thinking we aren’t worthy to accomplish those goals or dreams.”

I’m guilty of doing that. Especially when it comes to risking, to taking chances. Believe me when I say, that I try not to short change myself, or think that something can’t be done, or that I’m not worthy of having my dreams come true. I really do try, and am getting better at giving myself credit for getting through the obstacle course called “life.”

I came across this quote the other day:
“We are all a people in need. We are not perfect. We are not machines. We make mistakes. We need grace. We need compassion. We need help at times. We need other people. And that’s okay.” ~ Jamie Tworkowski

I think the key is surrounding oneself with the right people who encourage us, support us, and are present to us. We don’t go through life alone. We need one another. Not only for today, but for every tomorrow to come.

Peg

Risking, and trusting oneself enough to take chances, in an ever-changing economy, is both commendable and inspiring. Heck, in any kind of economy, for that matter! As I was sitting at work, in my tiny three-walled cubicle, waiting for the next call to come ringing through, I thought a lot about the risks I have taken in my own life. I also thought about the last time I took a career/job-related risk. It has been a few years.

I’m not content where I find myself career-wise. I am, however, extremely thankful to have a job. Prior to me being hired by my present employer, I found myself unemployed twice within an eight month period. So, even if what I’m doing isn’t what I want to be doing, I feel it is better for me to be safe than sorry, and without a job. Too much loss experienced over the past eleven years, has decreased my willingness to take risks. Especially as a single person with limited resources. I have become resistant to trying something new work-wise, for fear that it won’t work out.

To risk is to trust, and believe, in oneself enough to take a chance on the unknown. You’re my hero. You’ve boarded a flight into the great unknown that comes with taking a risk. You’re creating a new vision for your life, for your future. I wish I knew how, and could do the same.

We’ve never met. I’m a friend of M.E. Sprengelmeyer’s. We worked at Scripps-Howard together. Saw this on his Facebook feed and had to check it out. This is great. Last year I was laid off from my job (I am also a journalist) and I started a blog, so as I read through your posts I kept nodding my head, thinking, “I can relate.” I now freelance and am doing the type of writing I want to do. Not to get all Tony Robbins on you, but my worst moment, professionally, actually led to my best moment. Not that I could see it at the time.

Looking forward to seeing where this takes you.

I hope it’s somewhere unexpected.

Good luck.

Fast forward to adulthood. It has been my faith, surrounding myself with positive, life-affirming people, and the gift of words, that have helped me to find strength and belief in myself – as well as, encourage others in their own trials and tribulations. We do not – and are not meant to – go through this life alone. It is the people in my life who are my reminders to remain resilient. Their words, their guidance, their presence, their compassion and love, are what get me through the challenges life brings. And when that adversity has been turned to joy, it is those same people with whom I celebrate.

Peg

I agree with you both, Drew and Gene. Reinvention can only take place if we tear down the walls we have built in our minds. When one goes through an experience of job loss (whether it be through a lay-off, poor performance, or because of a cognitive and/or physical change), that loss can have a profound affect on one’s psyche and feelings about them self. We begin to question our self-worth; our skills, knowledge, and talents; and before long, our self-esteem has tanked and a wall has been built in its place.

When faced with changes that present the necessity of reinvention in our lives, we need to NOT build walls, and instead build relationships through open lines of communication with family, friends, and networks of individuals who are also in the phase of reinventing their lives (whether they be in the same career field, or something completely different).

About seven years ago, I sought a career change due to burn-out. I went from being a social worker in an inner-city nursing home, to the office manager for the attorney that used to represent me in court when I had to file petitions for conservatorship and guardianship (in the best interest and protection of vulnerable adults living at the nursing home). I was looking for a change, and so was she. We were both excited about the possibilities and plans to turn things around at her small law firm. About six weeks later, she layed me off, because she couldn’t afford to pay me and the administrative assistant that had been there prior to me joining the firm. I found myself unemployed and scared. A month later, I was working in a nursing home; and six months later, again found myself unemployed and scared. …

I could feel the walls start to build as my self-esteem crumbled, and I began to question my self-worth. Down deep inside, however, I knew I couldn’t give up. I worked hard to squash any negative self-talk, I kept the lines of communication open with my family and friends. I made sure that I got out into some social situations, so that I wasn’t alone all of the time. I applied for any job I could find, because I knew my survival depended upon what actions I took. 3 1/2 – 4 months later, I found a job. It paid much less than what I was making before; but it was a job. I’ve been with that employer now, for almost six years.

Walls are self-destructive excuses. Walls keep us from our authentic, true selves; and from being all that we can, and are meant, to be. If we are to be successful in reinventing our lives (for whatever reason) we must find the strength within us to stay positive, rely on our faith, reach out to others, surround ourselves with family and friends, and never ever give up.

Peg

I’m not doing what I’d like to be doing, because I would make less than I already am – and I can’t afford it; especially as a single, soon-to-be 50, woman. The opportunities are fewer and farther apart – and made that much more difficult going it alone. I’ve been down this road more than once or twice. I’m trying very hard to not let resistance get the best of me emotionally, financially, physically, psychologically, or spiritually. It isn’t easy. I haven’t given up. However; for reinvention to occur, I am going to need a miracle or two, and the support of others to make it happen.

Peg