Do you ever contemplate how you ended up where you are right now? Is it the right place for you, or is it just the right place for you right now? Each step on our journey is temporary- it may seem like an eternity, but it’s only one stop. You can only get stuck if you stop moving.
Have you ever talked with kids about what they want to do when they grow up? They want to be fireman/astronauts, and veterinarian/bakers. I can’t remember taking an aptitude test when I was in high school, I must have at some point. I have always been a “people person”. When I was little, I wanted to be a nurse. I thought being Florence Nightingale or Clara Barton would have been awesome. Turns out, science is not my best subject and injuries gross me out.
I thought physical therapy or occupational therapy might be for me, honestly, I am pretty sure someone told me that, so it sounded good. That was not my path either. I ended up at a small Catholic college with no idea what was in my future, except that it needed to include French. I couldn’t imagine a world where I could exist in if it didn’t happen in French.
I became a French teacher and that was the right fit for me for a very long time. Exactly half of my life. I don’t support the phrase “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” The teachers of the world do more than teach. Teachers show students the possibilities and encourage them to fly. We sow seeds that grow and blossom, we just don’t often get to see the results.
We all get to a point where it’s time to walk a new path. There are so many reasons; health, family choices, retirement, a layoff, marriage, divorce, a move. It’s ok (and I encourage) exploring the possibilities. There is so much in between what was and what could be.
My life changed when I left the physical classroom. It was a moment that challenged me in so many positive ways and pushed me in a new direction. I’m happy wandering this path. It’s different, often challenging, and full of possibilities. I’m not stuck. Are you?
If you don’t feel like you are in the right place, either in a job or relationship, what are you going to do? Stay where you are because it seems safe or make a change? Change is not easy, but it’s worth it to move into a more joyful space. Your joy will spread to others and beyond. My challenge to you today is to think about one way you can have more joy in your life and act on it. One small step and you are on your way!!
