For a little while now, I have been feeling somewhat frustrated and down. At the age of 53, I am taking big steps towards changing my career path so I can work in a field I have always wanted to work in, as well as have my own business. I started this journey in May 2021 during COVID, undertaking a Masters course and what feels like a hundred other small courses to make sure this happens. I am just about finished my Masters and have loved every minute of it. In some ways it feels like time has flown by, but on the other hand it feels like my dream job and business are still out of reach. Not having yet gotten there entirely, with some challenges along the way.
It is easy to get disheartened at times when our goal seems just out of reach. I realise now that my focus has entirely been on the end goal. I have forgotten to revel in the small and frequent achievements I have made along the way, and that with continued persistence I will get there. It really is a case of being about the journey along the way, not just the destination. Both are important, but if we only focus on the end game being the most important thing, we won’t appreciate the smaller achievements as well. Like the fact I have completed 27 masters level assignments, or navigated online learning with confidence and ease, while working full-time and having a family, home and other life. I have a new job because of the skills, experience and studying I am undertaking, which means I am earning a lot more in a better work environment. My confidence, sense of who I am and what I am capable of have also expanded. So much has shifted as part of this journey. I now have so much more belief in myself and even my outlook towards my future.
When we take huge steps to change the course of our lives, it takes patience, breaking things into micro-steps, allowing ourselves to celebrate these achievements and enjoy the process along the way. It is sometimes hard to remember these things in our modern world where instant gratification is the preferred option. For some things this is not possible, especially if they involve big decisions and change. Like they say “it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen!”. Note to self!
Written from my heart for yours.
Iris May 5th December 2022
Be Kind to Yourselves - BK2Y 