I HAVE LEARNED

“I have learned that making ‘a living’ is not the same as ‘making a life।’
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance।
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.”

Maya Angelou

It is difficult to live your life as “the strong one।” The one everyone turns to for help. People have always treated me as that one। They alway assumed that I had the answers. They assumed that I did not need their help or advice because I was so good at helping others solve their problems. People tell me I had that “look.” The look of someone in complete control of her life and decisions and did not need their help or support. Well, looks are deceiving.

It has been over a year since I have had a regular job and six months or more since I’ve worked consistently on a contract. I’ve been fortunate to have had some reserve resources during this time and I’ve been able to maintain my life in relative comfort. I am very thankful.

I’ve always wished to have the opportunity to take a sabbatical from work--and now I have. It is testimony to the power of thought. My thought of and desire for a sabbatical over many years became my reality. Perhaps it did not come in quite the way I would have wished nor was it planned. It simply manifested in my life.

I have not been idle during this period of rest. I have started three new businesses, built two websites and the blog, completed a powerful life-planning course, incorporated a nonprofit and helped a community reach a major goal. I have recreated my living space into one that soothes my spirit and fuels my productivity. I have jettisoned 30 years worth of past material possessions, mental and emotional baggage.

I have come to terms with what I do well and how I do it though I have yet, despite diligent effort, to find the opportunity to engage in the work in a way that earns a living. What I have discovered with the help of my brilliant friend and coach, Cecilia Edwards, (GetInPower.com) is that what I do is of value. I had begun to think that what I do well--helping people--my passion was of no value. Certainly my most recent job experiences would have impressed that belief upon me. And, for a while I believed it. Those were some pretty dark days.

But, fortunately, feel differently now. I’ve achieved clarity about who I am and what I do well. Before I merely had passion but could not articulate what I did, how I did it and what talents, skills and abilities I brought to it. I was unclear consequently it was unclear to others. I see that now.

Now I understand that what I do and what I do is help people solve complex problems and deal with important issues in challenging environments. My passion is helping people meet and exceed their goals. I do this by employing my talents for deep insight, my ability to see the big picture and true empathy for people and their conditions.

I use my skills for leadership, astute situational analysis, comprehensive planning for solutions, establishing and managing expectations and accountability structures to help people, organizations and communities win. Through coaching, teaching, training and speaking in ways that guide and inspire with passion and commitment, I help others achieve success.

My mission in life is to live my life authentically, with the material, intellectual and spiritual freedom to use my presence to change lives. I do this through the expression of my passion and talents exercised with integrity and personal disciple.

I will find a way to do what I do, live according to my mission and earn a living too. That is my goal.

Peace,

Yvonne