What does your life look like when it is all that you want it to be? Can you imagine it? What are the changes you would make? Be specific. It is easy to be generically unhappy about life. This exercise is calling for you to think about all the nooks and crannies of your day and how they can be different.
You get to choose your life in your dreams. Go big, as they say
When you originally gave your power to choose your life, that in itself was a choice. Most likely it was for a nobler purpose. To stay home with your children is a good example. This causes you to give over your power to your spouse/partner in order to devote yourself to the care of your children. This, of course, is an agreed upon relinquishment. Maybe illness of a family member forced you to be the care-taker. I am sure there are as many scenarios as there are people. But the question is, “Are YOU ready to take back your autonomy?”
Considering how long you were dependent, you may be at a loss as to where to start.
In my personal story, I chose to leave a career to become a full-time stay-at-home mom. Seventeen years later, when my nest was in upheaval, I decided to stick my toe into the pool of employment once again. I did not go straight to my deserted profession however. Not even close. I was too insecure for that having lost the vocabulary to even attempt to reintegrate into the business world that I once felt so secure in.
I went for menial and part-time labor. It was that small incremental step I referred to earlier. It was the best attempt I could allow myself.
I did it. I survived. I was out the door and building confidence once again, in a workplace environment.
On now to the next level.
Take the small steps. If it helps you out the door, do it. I have heard that you should never accept a position that is beneath you. I am not sure exactly what these people are referring to. Remember, no one knows your truth better than you. You need to exist where you are ready to exist. This is not a place anyone else is able to discern.. That said, I do think that it is important to use these positions purposefully in order to make an upward climb. Build your confidence at whatever pace you need, but do not forget to continue.
There is an excerpt from The Shoemakers Wife, by Adriana Trigianni……”she has begun the slow, careful climb of re-invention.”
This is exactly the approach we need to take. Be slow, deliberate and careful. Make informed decisions along with wistful leaps, if need be, to start your climb out. Let your imagination be your guide.
