HOLD ON TO IT

I had an interesting conversation today with a friend on the topic of pursuing our dreams and passions. I was engrossed in something else and realized she was urgently trying to get my attention. I tried finishing the piece that I was working on but I could tell that she needed to talk to me. She began to share with me her desire to transition her career to another industry other than that which she had earned her degree and been working in for at least a decade. She needed someone to  validate her feelings and assure her that such a drastic life change was not crazy. Here's what I told her:

If you truly feel it in your spirit, you at least owe it to yourself to examine those feelings and try to understand where that road may lead. The old saying "nothing beats a failure but a try" is so true and no matter where the road leads at least you will have examined it. When something is pressing so strong in your spirit and you feel the need to do something about it...then do it! I explained to her that I could not tell her what to do ultimately the choice is hers and while I think she would be awesome at the new career choice, she must feel it within herself. She has to believe in herself and regardless of what others say it won't matter until she feels it, believes it and knows it within. And once she feels it she has to hold on to it with everything that is within her and claim it.

When you're already in the midst of a transition as she is it is perfectly fine to examine yourself and your purposes and redefine your goals and dreams. And even if you are not in transition, if you feel the urge press forward to your happiness. I believe if you have something pressing on your spirit that you cannot shake it deserves at least an examination if not a full pursuit. I earned my degree in Human Resources Management but my passion has been and always will be writing. When the economy took a downturn it gave many of us a chance to re-examine our designated career choices and take the opportunity to pursue freelance, entrepreneurship and so much more. Together my friend and I outlined some steps that she could take on her pursuit to her dream and back-up that she would need to financially carry her through the transition.

I often think that as a society we become encumbered with other people's expectations of us as well as what other people will think about us. Allowing others to define who we should be will not bring joy and happiness unless their goals are in alignment with our dreams. We must learn to break those chains and release ourselves to live freely in the design God fashioned us to be. If there is a burning passion within to change careers and pursue our dreams and passions I believe we at least owe it to ourselves to research the matter. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it would be wise to jump in headfirst into something without doing the proper research and understanding the effect it will have on our lives. But we should at least look into it and see if it is feasible and how to make it happen.

Writing is my passion and while I would rather do this all day than anything else, realistically there are bills that must be paid. Therefore, I have outlined strategies that will allow me to pursue this full time and I realize it is going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and passion. But I'm in it for the long haul. As a freelance writer and newly published author, I am pursuing my passion full-time while I also work full-time. Whether it is on a full or part-time basis, don't ignore your true calling. If you have that burning desire in your spirit to be who you truly are...pursue it with all that is within you and hold on to it!

"Be a butterfly spread your wings and whatever life brings,
be true to you-be YOU-nique! Let the Lord guide you to the beauty inside you and you'll find the joy that you seek."