Arriving at this juncture
Doesn’t the imagery behind a phoenix rising from the ashes of what they once were send chills down your spine? Maybe it’s just me. But this has been my reality when I experienced several years of descruction and how I arrived at this moment.
I am not new to having a blog, a business, or pursuing higher education. Past experiences were always related to climbing that neverending corporate ladder. What can I do to get noticed? How can I get that next promotion? It was always more, more, more and in the corporate world it never felt like enough.
How did I get there in the first place? Well, I followed the sidewalk lined with white picket fences. I did exactly what was expected of me. Strive for good grades while holding a job and going to college. When I went to college I struggled as what was on my heart I was told would not fund my survival so I pushed aside what I really wanted to puruse (hint: it was therapy) and dove into the corporate world. Little did I realize, I dove into a very lucarive industry which was also extremely turbulent, cut throat, and you would constantly be clawing for the next validation that you were worthy. Perhaps a littler dramatic but it has not been a walk in the park nor enjouable. But on the outside, I was living the dream. Lucartive career. Family. House. Fancy car. I had it all. But, I was constantly shifting roles and voluteering for more to find a speck of fulfillment in that world.
I was cracked open when I had three, yes three, really awful work experiences back to back. It made me question everything. I purused freelancing and realized quickly that I did not want to be a freelance marketer. After a series of certifications and a failed business, I found myself spending more and more time in nature. Connecting to the earth, growing plants, and nuturing them gives you a whole new perspective on life. Life slowed down for the first time in I don’t know how long. For the first time, I was not fueled by caffeine and I was witnessing micromoments of complete joy.
In this season, I took the opportunity to really dig into what filled my soul and what type of life I really wanted to pursue. It became clear that I needed to take a bold step for me and tap into my passion that has always been there, helping others. When I had this realization, I did sleep on it a few nights before starting to really dig into what that meant. After a few weeks of discovery, investigation, and discussing the impact to my own family, I made the bold decision to start my second act.
That very day, I rose from the ashes of what I once was and started another graduate program. This time has been different. At the end of the program, I am not doing the same job, I am stepping into a completely different field. I am becoming an intern again in my 40’s. I am starting at the bottom and realizing I have a lot to learn and discover. I know that starting again is exactly what I needed to live again.
Becoming a therapist as my second act has already been so rewarding. I am learning again. I know that I can make an impact in my commnunity and the individuals I will be serving. I know I have a road ahead of me as I make this transition but I have never been more ready for anything in my life. This is just the first step in what is to come.
