Imagine your life is nearing its eventual end. Morbid, I know, but stick with me for a minute. You’re about to gasp your last breath, thinking about your life and all that you either have or haven’t accomplished. What’s going to come to mind? Will you be thinking about the money you made or didn’t make? Will the kids you did or didn’t have race through your mind? What about the love of your life or the one who got away?
Thankfully, I’ve never had a near death experience so I have no idea what I’d be thinking about. What I can guarantee, without a sliver of doubt, is that the money made or lost will be the last thing on my mind. Putting myself in that place for just a moment, I’d most likely have equal parts love for my family and friends and regrets for a life not lived.
The last part is the one we should be focusing on. Regrets are ugly little suckers that tend to hang around long after we wish they’d gone.
A relatively short time ago, I was gainfully employed at a Fortune 50 company, one that I’d called home for more than 25 years. Each new year, I’d become depressed and morose, wondering where my life was heading. I had the ability to buy just about anything (within reason) but felt listless, empty and lost. Was this it? Where was this leading? As the new year came and went, I would continually accept my fate.
Eventually, I didn’t.
I’ve been on a journey of self employment and reflection for the better part of two years. It’s not always easy and it’s certainly placed a strain financially and emotionally on me and my family. These are the negatives, but there’s oh so many more positives.
Waking up each day with zero regrets in a new life is a great feeling. Everything has its ups and downs, but there’s nothing better than realizing you’re on the right path. That path is lined with supportive friends and family, both of which are needed to keep your sanity and positive momentum.
We’re told to get a “good” job, buy a nice house and drive a new car. Part of this is correct. Buying a house as part of your financial portfolio makes a ton of sense. It’s an asset that should go up in value, as long as we can avoid a 2008 financial crisis catastrophe. A car is needed to drive you from point A to B. Nothing fancy is needed, something reliable and inexpensive will do. Now for the tricky party, employment.
We all have bills to pay. Finding the right job to pay for those bills can be challenging and often stressful, frustrating and difficult. Finding something you don’t hate to do on a daily basis is not only important, it’s essential. You’ve heard the expression, “you only have one life to live.” It’s an expression for a reason, it’s also 100% accurate.
If you can buy all the things you want but nothing satiates your soul, you’re probably going down the wrong path. Recognizing it is one thing, doing something about it is another thing entirely. There’s no need to sugarcoat it, finding yourself is never an easy journey. There will be bumps and bruises along the way. You’ll doubt whether you made the right decision, you may even think you’re going a little bit crazy. This is all very normal.
Continue down the path you’ve set for yourself and sail into those choppy waters. You’ll find a stiff breeze eventually, then and only then will you begin to see the clouds disperse and feel the sunshine on your face.
A new year is approaching that will bring its own unique challenges, obligations and stressors. Are you going to lean into the wind or will you allow it to carry you to your next destination?
If you choose to lean, be sure to buy a new pair of sunglasses. That sunshine on your face can be pretty bright.
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