Fifteen years ago I wanted to be a first amendment attorney. I wanted to live in a high rise off the Embarcadero in San Francisco, practice law, travel the world, and be single – okay, maybe have an equally career-obsessed travel companion, but that’s it. My life today could not be further from this. And I am so glad.
As we chase our dreams an interesting thing happens. Life happens. We learn, we grow, and we change. Sometimes what we learn and how we change is in alignment with what we’re chasing, and sometimes it’s not. I spend a lot of time talking about the importance of setting intentions and having clarity around where you’re going. The reason we do that is to check in with our hearts – to see what matters to us, and what makes us happy. As we evolve and grow as individuals, what we want is likely to change too. Sometimes that can be scary – especially when we’ve spent a lot of time working towards a single goal. But the truth is, reaching the goal will never be fulfilling if it’s not in alignment with your heart’s desires.
Giving yourself permission to change directions and to take leaps of faith will bring you the confidence, joy, and fulfillment you’re seeking and hoping will come from the status quo. Following the guidance of your heart, and being willing to be uncomfortable for a little while to get where it’s asking you to go, will always make you happier. You are not the person you were 15 years ago, and you will be different than you are today 15 years from now. Lean into that, embrace the fact that change is inevitable, and work with your heart’s desires to design who you want to be in the future.
This week I encourage you to take a step back and admire the journey. Admire who you were when you started out, the changes you’ve made, the leaps of faith you’ve taken, the changes in direction, and the things that were once imperative to your happiness that no longer matter – it’s an impressive view. It will give you the faith and the endurance you need to embrace the future.
With love and gratitude,
Robin