Fall has finally shown up. I wore a coat and scarf yesterday for the first time this season…. and it felt good. I love the feeling when the Seasons change. I love anticipating the change, the different clothes, the different foods, the different attitudes.
But some changes are not so welcome. Many changes are uncomfortable.
I experienced some weird feelings this week when I attended the retirement celebration for my mentor. I had not worked with her in nearly 25 years, but her influence still pervades much of my decision-making at work. I saw former coworkers that I hadn’t seen in many years; I loved working with these people! We had such a great time back then. Money was good; we had great parties; we hung out together and got drinks on Fridays after work.
While it was great to see my friends, the weirdness was around the space. The work space is SO different than the work space I had shared with these treasured people oh-so-many years ago. And in the blink of an eye, I was both transported back to that time and realized that, as much as I LOVED that time and place, I can’t go back.
That may seem obvious to some but come on, isn’t there a time and place that you think of fondly and for just a moment think, ‘Ah, I wish I could go back.’?
But here’s the other thing I realized: I really don’t want to go back….because I’m better than I was back then. Here’s another weird part. You want to know what triggered this epiphany? It was the pantyhose one of my former coworkers was wearing. Yep, that’s right, pantyhose. Those pantyhose represented something outdated for me. I haven’t worn or owned pantyhose in probably 20 years. In flash of clarity, I knew that I am ON the correct path….with you, right here, right now.
That long-ago employment situation was perfect for me then and it shaped who I am now and I am proud to be her. I am also proud of who I am today. I have fought hard, dreamed dreams, done THINGS, raised kids and put my heart and soul into my work.
I don’t make butt loads of money and I don’t drive a fancy car. We don’t own a beach house and I don’t wear (insert popular brand here) jewelry, but I’m happy.
I learned the hard way that a significant salary does not make you happy. Every time I’ve indulged in retail therapy, I’ve found that like sugar, it’s a short-term high.
Look deep in your soul, folks. What makes you happy? What lights you up? What dream are you chasing? Because you are reading mine.
Go out and be AWESOME today!