What comes next? Give it time.....

I was honored to be invited to speak to the Chesapeake Moms Club this past week. A wonderful group of women came out to talk about taking steps toward getting reacquainted with themselves and finding ways to investigate what comes next. The room was a mix of wonderfully talented women who were also parents. They wanted to learn how to really get clear about what their likes and dislikes are and what things they were tolerating. Some wanted to think about changing careers altogether and some were contemplating re-entering the workforce since their children would all be in school in the fall.

We addressed the issue of self care and getting enough sleep first and foremost. We also talked about getting serious about our health and setting strong boundaries in our relationships. We need time to meet our own needs so we can meet the needs of our families and the demands of our careers. We also need to create space to invoke the creative energy necessary to identify our next step.

We discussed paying attention to our surroundings so that we can get clues to what ignites our energy. I encouraged these women to pay attention to the television programs they are watching, the conversations they are having and the people they are drawn to for the next 14 days. I asked them to journal about these things and to take note of the themes that presented.

There were women who were used to plans being laid out and followed sequentially. I asked them to be patient with the process and to be sure to have some quiet time so that creativity would have room to bloom.

Each of these women were eager and ready to take on the task at hand. The discussion that ensued was a good one for anyone who is considering a change due to dissatisfaction in their work, relationships or in themselves. Here are some ideas to help identify what really stirs your spirit.

This week ask yourself:

-What hobby or career would I encourage my children or nieces or nephews to pursue?
-What section of the newspaper do I go to first?
-What do I absolutely make time for in my day no matter what?
-Who do I know that is doing something I would love to do either as a hobby or as a career?

Keep track for yourselves. Identify any themes that result and pursue one by developing 5 action steps that would allow you to work toward that interest. Most importantly, be sure to give yourself the space you need (is your home free of clutter, are there relationships that you need to re-evaluate to set firm limits on and are you taking 15 minutes a day to be still and quiet in nature?)If you commit to the process, what comes next will evolve as it should.

Have a great week!
Warmly,
Andrea