Vol 5 iss 3

As I sit to write this early morning, the sun is streaming through the window, a slight nip lingers in the air, and my cup of coffee is steaming. The fragrance is tantalizing and a hint of spring is visible through my window. Could life ever be better than this?

Many thanks to the reader who responded to my query in last month’s issue, Back to Basics. For her, “back to basics” is:

“…turning isolation into solitude, bringing joy into care taking, eating mindfully instead of hungrily, giving myself a little vacation of fun when I'm awake at 2 am. And it's anticipating the future, whatever it may bring.” Wow. A lovely reflection, don’t you think? How will you use this message to further your exploration of “back to basics?”

Speaking of readers, I had a note from another subscriber voicing her concerns. She has completed training for a new career and (gulp!) got a second job in that field! Her intention is to one day open her own business doing this kind of work. You would think that would be really good news, but sometimes reality feels a little different. With her permission, I’ve used our correspondence as the basis for this month’s message, “Growth Spurt of the Spirit.” (And if you think these crisis points only occur at mid-life, this subscriber is in her late 20’s!)

I want to mention one more thing; if you’re not watching the web cast of Oprah interviewing Eckhart Tolle on his new book, “A New Earth: Awakening to your Life’s Purpose,” it’s not too late to join in. I invite you to get the book, and follow this link: http://www.oprah.com/obc_classic/webevent_registration.html

I’m very excited about what he has to say, and highly recommend this series. Each broadcast is about 2 hours long, and it WELL worth it!

Should your heart remind you that it’s time for a different agenda, I can help you with that!

There are very few people on this planet who are truly comfortable with change. When you’re in the midst of creating a life that nourishes you and at the same time contributes to the greater good, it can feel pretty bizarre. What was once solid and sure is now porous and unstable. The following is a slightly (to preserve her identity) edited letter I received from a subscriber that describes this reaction. See if you can relate:

“Okay, so once again... I'm at a point where I am getting antsy and I feel like I need to make some decisions! I'm not sure what decisions those are! I feel good about where I'm at, but it's like I get this nagging feeling that I'm not doing everything I should be, but I never know what I'm missing. I got a second job (in the new career), but I have a weird feeling about it. I don't know if it's because I'm treading on the right path or if I totally took a wrong turn. …

Ever since I made that decision, I feel like I'm floating above everything and I'm not sure where the hell the ground is. It's not a good feeling. I'm not sure where it's coming from though. I don't know what I'm hesitant about. I feel trapped … I just feel like screaming.

So, that's why I am writing to you…I'm at a fork and I'm not sure which way to turn or if I need to just stay where I am at. If there's any advice you want to throw my way, I
would love it and greatly appreciate it!!! I don't even know what questions I need to be asking myself...I'm at a loss….”

So, here’s my answer:

“… welcome to crisis. Your feelings and indecision are completely normal. No kidding. One person said it was like sitting out in the middle of a lake in a canoe, and you're surrounded by docks… or there's no docks at all… no destination …or a gazillion destinations…. floating... and no paddle to use even if there was a dock. Feel like that? You're normal.

We go through these a couple of times in a lifetime, each one gets easier I promise! You're in a growth spurt of the spirit; it's time to look inside to see your authentic self. She's erupting. She wants to know - what has to be in your life in order to be fulfilled? How can you be fulfilled and still be responsible to your loved ones? And what the heck is fulfillment anyway?

Your heart knows what step you need to take next - ask your heart. (Try starting a meditation practice, or journal, or write poetry, or do yoga - you get the idea. Pay attention to your dreams; they have messages for you.) Your authentic self springs from your heart.

And another thing - be sure you're well nourished and get plenty of sleep. It keeps all those natural anti-depressive juices in your brain flowing on time and keeps creativity high. That's the first thing to go and the first thing you need right now.

So, take care of yourself … and work your job - being in (your new job/new career) and seeing it from that perspective will be priceless education. Find a role model. Be responsible, and all the while, keep your antennae up.

When the next right move shows itself, (and it WILL) then you'll recognize it - because you've looked inside and you know what's important, and what you're willing to tolerate. Owning your own business is completely attainable and you are poised perfectly to make it happen. You can do this.

Just know that you are an amazing young woman with a lifetime of promise ahead of you. You've walked some rocky roads emotionally, but you're willing to look inside and grow because of it. Not everyone is. The world needs your loving touch. I'm very proud of you.”

Here’s her response:

“Thank you SO much!! … I actually feel so much better today. I wrote in my journal last
night and talked about it, it was good. I was still feeling yucky this morning, but then I got to go to work! Ahhhhh, it's so nice to have a career that is so easy for me. It's so simple, but so rewarding! When I got finished with work, I just felt so at peace.

It's funny you mentioned a healthy diet and plenty of sleep. In the last month, I have completely changed the way I eat. I make fresh fruit smoothies every morning and I've added a whole lot of raw food into my diet. Now, all I have to do is start exercising. I want to start doing yoga, but I have to find a place first.

It's all working out. I know that I'm headed in the right direction. It just freaks me out some times because I've never really been on the right path before.....spooky! It is kind of spooky how things fall in to place with little effort on my part. I like it, but it's weird.”

There is magic in this. When you allow your heart to speak and follow its direction, the whole world shifts a little to make a new place for you. Life goes on, relationships mature, and your surroundings morph into something better. Your heart joins the common good and allows you to flower and share your fragrance.

Learn the process of discovering your next career step, whether it's a different job or a brand new career. This workshop is a practical lesson on the 'how-to' of career change. In this highly-interactive fun class, we'll look at how to define what work suits you best, job search strategies, and action plans. You'll learn how to research and approach the companies you'll be happiest working for and how to network to find that company.

Last date available until next fall: April 19, 2008

9 am to noon, class will meet at Longmont Free University.

To register, call 303-702-1500, or visit their website: http://www.longmontfreeu.com/

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"By Debra DeVilbiss, PCC, of Forward Momentum, LLC. Please visit Debra's website at http://www.ForwardMomentum.com for additional articles and resources on creating your right livelihood."

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