Fearless is Freedom

Happy Sunday Everyone,

It’s been a while since my last post and I’m excited to share . I recently celebrated my birthday and I can tell you that I feel more alive and free than I’ve ever felt before. Someone called me a “free spirit” last week and I wasn’t sure how to take it until received some clarity. I guess you could call me a free spirit and the older I get the freer I become. I care less about what other people think about me and what others want me to do. I love having fun and experiencing new things with or without other people. Gardening and a walk in the park excite me more that shopping at the mall. Freedom is being comfortable with who you are and what you want out of life. Freedom is releasing people from your life who mean you no good. Freedom is choosing a career path that challenges you daily.

I gave up the most comfortable job I’ve ever had working from home to return to the office. My round trip commute is three hours a day, but it’s worth every single minute in traffic. I decided to return to the office because my previous position did not offer any growth opportunities. The downside of teleworking is you forego networking opportunities for the comforts of home.  Giving up telework was the best decision I ever made. I was fortunate enough to work for a management team that supported my decision and assisted in my career development.  I was able to shadow other people in positions that interested me. I took classes in resume writing and interviewing so that I would be ready when my time came.

All of my  preparation paid off. In January I interviewed for an analyst position and was offered the job in March. In the past, I would have nervously sabotaged the opportunity out of fear. I’ve done that several times in my career, but my desire to live fearlessly made the difference this time. Although I was sad to leave my previous department, I knew that it was time.  Every day is a challenge for me and I love it. I know that I have so much to learn and I am trying not get discouraged by the skills that I have not yet attained.  Author Valorie Burton has a book titled Get Unstuck Be Unstoppable and it’s a game changer. I could have remained stuck in my comfort zone or I could step out on the ledge and jump. I chose the latter and that is true freedom.