Kick Start Change Challenge

Dear Everyone,

I've juust turned 56 and in the beginning of some major changes in my life.  I've never been married--and the prospects for such are rather dim. 

 I was unemployed until October of last year(for five years!) until I became a Title V employee here where I live.  To add to that, I've had to declare bankruptcy, and our mom died a year and a month(soon--she died Dec 7th,'06) ago.

The job pays minimum wage and is at best transitional, though I love where I am working now, even if only for a half day.  The point is to get me working again, to learn some new skills and use also the skills I have.

I have no idea what the future will bring, and I'm nervous about it.  So much has happened, in such a short time.  I have dreams of using my art skills, selling my work online.  I write and dream of that. 

 I've been told that focus is what I lack, that so much grabs at me and I try to seize what I can and make it mine.  I don't know how true that is--but it is true that there is SO much out there, so much yet to learn, and I feel an anguish that I will probably never learn all I want to learn.

How do I take this and make it work for me?  I have family and friends, but they are involved in their own life journeys, and cannot be guide or mentor here(and am I not too old for that???). 

I wish now that I'd taken time when I was a young woman, to step out of academia, learn a bit of life and focus, then turn back to becoming and learning.  Hindsight is  20/20 though, and not very helpful here.

Your input would be very valuable to me.  I appreciate any ideas and thoughts, and would be glad to return the favor.

Thanks and have a great New Year!

peace,

fyrefly52

hi sheerilee!

i do encourage you to sign up for the challenge. i discovered it's not so much a "challenge' but a daily reminder of sorts filled with inspirations and other nuggets of wisdom about change and positive thinking. so far, i like reading them as motivating reminders. and i've only see one quiz and you don't really have to take it.

for me, my goal is to change my outlook in life and become more positive and open. i also want to motivate myself to become more proactive (in my work, in relationships, etc.) i tend to become static in a sense, and kinda lazy (hence the member name).

good luck on all your goals in 08!

-llp

Dear sheerilee,

Don't think of it as a quiz, but as  road signs--you see what the sign says, then opt for that which best suits your life.  Don't be afraid, don't give up, and keep trying.

I'm going to follow my own advice here--the other option is to remain stagnant, which isn't good for anyone.

My wishes for you are that only good comes to you(and us all) in this year, 2008!

Peace, Tina

Dear fyrefly52, 

You sound really overwhelmed right now.  You have job skills - working on a grant is no easy task and you have dreams (selling your creative work online.)  The practical side of me says work on finding full time, stable employment first.  At least for me, financial security is important.  It allows me to do the things I love and will probably never make a living out of. 

 I think the suggestion of reading affirming and inspirational books is good and I would also add information about finding the kind of work you want. Set a goal and go for it.  It's nice you have a part time job because that allows you time for finding full time employment. 

By the way, I'm older than you and still going strong. I need to get my personal life in order!  As long as you're still counting things are good!!

Workrbee