“Making a big life change is pretty scary. But, know what’s even scarier? Regret.”
That quote is probably one of the driving factors as to why I recently left my job of 7 years, moving to a new city to start over. If you go through life never taking risks, you’re going to end up with a lot of regret.
Life doesn’t happen when you’re standing still. And while I loved my previous job, I was stuck in my comfort zone. I wasn’t growing or learning, I could do my job on autopilot. I wanted a challenge, and I needed a change. I needed to prove to myself that I could do this. I needed to prove to myself what others had told me. That I owed the world more than what I was doing. That I had more offer.
Have I proven that to myself yet? No. Not even close. But I know I will. And I won’t give up. I’ll always keep improving and growing and learning. That’s my challenge to you. If you’re in your comfort zone, living in a bubble, get out of it. Whether you sell everything you own and travel the world, or just move to another city, get out there and do it.
I just got a new job that I’m really excited about. It’s the start of a wonderful career with a lot of opportunity to grow. My previous job was a learning experience, but I didn’t have any room to move up. I wasn’t okay with reaching my glass ceiling at the age of 30. So, I quit. I packed up everything I own, moving it all into a storage facility in the DFW area. In the meantime, I’m living with a roommate on a temporary basis.
Regardless of what happens, that leap of faith was something I needed. Never doubt yourself. You have the same chance as everyone else in life to make things happen. Go after your dreams. No one said it was going to be easy, but reinventing yourself can be one of the greatest things you ever do. Each day, week, month, and year, I will get better.
To be completely open and honest with you, I was terrified to do this. A little over a year ago, I lost my mom after she fought a courageous battle with cancer. Just four months after her diagnosis, I lost my best friend. I didn’t want to take a step in any direction without being able to share it with her. Good news or bad, she was always the first person I called. She was my rock in life, now she’s my angel. I know she’s watching over me smiling, happy to see my success, bravery, and newfound zeal for life.
You never stop the grieving process, you just learn to live differently. Life will never be the same as it was when I had my beautiful, smiling mother here on earth. It’s just different. We can be happy knowing that our loved ones are no longer suffering. There’s no more pain, no more hospitals, no more cancer. Yes, I lost my mom way too young, and I’ll never know the reason. But I owe it to her, and to myself, to stay strong and keep going.
I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my life. I encourage you all to evaluate where you are, ultimately doing what’s going to really make you happy. Reach out if you want, I’d love to hear your own stories and experiences.
Dana
[email protected]
Dallas, TX