Do You Have What it Takes?

Are you feeling happy in life, or are you coasting along because it’s easy?

Have you become complacent and comfortable?

Have you settled for less because going for more is too risky?

I was working in a job I truly loved, but it gave me no challenges. I turned up to work; week after week, month after month.

Nothing changed.

I was stuck in my own comfort zone.

I had settled.

But I could do more and I knew it.

Do you want more too, in your life?

What are you doing about it? Are you looking to change? Are you going for that promotion that you always wanted? You’re shaking your head right now, aren’t you? Why not? Why aren’t you putting yourself first?

When we grow older we often shift our focus to our kids, rather than our careers.

Why can’t we have both?

Why can’t we focus on ourselves and the kids?

My kids are doing great. They are happy and healthy.

I decided a couple of years ago that I needed more and so I applied to college again and enrolled in an MFA in writing. I did it for me because I wanted to focus on my writing before my kids got older.

I think it’s right to feel hungry for more in life. We only live for a short time and we have to feel content with our life choices.

I didn’t just stop with my MFA. I thought about making a real change and get out of my comfort zone.

I don’t want to retire with regrets, do you?

Where do you see yourself in five years? Or ten years?

Think about that feeling and let it sit for a minute. Imagine yourself there. That’s what you need to hold on to when life becomes too easy.

I love being a teacher but my work in elementary school wasn’t challenging me. I spent the past six months looking for a new opportunity. I wanted a new challenge, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like.

Sometimes, you know you want to change, but not sure what.

It’s like trying on new shoes but not knowing exactly which fit you want. Knowing your size isn’t enough. It’s how the shoes feel once they’re on, am I right?

I took my time to find the next chapter in my career. Nothing jumped out and said: “hey, I’m next.”

Don’t change careers until you’re ready. What I mean is, don’t run to the next opportunity until you’ve made the decision that it’s the right fit for you.

My next chapter literally fell into my lap when a friend reached out about an opening in a high school.

I thought to myself: I’m an elementary school teacher, do I even consider this opportunity?

My friend was adamant that I should give it a shot. She made me go in for a tester day, and I discovered that I love working with older students. I was hired immediately.

Have you heard the expression: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it? It’s like a Green eggs and ham situation.

Don’t be afraid to make a big change in life. Change is how we evolve and grow. It’s necessary for our health and wellbeing.

I’m now working with older students, and I love it. No working day is the same for me and there’s a dress code that keeps me sharp.

I enjoyed going clothes shopping with my friends before I started. It was like I was evolving into the new me by buying new clothes.

When life becomes stagnant and you have that feeling that you could do more. Think about what more is for you and then go for it.

What have you got to lose?

My name is Lizzy. I’m a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

If you like reading my posts, then please follow me.

For more about me: www.elizabethwoodsauthor.com

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Here are a few links to my articles:

Looking for a Change?

https://medium.com/activated-thinker/looking-for-a-change-f391e85abbd7

A Search for Identity

https://medium.com/beyond-lines/a-search-for-identity-893df7c970c2

Are You Searching for Peace?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-searching-for-peace-cd54d76231c8

Are You Dealing With Burnout?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-dealing-with-burnout-374f774141b4