Seek Out Intersections

I recently received an email from a friend and perhaps one of my first "clients" (although I put the quotes around the word because she was actually a guinea pig for my own personal explorations).

Her email gave me a wonderful insight, one I see working on lots of people's lives, not just my own.

She was a classic case of:

- Quit her job to move with her husband abroad.

- Arrives and finds she has to redefine her value, find something else to do.

- She is too young to be a housewife and has no kids.

- She has a great education, but realized she hated her current profession.

- Now What?!

Luckily, she met me. :)

E. (I will call her), was really smart and full of good ideas. She did NOT want to just sit in cafes all day or go play bridge, thank you very much. She wanted to DO SOMETHING - contribute.

Through various activities and finding the support of other women like herself, E. discovered that she loved working with horticulture. She studied engineering, which made her parents happy, but her passion was among living things, not machinery and systems.

Interestingly enough, just shortly after announcing she was going back to school to get a further degree, E. and her husband got transfered back home. (I swear, the Universe is listening...) Once there, she found a great program and got to work.

Then I got the email.

I started a new job last Thursday. My first real one in 3 years. I'm back in the energy industry, but in a very different place. It's a small company, with big ambitions, and big expectations (of me). I'm scared and inspired and excited... and having so much fun, Your comments about courage sum up how I feel about the future. Thank you....

My conclusion:

When you are confused about what to do next, especially if you are in the process of "re-making" yourself, look for intersections in your life. Look for a place where your past knowledge can be combined with your true passion, or your new passion.

(Photo by Benjamin Earwicker)

You love dogs, but have a degree in business. You feel out of shape and want to get healthy = look into starting your own dog walking or training business!

OR.....You love baking for any event, and your arts degree is collecting dust = what about creating amazing cupcakes or wedding cakes for resale at a local cafe?

I KNOW it isn't always that clear. But I bet you - if you looked closely at your current knowledge and got clear about what you LOVE = you could find a way to combine them.

This is where 1 + 1 really can equal 3.

Anyone else? I'm going to ponder more intersections in my life over a cupcake!