Where do we go from here? The power of flow and acceptance in life.

A year ago, had you asked yourself what life would be like or the state of world affairs you would have not imagined the world would unite in battle against a pandemic that could wipe out many thousands of lives. My last posts have been about how to cope with isolation, getting to know yourself, cherishing connection and the importance of self-care. Now let’s start to talk about transition and being prepared to pivot into our new reality.

I know how uneasy and uncertain these times are. You may ask yourself what will I do for work if this goes on much longer? If you have been laid off, what will I do? How do I compete with the many unemployed workers that will be competing in the job market? What will the workplace be like going forward? We all are wondering the same thing. What will the world be like? I think most of us realize this is a new world we are entering and the adjustment like all change will have its challenges.

I do believe what comes out of all of this will be powerful and we will live life with greater intention. We already see the industries that didn’t receive the recognition they deserved stepping up and hiring desperate to serve the market demand. Interesting isn’t it? The farmers, the food distributors, grocery store workers, the health care workers, those that for years tirelessly served in positions of service are now in the spotlight. I am so thankful they are receiving the recognition they deserve.

In our society for years youth have been encouraged to look beyond the trades and go to university to become doctors, lawyers, accountants and alike. Those professions are important yes, I think we have also awakened to the fact that all professions are necessary especially those that sustain our society. Without those that build our homes, maintain and repair our roads, clean the buildings we inhabit and work in, drive trucks to deliver our sustenance the quality of life is diminished. There are many professions I didn’t mention that are equally of merit. So maybe here lies a lesson to how we see work and value our contribution to society.

I remember a client I was assisting at a local employment agency asking me in all sincerity what I was doing working there, when I had experience in the corporate world? I smiled and responded that as much as I am grateful for all the positions I have held the one that has given me the most fulfillment was being an Employment Counsellor and coach. It is not about the money and prestige. My heart sang when I saw my client’s leave with a smile and glimmer of hope where there had been none. I cheered and unbeknownst to them cried at their success stories while cherishing their words of gratitude. I smiled as little did they realize they were the champions all along, I only helped hold up the mirror to remind them of how beautiful they are.

So how can you pivot? What can you do now, in lockdown and quarantine to prepare? First ensure you have practiced self-care. Acceptance of what we cannot change and flowing with the present moment and life as it presents itself is key. Having a positive, healthy frame of mind you can more easily see the opportunities that await you. Is there a profession that you always wanted to study but couldn’t? You know the one, life got in the way and steered you in another direction. Now let’s just say life has pressed the reset button. If there is support on the horizon for funding education for retraining could this be your chance? I know what many of you are thinking. Go back to school? I don’t know that I can do it. Fear can set in. Let me share my own experience with you. I went back to school full-time my late 30’s, I took an un-paid leave of absence and went to college full-time. Some of my colleagues in the program were older than I was and it was so inspiring to see we are never beyond expanding our horizons. Was I scared? You bet! What I didn’t expect what that as an adult this was my choice. I enjoyed learning, writing papers and delving deep into a profession I had always wanted to study. Yes, there were stressful moments however looking back it prepared me to adapt to future transitions that would come my way.

This adventure of going back to school changed my entire life. It healed me in ways I could not imagine and led to my fulfilling another dream of mine. I was given the opportunity to teach in the very program I had studied. As a little girl I had wanted to be a teacher and thanks to my mentor who believed in me and saw my potential, I fulfilled that dream.

Take this unique opportunity to read up on what you are interested in. Whether it is doing research or watching videos on the subject. Get your mind and heart ready for the next steps to come. See what we don’t realize is reaching our goals often takes many tiny steps and once the momentum is created, we become unstoppable. This is our chance to pivot and grow as humanity, as society and to prove that we can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Many companies like MindValley are offering free seminars, coaches offering free sessions to assist others during this time of transition. Take advantage of this time. Learn and prepare. Work on your resume, cover letter and think about what industries will need support after the pandemic is over. You will see there is more opportunity than you realize, and you may find your passion in an industry you never considered previously.

Allow yourself to dream, to create, write in your journal about possible areas you would like to study or pursue for work. Then take small steps to learn about what is required. This time is precious and gives you the needed edge to prepare so once all starts moving ahead you have your portfolio and plan ready.

I am still offering free coaching sessions and that includes job transition, resume and cover letter review or life mapping to assist those that need some direction in career exploration.

Remember that even though we are quarantined our dreams and life continue to move forward. We can prepare today for our recovery tomorrow. Be well, know you can achieve more than you realize and if you flow and adapt with where life is leading you. You will see the opportunities before you and make a move when the time is right. You are more powerful then you know and trust that your soul knows the way.

Sending you so much love.

Samantha