My favorite quote (or reminder as I like to think of them)...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” (Marianne Williamson - A Return to Love)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

FIght for what you want to be...tomorrow.

"Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow." ~ Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

I've been thinking a lot like this lately. I'm remembering when I pray not to be in want for anything (even though we all know I want a really great job again). I've been quietly surprised on a regular basis by kind little words of encouragement that show up in my inbox from my husband, Lisa, Carole, Kim, Kelly, Chelley, Rhonda, people I don't even know well that I used to work with, new people that I would like to get to know. And I'm thankful. A lot. Often. Daily, perhaps. Definitely more than I have ever been before in my life. Having the time to notice has been quite a blessing for me. The kind words my husband says to me (after reading my blog or hearing about a "lead") are more meaningful than before. So, I am definitely more thankful for what I am now and for what I have now.

What I need to keep reminding myself of is the second part of that quote -- to keep fighting for what I want to be tomorrow. That's what I have been thinking a lot about lately. See, many, many people in the world wake up everyday and they are a teacher, nurse, sales person, engineer, social worker, physical therapist. I wake up and say, huh, what the hell AM I? (career wise, of course). I'm one of those "generalists"...a "jack of all trades"...the "get it done girl". While my resume is filled with lots of great accomplishments, I can't answer people when I say what I want to do now or, for that matter, be when I grow up!

This is a problem. Unless you know me or know my work, this is a problem. Because you can not glean what I am capable of or good at or trained at or educated on from a simple piece of paper, because I can not definitively say, I AM A ......... or I am applying to be a .......... or want to be a ..........................

It's time to focus. I need to be able to present myself in a less wishy-washy manner. Although, ironically, I like the ambivalence as well. I like not knowing what the day (of work) will show up as. I like being able to juggle a thousand balls at once not letting any of them fall to the ground while people throw in more. I like the fact that I have a rarely failing internal clock that has me meet deadlines for any project thrown at me or added to my plate. I love to be presented with a problem or a system that doesn't work and be the person to create the solution (with a team or not) and design the system that makes something work or work better.

We have a saying in our daughter's bedroom that says something like "I walk, I fall down, I get up....all the while I keep dancing." I love that. I love working like that -- just keep on dancin'!

So my resolve is to start naming or labeling or pinpointing WHAT it is that I want to be. I'm great at creating systems and procedures that make work get done more efficiently. There. One done. This is going to be a long list, and for that, I am again thankful.

2 comments:

  1. This is one of the things I really admire about you, Tracey...the ability to juggle multiple tasks and to do whatever is placed in front of you with efficiency and enthusiasm. There are many people who don't have that skill. Alas, I can see where it makes it harder for you to pinpoint exactly which direction you wish to go in your job search. There are so many things you could do! Since you could probably do just about any management position very effectively, the best thing you can do is pinpoint the type of work you want to do and the type of people you want to work with (both in the office and those you will be working with as clients/customers) and focus on those possibilities first and foremost. If you can envision yourself happily creating positive outcomes for those types of clients (whether they be in catering, home building or some other type of client), then you'll know you're on the right track! I hope the perfect opportunity presents itself very soon!

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  2. YA MA!!!! I love that sign, and that one about the dream.
    U r a really good writer. If I were u I would TOTALLY wanna hire u.
    Te Amo!!

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