I finally saw how taking care of myself invites those around me to do the same...
Submitted by Jeanette S.
My Story
After three years of unhappiness and feeling unfulfilled working for the largest accounting firm in the world, I felt this intense need that I needed to do something ASAP. I woke up on a Tuesday morning, called HR and informed them I was resigning.
My Steps
When I first resigned from my job, I had this plan to apply to grad school and get an entry level job in marketing. I moved out of the city and into my parents suburban home because I felt time alone was what I needed. I spent many hours each day reading self help books, researching self help sites, and writing in my journal. Through the process I was able to make peace with all those things I felt I screwed up in my life. I approved of the mistakes I made, I accepted them as life lessons and I moved on. I also became more in tune with my desires and feelings and adjusted my original plan to a plan that now fits me and my passions. What truly made the difference for me was accepting and approving my past. I realize that you can not move forward unless you make peace with your past. Time alone with myself, taking care of myself was extremely instrumental in my transformation. If I continued to be surrounded by my family and friends and their judgments I would never be where I am right now.
The Hard Part
A major roadblock were my friends, who were constantly sending me job positions, resources, etc. I am grateful that they wanted to help me, but the problem was they weren't listening to me. They sent me info they thought was good for me. After a few months I finally had to tell them that as much as I appreciated their support I needed to go about this alone. Another roadblock was my fear of judgment from others when it came time for me to enter the workforce. How would I explain a year off to take care of myself? When it came time to interview I decided that honesty is the way to go and surprisingly people understood me.
Me Now
I finally know what it feels like to embrace life and be alive! Before my transformation I was moody, sad, hopeless, angry, unmotivated and lazy. Now I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, I find myself wanting to be more social and try new things, I'm learning to listen to my body rather than other people, I'm eating healthier, I am more active. I am going after my desires, those things that fill my body with warmth and get my heart racing. It all is amazing!
My Practical Advice
In order to be truly happy and fulfilled in your life you have to take care of yourself. Don't worry about being selfish. If you are not at your best how can those around you be at their best? Think of yourself as the leader in a path towards happiness and positive changes, and you're inviting everyone else to follow your lead. Share with your friends what you are experiencing and learning. When I felt sad or depressed I would think about my friends and how I was the driving the force of their own transformation. We continue to support and encourage one another each and every step of the way.
