I've spent the past eleven months getting over a terrible case of mono with complications, looking for a new career opportunity that's right for me, getting married, settling into a new home with my hubby, struggling to feel productive and satisfied sans a job outside the home, spending a lot of time in the kitchen, learning to be efficient around the house, enjoying mid-day exercise and sunshine, indulging in full nights of sleep (and quite a few naps, as well), coming into my own as a stay-at-home wife, and finding peace and contentment in making a home for my new little family.
I'm faced with mixed emotions as I prepare for the transition out of the quiet little at-home life that I've developed. I'm really excited to tap back into "professional me," make some money and move forward on my career path. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the sense of fulfillment that I get from working hard and developing professionally. I'm spending this week trying to get back into the habit of going to bed - and waking up - early, brainstorming quick and portable meal ideas, trying on my work clothes and planning out outfits, and tying up loose ends of errands and projects that are best done during during weekdays (like visiting the passport office and going to see our tax guy). I'm staying busy this week because I want to be as ready as possible so I can hit the ground running and knock their socks off at my new company.
But also? I'm trying to keep myself distracted because I'm really nervous. Changes and transitions can be difficult to adjust to. My daily routine is about to change completely, and I'm trying to prepare myself for both the practical and emotional challenges that the transition is likely to bring. I'm doing everything I can think of to prepare for the practical challenges, but the emotional ones are more difficult because I'm not really sure how to brace myself for them.
All I can think of is to just keep reminding myself about the many big decisions I've made and major changes I've been through in my life and how BOLD I was through them. I've always had a jump-in-head-first-and-don't-look-back attitude in life, and I'm clinging to that. I'm trying to remember that it's been in the toughest, most chaotic and uncharted times in my life that I've discovered how much strength I have and how capable I am.
And as I'm thinking about all this, one quotation keep returning to my mind. It's one that pops in my head pretty much every time life gives me a little mountain to climb:
"A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
I can plan meals, pick out clothes and finishing up a list of errands; but when it comes to facing changes and challenges with grace and poise, I just have to trust. I have to trust that the universe will unfold as it will and trust that my inner strength will be there when I need it.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
I can plan meals, pick out clothes and finishing up a list of errands; but when it comes to facing changes and challenges with grace and poise, I just have to trust. I have to trust that the universe will unfold as it will and trust that my inner strength will be there when I need it.
I can totally sympathize! I've been freelancing and working from home for the last couple of years (aside from a brief stint at a coffee shop) and I'm becoming increasingly aware of how jarring it will be to reenter the nine-to-five world, one day. But it sounds like you have a great attitude with a healthy dose of nerves!
ReplyDeleteI really love that quote. In the parlance of Eleanor, you've been more of a Sleepy Time or Chamomile with Vanilla and Honey, but now you're going to be something exciting and new, like maybe an African Red Tea or Green Tea with Mango! And there could be some Chai or Raspberry Zinger in your future too, who knows! Embrace it all.