Sometimes (now being one of those times) I really wonder if I’ve made the right decision. I’ll be leaving a secure, well paying job and adding the stress of long-distance to an amazing relationship so I can take a year off and soul search. There’s a lot at stake here.
The most soothing words came from a friend of mine who had gone through a major career change not too long ago. She said that the biggest help in making the transition was her support group of friends and family, that no matter how unsure of herself and her plans she became there was always someone to prop her up and give her whatever encouragement she needed. Across the board, I have found the same to be true with my little adventure and my friends and family. The outpouring of support has been amazing. Everyone I’ve talked to about the coming year has been very encouraging. I feel like on some level everyone understands why I feel like I need to do this, even if it’s not a decision they would have made for themselves. More importantly I feel like I’d still have a big support group if this doesn’t work like I want; that the same people cheering for plan A would cheer just as loudly for plan B (um…what plan B?).
So the lesson learned at this early stage is that we’re never really left to face the world alone, that there will always be someone to catch us when we fall. This kind of support is truly empowering, and I’ve garnered a lot of strength in just knowing that there are people cheering from the sidelines that don’t really care whether I succeed or fail in what I’m setting out to do, but who are simply cheering the effort. I’m finding that the risks I take when I have a safety net like this become much less risky and even a little exciting, and that the rewards of taking these risks become that much more special since they don’t belong just to me, but to everyone who has helped me along the way.
So my sincerest thanks to all of you, without whom I wouldn’t be able to get in way over my head.
