The Ten Day Challenge

Over the weekend, I had the awesome experience of reaching a long sought after goal. It was nothing earth shattering, merely reaching a certain time goal in a race I was running, but let's just say my late thirties best beat out my late twenties best and it was immensely satisfying. Still riding on that high, I've been thinking a lot about goals and the importance of setting and reaching them, one at a time. I've also been thinking about my career direction. I moved to Madison to explore this career opportunity because I saw it as a way to reach my goals. Unlike many I've encountered here, I don't have those other 'intangibles' in Madison that make a person choose to settle down in one place. I didn't realize it when I made the decision, but I'm learning that not many people move to a place solely for the career opportunities offered. This puts me in a unique position of constantly reevaluating my career and personal goals and in effect, reevaluating why I am where I am. And more importantly, where am I going from here?

I came across an article called "Ten Days to a Happier, More Successful Career and Life". Ok, I'll bite. Anything I can achieve in ten days is worth a shot. So, I plan to read a step each day for the next ten days and see if I come out happier and more successful in the end. The good news? I'm taking you with me. Day one: How to Take Responsibility for Your Life. More to come tomorrow...

Savory and Sweet

Growing up, my mom would often warn me to "be careful, you're wishing your life away" when I would wish fervently for some day in the future to be the present. I would just roll my eyes and think "yes, that's exactly what I want to do...wish this waiting part of my life away so I can get to the good stuff". As i've gotten older, I am more aware of the preciousness of time and how it seems to have sped up as the years have gone by. But, I still catch myself 'wishing my life away'. You only have to read my last post to witness the evidence of that.

For months now, I have longingly thought of the day when I wouldn't have to work nights anymore, when I could move on to the next phase of my life and next exciting career opportunity and feel like I was truly moving forward instead of casting about. And now that moment is here. And I feel sad. Could it be that when I was so focused on counting the days (nights) remaining I ignored the fact that I was developing friendships with the people who surround me and support me and make me laugh during those long nights? Did I not realize that the very smiles I look forward to seeing on a regular basis are the same smiles I will miss the second I walk out the door, the same smiles that make this job so much more than just a job?

When I step out into the sunshine tomorrow morning after my last shift I will be excited to move on, excited to begin my new career in a new place where I plan on raising a family together with my husband. But for now, I will be happy here, right now, in this place. I will savor the smiles, and be grateful I had the opportunity to be here at all.