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From:	Just Me (67.137.157.170)
Subject:	Re: Help - considering changing my whole life
Date:	March 13, 2012 at 12:50 pm PST

In Reply to: Help - considering changing my whole life posted by Sarah on March 13, 2012 at 6:52 am:

Hi Sarah,

I really hear you and the frustration you feel in your current situation.

Here are my thoughts/opinions, which I've been applying to myself. Take them for whatever they are worth (or not!).

To start off, I'm not sure if you believe in God or a "higher power," but for me, I believe that God's will almost never has urgency attached to it - so, if I feel strongly compelled to do something RIGHT NOW, I am likely operating out of fear. For me, God's will is more likely revealed to me in tiny intuitions about what to do in a given situation or a persistent feeling impelling me to take a certain action, and it always waits for the time required to check out my thinking with someone I trust. For me, God's will isn't revealed through obsession -- so, if I can't stop thinking about something, if I'm tormented by an idea, I'm usually generating that myself out of my own fears. God's will, for me, is revealed with quiet simplicity, with a deep unwavering knowing rooted in the present, not in the future or the past -- guidance that occurs through prosaic knowledge of "the next right thing."

Believe me, I still find myself operating out of fear A LOT -- it's a hard habit pattern to break! In fact, I found myself stuck in it for a while this weekend (surrounding my most common fear of financial insecurity). But, I checked it out with my husband and he gently pointed out that it sounded as though I was operating out of fear. Thank goodness I am open to feedback like that now (in the past I would have become quite defensive!), and I am becoming more aware and open to moving and growing through it.

Something I quite admire about Dr. Graham as a health educator is the fact that he has a proven track record -- YEARS of personal integrity and experience in living the lifestyle he espouses. Believe me, I feel so passionate about this newly-found (for me) lifestyle and for a few moments contemplated quitting my job to shout it from the rooftops (okay, not that dramatically, but kind of along the lines of your thinking to pursue a career in 811rv health education RIGHT NOW)! But, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was getting way ahead of myself. I believe I'm going to need AT LEAST 10 years of really giving this lifestyle my all before I can even consider coaching/educating others as a "career." In the meantime, I am looking at what I can do NOW to continue to reinforce this lifestyle for myself, learn all I can and apply it, and send any inconguencies packing! Also looking into little ways I can spread the word -- through quiet, positive, personal example in my family, etc. In fact, I'm looking in to the possibility at volunteering for a day at a children's arts camp this summer and doing an interactive class on culinary arts with fresh fruits and veggies. :)

Besides that, I've been very dedicated in working on ME and my emotional poise in my work situation. I realize that I choose to remain in my work situation for a variety of reasons, even though it is not what I would consider "ideal" on so many levels. So, because of this choice, it is my responsibility to determine how I handle myself. By changing my attitude/perspective and focusing on self-care (those 32 factors!) I am much better able to handle the sh!t that inevitably comes my way. I know I have choices. And, perhaps the day will come when I am ready to move on. But, I am no longer in a state where I feel as though I HAVE to quit or lose my sanity. For now, I am "doing the next right thing," and staying open to possibilities and opportunities.

So, what are some things you can do for yourself now while continuing to strive toward building a firm personal health-filled foundation? Are there fulfilling things you can do in the evenings and weekends without having to completely quit your job? What about volunteer activities you can get invloved with that align with your values and beliefs? I see you are interested in Dr. Graham's CLC program. When that opens up, might you be able to do that while continuing to work (you're still going to have living expenses, and then you'll have tuition expenses as well, right?)? How about Culinary Arts Week and/or Health & Fitness Week (I'd love to meet you there!), or even the Costa Rica internship next year?

Okay, so this turned out to be a lot longer than I expected and I certainly rambled on quite a bit about myself. I hope I did not come across as judgmental; my intention was to share my own experience and let you decide if it resonates with your own or not.

Keep us posted, okay, Sarah?

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