“It feels like a transition into something new.”
What is happiness? What is success? What is flow? It means different things, to different people. Ever asked yourself why you do what you do?
As a young student, I considered myself lucky. I was happy with my study course Integrated Communications Management, an internationally focused Bachelor of Science degree in Utrecht. Statistically, as was shared with our class at the time, one third of Communication-students drop out in the first year. One third. That’s huge!
Right for you
Unlike many of my fellow students, I was not struggling to find meaning in what I was doing or studying. I had no intention to drop out and change curriculum. I liked the subjects and the direction I’d chosen for myself. That’s what I wanted to do at the time. No doubt about it. Right after I graduated, I moved to Scotland for a life-altering experience. During that time, I made real connections at the University of Stirling and met some of my best mates. I discovered and embraced the joys of abroad living, and the Master of Science degree in Sports Studies I absolutely loved. That too, I did wholeheartedly, unreserved and without an inch of doubt. It was the path I wanted to be on.
Day by day
Now, for the first time in my life, the direction of travel is a bit blurry. I don’t know where I’m heading. Only thing I do know is, that it feels like a transition into something new. I just don’t know what it is yet. And that’s okay. In theory I know that it is. On bad days, I feel lost. Negative thoughts creep up, not knowing what the future will hold. On good days, like today, I feel empowered. Curious to find out what’s in store for me. Excited that new things are coming my way. Not one day is the same though. It’s accepting this and adapting to how you feel.
Raison d'être
To help me on my quest, I’ve signed up for a business programme called Keystone. Designed for entrepreneurial spirited women, enabling similar minded individuals to find support in a community-like environment. To help you grow. In whichever direction that is right for you. Or me in this case. I needed to back up a little. My main reason for signing up. Instead of focusing on the what and how, I am going to spend some time on the why first. Ironic being in Marketing. There is no company brand without a vision or a purpose. Shaping my own is fundamental.
Perhaps you wonder why I haven’t thought of this before. Well, I have. This contemplative thinking isn’t new and has been sitting with me for years. It was Tony Crabbe and his book ‘Busy’ that first brought this on. The awareness of one’s motivations. The choices we make and how we shape our (working) life around what we believe in. The magnitude of the impact we have on people by doing just that. Knowing what motivates you. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
The business programme started only recently, but so far; it’s quite inspirational. Whatever will come out of this: I intend to enjoy the journey, let go of expectations and see what happens! Or, to quote that lovely Moulin Rouge-film song: “come what may” 😊.