People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them. ~ George Bernard Shaw
What powerful words! The first time I read this quote was in Glendalough Ireland, and I was honored to be sitting in the Writer’s Room at the Wicklow Heather Restaurant. The people who get on in this world are people who get up and look for the circumstances they want. At the time, I was on my honeymoon with the love of my life. How’s that for synchronistic! I knew I deserved love and, after two marriages (yes two) that ended in divorce, I made the conscious choice to be love. It might sound strange, “be love”, but before the very things we want in life are going to show up, we need to “be” them. I also needed to be specific as to what I was looking for and what I wanted. There wasn’t a need for me to apologize or make excuses for the very things that are important to me in a relationship. I didn’t sit and wallow in past dysfunctional relationships or play the blame game as to why the marriages didn’t work. I got real. I let myself off of the hook and really took the time to honor what “love” meant for me. It took two years, but I didn’t settle and I allowed it to happen organically.
I love being an entrepreneur! I love creating a dynamic and delicious existence that centers on being and doing what I love. For over a decade I owned a technology-consulting firm that was sucking the energy from my life. The company was successful, but I wasn’t happy. These weren’t the type of people I wanted to be in a business relationship with any longer. It wasn’t that they were bad people, but our time together strengthened my inner knowing that it’s not enough to look good on paper ~ your passion, vision and values need to be aligned. For several years I daydreamed about the life I wanted. It was important that it was whole and represented the balance of mind, body and spirit, as well as the integration of my professional and personal worlds. Sounds like a lot to expect from a company or job listing. And if you can’t find them, make them. I knew that in order for me to manifest this vision, I was going to need to create it. I became clear on my personal mission, understood who I was, how I worked and the industries of writing, publishing, coaching, leadership and strategy. Plus, I was solid in knowing the importance of my personal life. Did all of this self-discovery and exploration happen over night? No, of course not. This was several years in the making, but I embraced it all because I deserved to live my life on purpose.
For years, I’ve been looking for a group, association and/or organization of female professionals where we support and collaborate with one another. I wanted it synergistic, creative and energizing. Do those types of groups exist already? Yes. Sure. Somewhat. Were they exactly what I was looking for? No. But I didn’t stop my want and kept my heart open to opportunities, experiences and people. The results of my patience and “trying things on” have been two-fold. The first came by way of an entrepreneurial conference where I met three other women who are on similar paths. We bonded immediately and have formed a mastermind group that has taken off! The second is my development of an empowered women’s group. It was time for me to take action and create what I believe to be missing. The concept is still in the development stage, but it will be realized and revealed before the end of the year.
How often have we known the very things we want and/or need in our life that move us toward our divine dreams, ideas and life purpose? How often do we give up when we can’t find something already in existence? Living a dynamic and delicious life is effortless when you are doing and being what you love. Effortlessness doesn’t mean it doesn’t take hard work and persistence. It doesn’t mean sitting around and waiting for someone else to do the work so you can then show up, throw your hands in the air and shout, “I’m ready.” We have to be a part of this process and often times that means creating the very situations for which we’ve been searching. If you want to give back but don’t feel connected with any of the volunteer organizations available to you, figure out where your talents lie and reach out as an individual. For example, all private pediatric practices, local libraries, and hospitals and offer to read to the children. If the right and perfect job for you isn’t out there, maybe it’s time for you to consider starting your own business or work as a consultant. If you want to transition to a new industry, research and test out ideas and opportunities. For example, have you always wanted to be on the radio? Check out blogtalkradio.com and develop your own show. You never know where it will lead!
Take action. Take command. Live the life you deserve!
