On the threshold of some bright affair - all credit to David Sylvian for those inspired lyrics. I've been working that thought now for over 6 years.
I've been really lucky, I've had two great careers in my life thus far - I got to be one of many who helped co-create Whole Foods Market (when I started, there were 6!). I had a great run, and was lucky that after over a decade in Store Leadership and 15+ years in the company and having received the highest accolades, I was able to step away, amicably, on my own terms, into some nothingness.
Yeah, admittedly, it's pretty crazy to walk away from a successful career... yet at the time, I felt it was the right thing to do. I had joyfully and willingly consumed my life with my work for over a decade and a half, had some great highs and some deep lows, but it was what it was, and I was ready to move into something new.
Luckily, I also turned 40 when I first retired and had made a rash promise to my wife in my early 30s that if she would just let me focus on my career, I would promise to focus on having some regular physical routine at the age of 40. So, retired, doing nothing loudly and proudly, and filled with space. Spirit came into that space and through guilt and honor, I attended my first yoga class.
I HATED IT - I MEAN HATED IT! But, luckily I'm a freak and that really intrigued me. I had a long history of persistence as a response to resistance, so begrudgingly, I came back to the mat, over and over. I can't remember when, but I started to really like it. And, then, I had a daily practice - then I was doing 10 classes a week. Then Teacher Training; then teaching ten and taking ten.
I feel hard; here I am, still in love. But I jump forward...
Moved from Michigan, where Whole Foods had taken me, back home to Austin, and I was so pleased to come to Yoga Town!! My Ommies! And, the next thing you know, I'm working in the yoga industry, just a little teaching, but a lot in the support and behind the scenes and business. Within a year, I became Operations Officer for a locally "OM'd" group of studios. Three and a half years later, here I am.
Once again, on the threshold - I've had another great run, another enviable career. But, it's time for me to move into that nothingness again, and see what presents this time. I love me my yoga, I love leadership, I love the conscious activism of teaching. I love the energy and purpose of my new-found Austin Yoga Tribe and our intention to broaden community and create awareness and to raise funds in order to eradicate sexual trafficking. I've got a lot of exciting things in that nothingness.
Yesterday I resigned my full-time job in order to more fully dedicate myself to conscious activism and leadership and collaboration within the ATX yoga community. A big leap, a step into my greater potential. Am I thrilled, yup! Am I scared? Yup! Do I believe that Spirit will do with me whatever is best for all - I must, or else I dishonor my teachers!
So, what's your threshold - are you willing to get between "no longer" and "not yet"? Even if "not yet" isn't clear, defined, or safe? What are the risks you've taken or are willing to take?
Do you have enough space in your life to invite in what you want? Can you let go of what you are holding onto so tightly so that you can grab onto what comes your way?
Let me know, throw me some positive vibes, and give thanks and praise!
I've been really lucky, I've had two great careers in my life thus far - I got to be one of many who helped co-create Whole Foods Market (when I started, there were 6!). I had a great run, and was lucky that after over a decade in Store Leadership and 15+ years in the company and having received the highest accolades, I was able to step away, amicably, on my own terms, into some nothingness.
Yeah, admittedly, it's pretty crazy to walk away from a successful career... yet at the time, I felt it was the right thing to do. I had joyfully and willingly consumed my life with my work for over a decade and a half, had some great highs and some deep lows, but it was what it was, and I was ready to move into something new.
Luckily, I also turned 40 when I first retired and had made a rash promise to my wife in my early 30s that if she would just let me focus on my career, I would promise to focus on having some regular physical routine at the age of 40. So, retired, doing nothing loudly and proudly, and filled with space. Spirit came into that space and through guilt and honor, I attended my first yoga class.
I HATED IT - I MEAN HATED IT! But, luckily I'm a freak and that really intrigued me. I had a long history of persistence as a response to resistance, so begrudgingly, I came back to the mat, over and over. I can't remember when, but I started to really like it. And, then, I had a daily practice - then I was doing 10 classes a week. Then Teacher Training; then teaching ten and taking ten.
I feel hard; here I am, still in love. But I jump forward...
Moved from Michigan, where Whole Foods had taken me, back home to Austin, and I was so pleased to come to Yoga Town!! My Ommies! And, the next thing you know, I'm working in the yoga industry, just a little teaching, but a lot in the support and behind the scenes and business. Within a year, I became Operations Officer for a locally "OM'd" group of studios. Three and a half years later, here I am.
Once again, on the threshold - I've had another great run, another enviable career. But, it's time for me to move into that nothingness again, and see what presents this time. I love me my yoga, I love leadership, I love the conscious activism of teaching. I love the energy and purpose of my new-found Austin Yoga Tribe and our intention to broaden community and create awareness and to raise funds in order to eradicate sexual trafficking. I've got a lot of exciting things in that nothingness.
Yesterday I resigned my full-time job in order to more fully dedicate myself to conscious activism and leadership and collaboration within the ATX yoga community. A big leap, a step into my greater potential. Am I thrilled, yup! Am I scared? Yup! Do I believe that Spirit will do with me whatever is best for all - I must, or else I dishonor my teachers!
So, what's your threshold - are you willing to get between "no longer" and "not yet"? Even if "not yet" isn't clear, defined, or safe? What are the risks you've taken or are willing to take?
Do you have enough space in your life to invite in what you want? Can you let go of what you are holding onto so tightly so that you can grab onto what comes your way?
Let me know, throw me some positive vibes, and give thanks and praise!
