In a previous blog I mentioned I wanted to make things happen this year.  I am determined to get started on the next chapter of my life personally and professionally.

This blog post will be #460 and I am so close to my blogging goal of 500.  I hope to do so before my two-year blog date of April 1st, 2013.  After reaching my goal I’m not sure what the blog plan is, but I open to anything.

Writing the blog has been the single best learning experience for me in recent years.  It has made me take risks I never imagined I would ever do.  I have opened up to all of you about things I have feared, been angered by and found interesting.  However, lately I have felt the blog has lacked a bit of substance.  I mean, “How many times can one write about their lack of career and how teenagers make you nuts” anyway?

I have begun a search for new interests and clarification of where I want things to go.  Yesterday I whined yet again to my friend, Audra, about my lack of career.   She listened and gave me a task.   She told me to list ten things in order of preference that I enjoy doing.  She also mentioned to not over think or analyze.  It was a good activity for me to do.  Knowing what you enjoy to do plays a big part in what makes you happy, especially when it choosing a new career.

Here is my list in order.

Spending time with my family

Spending time alone.

Making people smile and laugh.

Eating out.

Traveling.

Talking with friends.

Being with young children.

Going to the movies or theater.

Educating people.

Listening to music.

There were hundreds of things I wanted to add to the list like reading, being outdoors, going to parties, and trying new things, but she mentioned only creating a list of 10.  Looking at my list I was able to see I what things make me happy.  With the exception of educating others I do most of these things all the time.  The list made me realize being an educator is one thing missing from what makes me happy.  I started to re-think my former career working with young children and how I could find a way to do so that would be fulfilling and support my desire to support my family.

Another great piece of advice Audra gave me is to think small when re-entering the workforce.  This is the concept I struggle with the most.  My ego would like me to be back in a leadership position when I return to work, but doing so would create too much of an impact on my family and me.  The real answer is to try things that are part-time and slowly adjust.  Slower and smaller steps are easier and I don’t feel quite as overwhelmed.

The conversation between Audra and I was a good one.  I realized I could start near the bottom, but will be able to move up quickly because of my years of life and previous work experience.  I can do it.  I can make things happen.

Tomorrow I will share with you another wonderful idea a friend of mine shared with my about searching for what makes for a happy life.  It’s a great activity for anyone who feels they want more from their life.

Untill tomorrow friends.