Starting Over In The Middle

Part II- Mother of re-invention It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. Let’s place a twist on this phrase: necessity is the igniter for re-invention. How often have you said, “If I knew then what I know now,” “If I had it all to do over again,” or “If I could only have a second chance.” Well this is your opportunity! The information you have gathered through the many lessons of life, personally and professionally ,is invaluable. There’s not a program that can duplicate life’s lessons, and there’s not another individual that can replicate the contents of your mind. You are unique; there’s only one person like you. More often than not we let life go by and have so many regrets that we did not venture out into the waters and take a chance on a new career, or that we did not take the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Even worse yet, we did not follow the lead of the Spirit of God when He spoke for us to launch out into the deep. For whatever reason, and the majority of the time it is due to family stability, we often do not move in positive direction. . When you are in your 40s, 50s and beyond, it is your responsibility to take care of your family. Still sometimes we are too afraid to stretch ourselves into a better position for our loved ones and ourselves. Fear holds us back more so than complacency, and once you get past the fear then you will be able to move forward. Fear and faith cannot operate within the same place. One will overshadow the other. Conflict and confusion occur to a heightened degree due to the two clashing, which results in “ an unclear direction,” and this leads to stagnation. Instead of moving forward or backward, you just play it very safe and don’t move either way. There was a point in my journey where I wondered whether I should play it safe and just be still and accept the situations worsening gradually until I became overtaken, or step out on faith and press forward. The person I was to the core is not one who sat still. My mind never allowed me to render a statement to give up, give in and call it a day, but instead I told myself I had tried calling the temporary agencies, tried e-mail employment agencies, and tried sending out countless online searches. What’s next. Think. I had gone through 40 plus years of living and I must have learned something. One of the most valuable arts I’ve learned was the ability to interact with people and the ability to “read” individuals by observing body language. Also I learned the art of listening and knowing the difference between listening and hearing. It was time to reach back through several decades of employment and find out what actions brought me to my level of comfort in the first place. Hard work, passion, my children, and a deep-set desire to never go back to my previous state of living were my motivators. What could I do first? What have I done in the past that would earn me money today? So I stopped looking at the obvious and started looking at what I do every day. I love children. I’m helpful, organized, certified as a jailor, daycare teacher and daycare director, and I’ve worked outdoors with the park and recreation. I know how to clean and I’ve worked as a professional sewer in a factory and at a bank, a wide variety for sure. Now the field is open, and I surely will find a job since I’m aware of my abilities, right? Wrong, I got turned down by cleaning services, food services, inventory services, even for a position where I was told not only was I over qualified , they believed my aspirations will take me in a different direction in the next 5 years (to summarize). I just wanted to scream, “ I just need a job!” Of course I maintained the never- say- die attitude, and since avenue one, two and three didn’t work, it was time to try avenues four, five and six-never give up. One tool I used to help me move forward was remembering my past. The painful lessons I had to learn were filled with many errors, but they taught me valuable lessons. Also I focused on timing, understanding although there may be an opportunity presenting itself now, if I jump into an investment at an inopportune time the results could be devastating. Which brings me to my next vital attribute the “P” word. Patience. If I have learned anything over 30 plus years working and drawing a paycheck is, patience. The saying goes, fools rush in where wise men fear to tread. While trying to restart your career and surviving today, never allow the anxiety of bringing in a paycheck to overrule common sense. Don’t jump into a situation for the sake of money that will take you a lifetime to get out of! Patience + timing = opportunity Patiently waiting and watching for the correct time brings about the opportunity for you to successfully move forward. Continue to search for work to pay the bills, but never lose site of your vision. Your vision will be fueled by your passion. Each day I continued to envision what I wanted, and although it did not manifest itself immediately, it did in His timing and I continued to walk by faith knowing ALL will come to pass.