It's never too late...
Everyday is a new beginning. We have our entire lives ahead of us to live the life we always dreamed of so why do we settle and get stuck in situations where we don’t feel fulfilled? Going after your dreams is scary and hard work! This post is inspired by a recent coaching session with “Jane,” my 40-year-old client who suddenly felt the pull to apply to graduate school…
“As far as grad school is concerned, it is something I've always wanted to do, but to be quite honest with you I never had the courage to apply before. I was the first person to ever attend college in my family and I did not have any peers that were involved in the arts. I also didn't have much guidance. My dad was a Portuguese immigrant who didn't speak English and worked really hard at raising and feeding my siblings and I on his own. My mother had passed away from breast cancer when I was a child and I had to grow up quicker than most. I started working at 15 and have never stopped. I also didn't think my dad, family, and peers would understand my passion for acting and the desire to study and pursue it. I guess fear has played a big factor in the choices I have made. When I was 30, I moved out to LA to pursue acting, things were going great, and I obtained my SAG card; but when my father became ill I felt it was my responsibility and obligation as his daughter to care for him so I packed up my bags and moved back to NY. After all he was my dad, and he had worked so hard all his life to care for us. In doing so I worked hard myself waiting tables at night. This consumed me for quite sometime and I lost sight of my goals and aspirations.”
Maybe some of you can relate or know people with a similar story. I asked Jane a series of questions to get her out of the fearful mind and into her heart. Ultimately she decided to face her fears and she submitted her application this past weekend. Regardless of the outcome she stepped out of her comfort zone and took action that propelled her in the direction of her dreams. The only way to change your life is to do things that scare you. Plenty of excuses may arise like, “I’m too old!” “But I’ve been doing this job for 10 years I can’t switch now?!” Reality check- You have your WHOLE life ahead of you. Do you know how many people thought I was insane for NOT continuing down the “expected” doctor path after investing 9 years before I decided to create a career path that doesn’t even exist? Tons! Who cares what other people think. It’s your life and you have DECADES ahead of you. So remember, it’s never too late to live the life you always dreamed of. Why not start today?