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As I began my journey, many of the first books I read were all about changing careers, and they were fantastic:  Pivot by Jenny Blake, The $100 Startup and Side Hustle by Chris Guillebeau to name a few.  I think I became more stressed out reading these, however, because I still had no clue what I wanted to do next.  With the stress came anxiety, and then the procrastination set in.  I mean, I had always identified as a dentist.  Well, except back in high school and undergrad when I was labeled a lifeguard… those were the days.  Now as adults, though, why is the first question we ask someone after we are introduced, “So what do you do?”  And why does everyone think it’s appropriate to show me the inside of their mouth when I answer “I’m a dentist”?  (I actually don’t care, so feel free to continue doing so.)  But seriously, why can’t we start off asking people what their hobbies or passions are instead of giving them a label based on their profession?  Anyway, as a perfectionist, if I didn’t have a clear path that I could perceive as being my next great thing, then I would just do nothing.  I was paralyzed.

Yet “nothing “ wouldn’t do.  I really wanted a new career – a creative career.   It was clear to me that just because you’re successful, does not mean you’re happy and fulfilled.  So I moved on to some other books:  Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.  I realized that I had just accepted all of my natural tendencies – perfectionist, people-pleaser, rule-follower – without trying to change my mindset.  The fear of failure, of letting people down, of not being good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, wealthy enough… it’s all so overwhelming.  Those fears of what people think about you can keep you stagnant.  The status quo is easier.  The status quo is safer.  The status quo is just so boring! I could stay with the status quo for the rest of my life, or I could put myself out there and be vulnerable.  I needed to scare myself a little and take a leap of faith.

What I found is that most people genuinely want to help.  However, no one knows you need help unless you ask.  In the great words of my husband, “You don’t G-E-T if you don’t A-S-K.”  (If he stole that line from anyone, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!)  Every person I have talked to has been more than supportive and I couldn’t be more thankful.  I will continue to reach out for advice, ideas, and motivation.  I will continue to be vulnerable and put myself out there.

And so my journey continues…