Month: July 2017

How to Align Your Career With Your Values

July 31, 2017 by 0 Comments
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One of the most rewarding feelings is changing from a career that no longer brings you joy into one that aligns with your purpose. Some careers have expiration dates and it is daunting to think about leaving the familiar into the unknown. But, if the idea continues to pop up, it may be something that needs attention.

Important decisions present themselves relentlessly.

I have worked with many people who have the aching feeling every day at work that they must leave. They aren’t sure where they are going next, but their soul tells them that it is time to move on.

One of the first things I do with new clients is work with them on gaining clarity on where they want to go. Before they start randomly applying for jobs, it is important to have a sense of direction. Clarity does not come without contemplation and reviewing what is important. If you are leaving one job just to go into another one randomly, the likelihood of finding fulfillment is low.

In fact, getting a job just for the sake of a paycheck does not bring the satisfaction that a job that aligns with one’s purpose does. This does not mean that finding a job to pay the bills in the meantime is not necessary. Most people hold a job while pursuing their passions. But the end goal should be to find a career that aligns with your purpose and values.

One of the exercises I do with clients who are seeking a career change is to discover and define their core values: Foundational beliefs and ways to think and act that are most important to you. These are the values we want to emulate in our day to day life — the non-negotiable feelings we desire.

In order to discover these values, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  1. Why do I do the work that I do?
  2. What am I doing when I am at my best?
  3. What qualities do I admire in others?
  4. What are my greatest qualities?  (ask 10 people to name your top three)
  5. What are the most important things in my life?

After taking the time to answer these questions, I have clients come up with their top 5 core values. This is a living document that evolves as one learns and grows. There are usually 1-2 that stay the same throughout our lives.

  • In order to narrow it down to 5, look at your answers for questions 3, 4 and 5. These are clues to what is the most important. Make a list. Then sit down and find your top 5.

When your top 5 are discovered, you now have the framework to how your career should make you feel and act. If the career you are currently in is void of these values, see if you can infuse them. If the answer is no, begin looking for industries and companies that align with your values.

This is a key step in seeking alignment with your career and values. Be open to what comes up. Don’t force the answers to appear. Sometimes, we need to slough off layers of years of frustration in our career in order to truly uncover the answers.

If you would like more help, career coaching can help navigate the transition by finding clarity and figuring out what steps need to be made. This is not an easy decision and there is a lot of hard work to do, but when your soul prods you to move on, it is worth paying attention to.

Thunder Moon

July 9, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Tonight’s full thunder moon is named after summer’s thunderstorms. The warm air collects as clouds clap to release their roar, commanding attention. Nature is full of thunderous sounds; like the ocean which releases a roar as waves crash down on the surface.

Waves deliver a constant and steady thunder as they move across the ocean. As a wave swells it peaks before tumbling, creating a thunderous sound. So much energy is gathered and stored until the moment when there is no choice but to release the power.

Water is a dynamic force and the ocean demands respect as it thunders and bellows yet gently holds each sea creature.

Some of the most powerful forces in nature are destructive yet graceful. A greatest strength can also become a weakness if the power is harnessed with the wrong intention.

There are many things we can say or do to create destruction in our lives. Speaking harsh words, holding grudges, physical and emotional abuse. However, the same force inside of us that creates these actions are also capable of being gracious and gentle.

Tonight is a perfect opportunity to think about what has been building up inside and release whatever no longer serves you. Pressure from holding back words and not speaking your truth creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. The full moon illuminates things we need to let go of.

If there is anxious energy surrounding an area in your life, ask the following questions:

  • Is there anything I need to say or come to terms with?
  • Is there a situation or relationship that needs attention or maybe even less attention?
  • What meaning am I giving this situation?
  • How can I release the energy around this situation?

If there are feelings that are being harbored around a certain situation, you can transform the energy you give and receive. The story you tell yourself about the situation, may perpetuate negative emotions and thoughts. Think about a way that you can reframe the narrative in a more positive or healing light.

One of the things that has always helped me when I get stuck in a spiral is remembering that everyone is operating from their level of understanding. They may be in pain and unable to consider both sides because their pain is drowning them. This empathic approach helps alleviate the feeling of needing to be understood and right…even if you are right.

Then, there are cases where you just need to let go and walk away because the other person is just too hurtful. If they are unable to reach past their pain and continue to create pain and suffering in your life, it may be time to release them.

Speaking and living your truth takes courage. It is not always easy to say the things that need to be said or even let go and walk away. But, everything is energy. Think about how a wave travels long distances to create their roar. All the energy is collected to make something beautiful.

All the energy that is being stored can be released in a loving way. Think about a time when you finally found the courage to speak the truth and how relieved you felt. That was a release of powerful energy.

In order to release the thunder within, be like the ocean. Your words or actions may take bravery and create some waves, but if the intention is with grace and love, the release can be beautiful.

May whatever you release tonight find love, grace and healing.