I have this image of the 5 regrets on my mirror where I see it daily.
It has been a challenge to show up as who I know I am and say yes to what called me. We are socially conditioned. The world gives us information about who we should be and what we should do. We are given messages from our families, teachers, friends, the media and our culture about social virtues, what should matter to us, what we should choose, and ways we should be.
It takes self-awareness and courage to choose for yourself. The risk is social rejection. Brene’ Brown talks about the risk of hearing “Who does she think she is?”
Who do you think you are? Who do you know you are? What do you love doing? What are you good at? What fulfills you?
When I was teaching and now coaching, I often say, “Find out what you care about and what you are naturally good at and start there.” The old joke is: I’m afraid to ask God what I’m supposed to do because he might want me to be an accountant. No, God wants people who love math and are good at math to be accountants. Thank goodness.
What we value and what we bring matter. Values are decision making tools, and talents, strengths, skills, and qualities are all part of who we are here to be and what we are here to do.
If you like it and you are good at it, start there.