Your Life’s Journey is the Thing!

Excerpts from Desiderata written in 1926 by Max Ehrman nn“Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.nnBeyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; nyou have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”nnQ. Dear Wizard: I am 58. I’ve lost my job and have little hope of finding another. Bills are piling up and this year is not looking like anything good will happen for our family. Can you help me?nnA. Your question suggests that it is time to take a deep breath and look at your life in as large a context as you might imagine. You are a long way from the end of your life’s journey so figuring out your future, calmly and purposefully, is paramount. nnWe’ve asked a few experts to offer their thoughts to help you overcome the fear you feel today.nnMary Radu of Pathmaker Coaching offers 3 keys to effectively handle fear and adversity. “Carry out a daily practice for centering your emotional/spiritual self. You can create a sense of calm and inner peace through many different practices such as meditation, prayer, reflection, tai chi, or reading uplifting books. If this is new territory for you, make sure to choose an activity that you find appealing. nnCultivate a ‘right’ outlook about your situation. Once you've learned how to bring yourself to a centered ‘place’ you're prepared to notice when your feelings are triggered by situations that occur in your life. This is the time to add physical action to your daily practice. nnAct from deeper purpose and meaning. Check in with yourself to see how your options fit with what is truly important to you. In other words, choose options that are aligned with who you are and what brings you joy, creativity and a sense of excitement in order to get up and start over each morning. nnAbove all, remember that the gift in adversity is the opportunity to grow and find new ways to thrive.”nnKim Kirmmse Toth of Positive Aging, Inc., echoes the sentiments of experts everywhere and she speaks directly to you from experience. “You are not alone in your concerns. While this knowledge may not make it any easier for you at this moment in time, it will one day soon. In the meantime here are a few thoughts to help you get through. nnSurround yourself with optimistic and happy people who have found the secret in living full lives no matter what challenges they face. You will absorb their sense of positive living. See abundance in what you have and realize that there are many others who are in far more difficult situations than you find yourself in today. Look at the goodness that surrounds you; your family, your friends and, yes, even through love given to you by your pets. Above all, give of yourself to others. Do a good deed, open a door for the elderly, carry a bag or donate items to the less fortunate. ‘Paying it forward’ will make you feel very wealthy.” nnGary Kaplan, Founder and President of Gary Kaplan & Associates, a Pasadena-based executive search firm that represents client organizations in their quest for experienced professionals, offers this practical advice. “Expand your focus from exclusively seeking regular, full-time opportunities to also pursuing consulting or contract assignments. You might think that committing your full-time skills to a consulting or contract assignment will take your eyes from the prize. You would be wrong! Contract opportunities are valuable on several fronts. In this economy, contracts give you the chance to try on a position for size. They provide an environment to sharpen your skills and learn new tricks. They impress prospective employers and expand your network. Rather than one contractual job, think in terms of multiple positions. By lining up multiple contracts, you may find greater job security - if one contract evaporates, you have others to support you while you get busy on lining up future opportunities. Moreover, such a scenario will help enhance (not detract from) your resume, not to mention safeguard your wallet.” nnGary offers an additional thought about contracting or consulting for your consideration: “Maturity is often an advantage when seeking and obtaining contractual assignments.”