How to Leave your Job with Your Heart Intact
“When you want to make a decision, listen to your heart.”
My acupuncture doctor’s words sat with me as I lay (literally) pinned on his treatment table for yet another appointment to treat another stress-induced ailment.
I had been contemplating changing jobs for more than a year, workshopping it with friends, journaling, meditating, even trying it on via a sabbatical (I wrote about here) to consider what a new work life may resemble.
I loved my job, but also knew there was more out in the wine world to explore. While I was excited at the prospect of a fresh start, the COVID reality plus the ferocious voice of fear in my head would tell me all the reasons it was not possible, so to the daily routine I returned.
Sound familiar?
Leaving anything you love can bring up feelings of fear and loss, so for those times, here are a few ways to keep your heart safe:
Sit with It
How does it FEEL? Or as Cath says, “What does the wisest part of yourself want you to know?” Once you get past the fear of the unknown, can you see yourself in a new way? Can you visualize yourself in a new light? I made a habit of noting the small ways I felt when small cracks of opportunity opened in quiet moments. It gave me confidence to keep going.
Meditate, meditate, meditate
There’s nothing like a life-decision to bring up every insecurity known and unknown. Meditation can act as an anchor to help get past the head’s insecurities to get to your heart’s gentle voice. Five minutes with a quiet cup of coffee may be enough to hear the quietness of the truth.
Confide in a Few
Verbalizing any commitment, habit or decision takes the decision from idea to action, and as you become more comfortable telling others, it can help the decision become more real.
Be Kind
Mostly toward yourself. Life-decisions can bring up every nuance of anxiety and created stories around how you will “make it”. Remember that you are doing the best with the information you have to hand, and that’s enough.
Trust Yourself
Life-decisions can bring up issues for others as they may see you in a certain light, but this decision is yours alone. Own it. No matter others’ perspectives, it is your life, and yours to live each precious day.
Be Grateful
Find the small ways to be grateful for the journey that has brought you here. Remember the good times, the hard lessons, the brave moments when you thought it was impossible. All are moments to be grateful for.
Remember to Play and Laugh
Take a break. Laugh with a small child, get goofy with a pet, or share a joke with great friends, to remind yourself that play not only relieves the immediate stress, but also is a reminder that we are all on this batsh*t crazy journey together (and P.S. no one gets out alive ;).
It’s scary to leave an environment you have outgrown, especially in today’s reality of already enough uncertainty and the stark reality of financial risk. I recognize the privilege of the opportunity to even consider a fresh start. It’s not a defined road ahead, but it’s one I’m willing to take, with my heart happy, and eyes wide open.
Namaste,
Beck
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
I'm an addiction researcher and therapist. Here's why promoting sober 'dry months' bothers me. The Conversation.com
On the surface, sober months like Dry January and Dry February are great. But we need to broaden the discussion around how privilege and policy impact one’s relationship with alcohol and other drugs.
A Zen priest–scientist takes on climate anxiety - Harvard Public Health Magazine
The research scientist Kritee started using Buddhist rituals to cope with her climate grief. Now she’s helping others do the same.
Hikes, horseback rides and Peloton: Can a new slate of wellness wine tastings lure Millennials? - San Francisco Chronicle (paywall)
From hikes to yoga to Peloton rides, California wineries are offering wellness offerings as a new way to engage visitors.
Battling burnout: A conversation with resiliency expert Dr. Amit Sood
The executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and Well-being believes humans are built to tackle crises.
8 Take-aways to Mindfully Advance Your Life & Career Mindful Leader
During this epic time of uncertainty, adversity, and the “Great Resignation,” it is wise to ask oneself, “What can I do to step up my performance and meet these challenges successfully?”
