Begin Again in 5 Steps, Maybe

Life is crazy, ain't it? Just when you get what you think you wanted, it turns out to not be exactly what you expected. This can be disheartening. Let's face it, it kinda sucks. So now what? How do you make it back to the dreamer you may have been twenty, hell 30, years ago? Well, I don't have all the answers, but there may be a path we can take to begin again. I've done a little research so you don't have to, you're welcome, because most sane individuals don't plan to face major changes when they're damn near fifty. But I do, and maybe you do too.

1. Network and seek support As you begin to explore new opportunities, it's important to build a network of support around you. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may be able to offer advice or connect you with potential opportunities. Networking events and professional organizations are pretty good ways to enter a field that may be new to you. You never know where your next opportunity may come from, so it's important to stay open to new connections and possibilities.
   

2. Check your skills and strengths When faced with a change in circumstances, it's important to take stock of your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What have you accomplished in your career and personal life thus far? Answering these questions should help you identify areas where you might want to focus your energy moving forward.
   

3. Identify your values and priorities In addition to considering your skills and strengths, it's also important to think about your values and priorities. What matters most to you? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goals? Understanding your values and priorities can help you make more informed decisions about your future.
   

4. Be open to learning and growth Old dogs must learn new tricks because if you're not moving forward, you're falling behind. Be open to learning and growth. You may need to acquire new skills or knowledge in order to succeed in a new field. Don't be afraid to take classes, attend workshops, or seek out mentors who can help guide you on your journey.
   

5. Embrace the unknown Finally, embrace the unknown. Sounds easy right, but nah. Change can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You can't be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover about yourself, the people you think you know, and the world around you.

Change can be terrifying but it can also be the freedom you need to reassess your circumstances. Personally, my plan is to reduce. Yes, if you know me this seems completely counter to my nature but when I moved back to Cleveland last year, I realized I have too much stuff. At this point in my life I'd rather do more than have more, I hope to navigate this transitional period with confidence and come out the other side stronger and more resilient than ever.