I worry about not making enough of a contribution. Not fighting hard enough. Missing opportunities to impact the world in a meaningful way.
Often it’s because I’m unsure if I can do it right. If I can speak up for what I believe without sounding preachy or screechy. Without misspeaking. Without offending someone who is actually dear to me.
And of course, I ask, “why me?”
Yes, I know “why not me?” is a valid response.
Still.
Which fire to douse? Which rally to cry? Which egregious pain point to fight back at?
And what if I don’t know how? What if my facts aren’t well researched? What if what I think I know isn’t at all what I know?
Aren’t there better people than me to help?
maybe.
Still.
I know a lot about work. Solopreneurs. Job hunting. Communicating. Spiritual things. Human nature.
Adopted people also know a great deal about trauma. Mostly internalized. Understanding when a response to a stimulus (at work or anywhere) is an innate way of dealing with the fear of not being good enough, or abandoned for lack of understanding. We read rooms and people to do what we can to mirror others, having never had mirroring in our families, making ourselves familiar to others is a special gift. Also, a bit of a challenge. It does make it very hard to figure out what or who you’re supposed to be in the world.
I often joke that I’ve worked nearly everywhere in DC except the White House (and nope, that is NOT on my bingo card for the foreseeable future). Having had so many jobs and few very dear careers makes me a good judge of workplace dynamics and why you may, or may not be fulfilled at your job.
Today. Right now. Ask yourself if your job is contributing to your life or detracting from it. Are the people you’re working with supporting you and lifting you up (and you them?) or are they dragging you down. Does the company espouse values similar to your own?
While it may seem like you don’t have a choice where you work, I’ll bet you do. Maybe your job is a key to the fire you’re meant to extinguish? What if the work you do in the world can have a positive impact on your community?
I hope you’ll join me to talk about this on Sunday (2/23) at 2:30 pm Eastern. Via Zoom.
Just send me a note
or leave a comment to get the invite.
I believe in you.
Peggie