Here’s your one chance Fancy. Or is it?
My life has been a series of starts and stops, failing forward and reinventing myself. Was each chapter really my one chance, or one of many?
My story
As a self proclaimed master of reinvention, let me share a chapter from my story that sheds light on how I earned this title.
The exact timeframe has become fuzzy, but in a distant life ago I was a REALTOR. My career timing is predictable, always getting into a business on the tail end of a boom. The little midwestern town I called home was hit hard by the housing crash of 2008. My husband Jeff made it clear to me that I could no longer market homes that had no chance of selling and short sales suck!
My “one chance”
One of my colleagues went to work as the head of a sales department for a local manufacturing company. He encouraged me to apply for their inside sales position. Although I was honored to be offered a job, I was suspicious of “working for the man.”
My friend set up an interview with their HR department. I took tests, answered questions and got a tour of the facility. I thought it went well, until I was called back for a second interview. The need for a second interview seemed silly. I remember thinking my friend knows my work ethic and what more could they possibly ask of me?
Remember, I am not the corporate type. None of the rules made sense to me.
On my way out the door for the second interview, I turned to my husband Jeff for advice. I was a bit nervous and had no idea what to expect on the second interview. Without hesitation Jeff responded, “I don’t know. All I can think of is, this is your one chance Fancy, don’t let me down.”
From that day forward my nickname became Fancy.
I got the position. It lasted six months, but not all lost. This chapter has a happy ending. Jeff and I went to Italy on my earnings. And I learned that there are many other chapters to write.
Midlife misconception
One midlife misconception is that all the chances exist in our twenties and thirties. Anxiety hits in your mid forties when you start to worry the options in life have dried up.
“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan
As the master of reinvention, I could share numerous stories to illustrate that this anxiety is in fact a misuse of your imagination.
I’m grateful that I did not allow preconceived notions about corporate life {aka working for the man} to prevent me from accepting the inside sales position. That chapter taught me a lot, including the important skill of accepting when it was time to move onto the next chapter.
It’s as if you aren’t aware of the abundant possibilities until you remove the blockage of anxiety. Employ your imagination by allowing your mind to surf an array of options for your next chapter {DREAM}.
Your story
Here’s your one chance Fancy… don’t let yourself down. To thine own self be true. The limit is the sky.
“When faced with the decision to fall back or press on, the whole Universe holds it’s breath.” John Eldredge
Press onward to a fabulous midlife by grabbing a copy of my free workbook: Rise Above Your Own Midlife BS.
For those of you who are curious about hiring me, I offer a free session. This is a chance to chat with me about a current issue or the broad view of your next chapter.
I work with midlife women who are ready to move onto the next chapter, but need a little help working through their BS. Maybe you can’t see any options. I can help!
Or maybe you see too many options. Never before in history have we had more options for midlife. I can help you identify what you really want.
Here’s to abundant possibilities and the best years ahead!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
