Transitions by their very nature make anyone feel less secure about some aspect of their life. But even in the midst of a transition that has you feeling lost and afloat in a sea of unknowns, you can regain your bearings and get grounded.
If you constantly focus on what is unclear or confusing in your life, you're likely to become frustrated and anxious. While it is common to ponder perplexing questions, it can be counterproductive to dwell on those that do not have obvious or immediate answers. Consider why in the following line from a poem by the German poet, Rilke:
"…Do not now seek the answers which cannot be
given to you, because you would not be able to live them."
Instead of dwelling on the unknown, consider the exercise of focusing your attention on those aspects of your life about which you are certain and clear—these are your "life anchors". They can be as concrete as naming the people whom you love and who support you, where you want to live, and the specific job you seek, or as abstract as "I want to wake up looking forward to work." From this exercise, create a list of your anchors and let it be a work in progress, writing additions as they occur to you throughout the day.
Taking the exercise a step further, begin to integrate your awareness of your anchors into your daily routine. As you awake on any given day and before you rise from bed, remind yourself of what you are certain in your life. Accept your response, whether simple or detailed, without judgment. As you rise and your feet touch the floor, breathe deeply several times in recognition of these certainties. Your anchors will have a grounding effect on your life as you reflect on what is true and real, especially when you lack clarity about other things. In doing this, you'll be aligned with Rilke's guidance as you honor the flow of your life's path:
"…Live the questions now.
Perhaps you will gradually, without noticing it,
Live along some distant day, into the answers."
My "life anchor" comes with the knowledge (or optomism) that a FUTURE EMPLOYER can utilize my skills and pay me fairly for them.
The days of "giving away my talents for free" are pretty much over? Maybe it's because there's a mindset with some (BUT NOT ALL) employers that the moment I offer a skill or a talent for nothing--the assumption of "HE'LL DO ANYTHING FOR NOTHING" will be the misconception?
Kinda sad there are still a few of these types of employers lurking about...but sadly...there are?
Posted by gary dixon
Gary, perhaps your anchors are actually the talents you offer employers and for which you want to be paid fairly. Being clear about your skills and knowing that they go with you can be a confidence booster and a good marketing tool.
Posted by Barbara
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