Do more of what makes you happy. Unknown
Do more of what makes you happy. Seems pretty straight forward, does it not? If you do more of what makes you happy you will be happier. It is a no-brainer. One would think!
Seven years ago the company where I was working as a bookkeeper downsized my position and shortly, thereafter, eliminated my position. Despite being extremely unhappy in this position I was not happy about being given the opportunity to spend more time “doing things that make me happy”.
Which raises the question: why did I stay in a position where I was extremely unhappy? Fear. The answer is fear.
- I was afraid of being unemployed.
- I was afraid of looking for another job
- I was afraid no one would hire me.
- What will happen to me if no one will hire me? Will I be homeless? God knows why but I was afraid of being homeless.
Why do we let our fears become runaway trains?
So, there I was…my fear of being unemployed had materialized! I now had to look for a job. It was so intimidating. Fortunately, I soon realized my new found status of being unemployed really was an opportunity for me to do more things that make me happy. It gave me the push I needed to ask the questions I needed to ask for me to make positive changes in my life.
Do I want another bookkeeping job? No.
Do I want another office job? No.
Why am I looking for a job in a field I am not happy in? Because it is familiar territory. Not a good answer!
What do I need to do to resolve this situation so I am happy with the end result? Go back to school to upgrade my skills in a field I will be happy in.
What makes me happy? I do not know!
Does this sound familiar?
Although I did not know what made me happy I did know that I loved to read and I loved going to the library. Hmmm…perhaps I could get a job in a library.
In October, 2013, I got a part-time job at Milton Public Library (MPL). In January, 2014, I enrolled part-time in Mohawk College’s Library and Information Technician (LIT) program. Upon graduating from the LIT program I worked part-time at MPL and part-time at Sheridan College. Last Fall I accepted a full time position at McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph. Asking myself that critical question “What makes me happy?” led to me making better choices which led to opportunities I did not have prior to the loss of my bookkeeping job.
Working in a library, whether it be public or academic makes me happy. I mention this because this story—my story—the lack of opportunities available to me because I did not know what made me happy–is not a unique story. Too many people to count do not know what makes them happy. And, too many people to count do not have opportunities because they do not know what makes them happy. Please, ask the question…it is important! What makes you happy?
Is there anything in particular that you do that makes you happy? It can be big or small. It can be complex. Or, it can be as simple as going for a walk in the woods.
Thank you for reading my post.
Sincerely,
Sherry
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