“Practicality vs. Bravery” – thanks to the new hit show “Jane the
Virgin” (Monday nights on the CW Network). I received the new title of my blog post! In my former life (pre-Scleroderma); I lived
by the Practicality Rule. After high school, I went on to
earn my Bachelor’s Degree from a University, then I sought out to find the
"right job.” By the time I was 24, I was
successfully crossing off my ‘to-do’s” on my checklist. I secured a good paying
job, which I was super grateful for, because it was along the interests of my
actual college degree/concentration (Sociology & Gender Studies). This was
my adult grown up job – it had insurance benefits; as well as, a decent salary
& a retirement plan. Most importantly, it had my complete commitment
and dedication, which I had never had in my previous jobs post college
graduation. In the beginning, I viewed
my job as just that, a job. However, when I was forced to relinquish my
position due to my health this past January (2014); I realized, I was indeed on a
career track. I worked extremely HARD
for nearly 10 years; so much so, I received a promotion and upgraded from an
Administrative Assistant to a Program Assistant. I remember the minute I was hired for the
position, I had a talk with myself. I said in very certain terms, “1. You will
take this seriously, 2. You will work for 10 years; then depart to start the 2nd
half of your career as a coordinator in the same field (Residency Training) at
another institution, probably in Connecticut or Westchester County, where the
pay would be increased by minimum $20,000. “However, the old adage, – “Want to
see God laugh? Make plans!” Is
definitely fitting for my circumstances.
My health prevented me from continuing to work in a conventional 9-5
office setting. I was forced to put my health first and foremost and rest/slowdown
in order to save my life.
Great blessings came out of my near 10 year
experience at my former institution. I found my voice as a writer, my talent as
a graphic designer and my awesomeness as an event planner. Work was once the
most important part of my identity.
However, when I had to stop working, I went through a culture-shock and
had to redefine my self-identity, rebuild my self-esteem, and shift my focus to
fit into my new existence. It took nearly a year to really digest that I was no
longer gainfully employed under the conventional microscope. I now had to step out on complete faith!
After much prayer and consult, I knew it was time for me to enact the Bravery Rule. I decided to claim the thing that courses
through my veins - Writing. It allows me the opportunity to put my words,
thoughts, feelings, emotions and humor together in one medium. Writing is a wonderful outlet, where I can
really get in there and talk about different subjects that not only interest me;
but things that are happening in the world, and I lend my unique voice and
style of writing to the reader. If you are talented, driven, trust in yourself and
your dream; you CAN & WILL achieve anything and everything you put your
mind to! Be confident, work hard at your
craft/talent, and be sure to always remain humble & continue to give thanks
for your amazing gifts! I know that I wouldn’t have stepped out to claim the Bravery Rule, if I did not have a loving
support system that believed in me harder than I ever believed in myself! You know you are loved unconditionally when
the beautiful people around you not only root for you winning; but, they
motivate and encourage you to go after your dream! It is because of their honesty, love,
encouragement, and 100% support and contribution to my passion; my dream is now
a reality. I now proudly proclaim - “I’m
a Writer!!” I own this truth and I’m proud that I was given this gift of
expression.
Now, I NEED to say this
disclaimer - - If you’re about to enact the “Bravery Rule” for a 2nd half of your career, please,
please, please be sure to have some sort of some LEGAL funds coming in, OR
saved up to sustain living expenses! I would be doing you a great injustice if I
neglected to advise you of this VERY important thing. Go forth, conquer and
succeed!!
Kimberly
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