What would you do if money was not an object?
Last week pupils at my sons’ school were asked to wear odd socks to celebrate that we all are unique. We talked about how each of us is special and one and only. Yet, some conversations over the last few weeks with women whom I got to know as clients, friends or acquaintances made me realise how similar some of our experiences, journeys and struggles are. I heard about striving to be a good, loyal employee, even if it meant working over weekends. I heard about being present for the children while neglecting self-care, or negotiating to carve out some time to pursue personal interests. I heard about chronic tiredness and guilt that despite relentless tidying up, the house never looks tidy. I heard about longing for change, the desire to find courage and time to purposefully grow and go back to school as well as the urge to work to live, rather than live to work.
They were not complaining about men – all of the women I recently spoke with stressed their partners helped or shared the responsibilities with them. What stroke me in those conversations was that despite the similar themes, underlying guilt and frustration, each had responded to the dissatisfaction differently. Some stayed put where they were – chose not to change much (for now). Some tried to negotiate changes to their working arrangements. Some chose to take a break and pivot their career leveraging a financial cushion. Some decided to take a leap of faith, despite money (mortgage) being a critical factor they had to consider. They chose differently.
Staying dissatisfied is a choice too. Yet, realising what is a true barrier, what parameters you have to take into account, and what is your assumption, a limiting belief is not always straightforward when you are deeply embedded in the situation. Finding someone to talk through your thinking pattern, challenge your thinking, explore alternative options can help gain clarity on what you can and cannot influence.
? If money was not an object, what would you do? What assumptions are you making that are preventing you from pursuing that?
? If you knew that you can change how you live your life, what would be the one thing that you would choose to start/stop doing this month to bring more joy into your life?