The Potential of Purposeful Growth: Your Focus Evolves with Life’s Phases
Within the pages of life, as each chapter unfolds, an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery exists.
Allow me to introduce you to Linda, someone who has devoted herself to the corporate world but now stands at the beginning of a transformation. Join us as we learn about Linda’s story; perhaps, you’ll envision the pages of your next chapter.
How it begins
Once upon a time, a woman named Linda lived in a bustling city. Linda was a diligent corporate executive, having spent most of her life navigating the maze of office politics, boardroom meetings, and endless spreadsheets. At 50, she found herself standing at the time for a change; her heart and soul wanted something more meaningful. (I have been there, have you?)
Linda had always been a believer in the power of dreams. She aspired to be a botanist in her youth, but life’s unpredictable twists and turns led her down a different path. (I dreamt of being a graphic designer…What did you dream of?) She had climbed the corporate ladder with determination and grace, but as she stared at her reflection in the office window, she realized that her heart no longer resonated with the world she had built. (Mine came when I came home, and my family was waiting for me to eat dinner at 7:00 p.m.)
When she decided she was ready for a change
One crisp autumn morning, as the sun bathed her corner office in warm, golden hues, Linda made a pivotal decision. She would leave her successful corporate career behind and embark on a new journey that her heart and soul had dreamed of for years. (It was a hard decision for me, but I knew it was the right choice to start my own coaching business and now my community to help other women see themselves in a place of filling their hearts and souls.)
With a deep breath, Linda handed in her resignation. (I told the owner of the insurance firm I worked with for 28 years I was ready to move on and do something different.) Her colleagues were astounded, and her boss tried to persuade her to stay, but her mind was made up. She was going to pursue her long-lost passion for botany. It wasn’t an easy decision. She was giving up a comfortable life, financial stability, and a world she had grown accustomed to. But Linda was determined; she knew that the journey ahead wouldn’t be easy, yet it was what she needed. (My knowing that I had the support of my husband and family made the transition possible.)
What was her next step?
Her first step was enrolling in a botanical course at the local community college. Linda, the oldest student in the class, initially felt a bit out of place. She had to relearn the basics and adapt to a new way of studying. Late nights filled with textbooks and early mornings spent in the field became her new routine. But with every passing day, she felt her heart grow lighter and her passion rekindling. (I started studying, reading books to become a coach, doing workshops, and witnessing other women’s transformations by working with me. What would you do if you allowed yourself to have the opportunity?)
As the seasons changed, so did Linda. She spent hours in the local botanical gardens, tending to plants, learning their names, and understanding their unique characteristics. Her hands, once accustomed to typing emails and attending meetings, now cradled delicate petals and nurtured fragile saplings.
Linda’s journey was not without its challenges. The transition from a steady income to student loans, part-time jobs, and uncertainty weighed heavily on her. There were moments when doubt crept in, and she wondered if she had made a grave mistake. But in those moments, she would remember the warmth in her heart when she touched the soil, the joy of seeing a flower bloom, and the sense of purpose she had never felt in the corporate world. (When life is different from what you are used to, it doesn’t mean the shifts you need to make are wrong, just different.)
Finding her purpose in her dream team
Linda’s dedication did not go unnoticed. Her professors saw her unwavering commitment and offered her opportunities to assist with research projects. She soaked up every bit of knowledge like a sponge, and her passion for botany began to radiate. (When I spent time with my coaches, in networking groups, and with other women business owners and women looking to grow, I thrived!)
One summer, Linda got a chance to participate in a research expedition to a remote rainforest. It was a far cry from her corner office with a view, but it was exactly where she wanted to be. Deep in the lush, green wilderness, she encountered plants she had only dreamed of seeing. Linda felt like she was living her dream, and her heart swelled with gratitude.
However, the journey was far from over. As Linda dug deeper into the world of botany, she realized that she wanted to make a real difference. She wanted to contribute to preserving plant species and ecosystems that were under threat. Determined, she completed her studies and started working with environmental organizations, advocating for conservation and sustainable practices. (The realization you have when you find your purpose and what it means is such an awesome moment.)
Dedication to her passion pays off
Years passed, and Linda, now in her late 50s, had become a respected botanist and conservationist. She traveled the world, worked on projects to protect endangered species, and even authored a book on the importance of preserving biodiversity. Her life was purposeful, and her heart and soul were content. (Your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond can be the next chapter to create something special. I know my 40s and 50s have been for me.)
Looking back on her journey, Linda realized that while the path to her new career had been challenging, it was undeniably worth it. She had found her true calling, and every hardship and sacrifice had been a stepping stone to a life filled with passion and fulfillment. (I know that the life of an entrepreneur comes with many ups and downs, but surrounding yourself with your dream team, being confident and resilient, and remembering to pause helps you navigate the journey.)
Sweetness, it all comes together
One evening, as Linda sat on her porch, listening to the symphony of crickets and frogs, she felt a profound sense of peace. She had followed her heart and soul, and they had led her to a richer and more meaningful life than she could have ever imagined. Linda’s story became a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter how late in life, and the incredible rewards that awaited those who dared to take that leap of faith. (I find myself sitting on my front porch doing the same thing – feeling so blessed that life has brought me here where I am today, from where I was. Each stage had its challenges but ultimately, a gift followed after each stage.)
Life can be funny, the way it turns out, by our choices. God has a plan for us; we are called to sit and listen to what is next. The Purpose Den community is a place to come and be able to pause, discover, and design your next chapter.
Hi, I am Pam Drzewiecki, founder of the Purpose Den, Success and Accountability Coach, and owner of Powerful Purpose. Most importantly, I am a woman of faith, wife, mom, daughter and business owner. Let’s talk. https://calendly.com/powerful/letsconnect
