Hope — from setback to setting yourself free

Losing a job or being passed over for promotion, or even being downsized during an organization restructure, can feel disheartening, leaving us battling feelings of disappointment, hurt and vulnerability. It is even more poignant when you have dedicated the most part of your life to your work, late-nights, and weekend, sometimes to the sacrifice of family time when putting in those extra hours. Maybe there is part of you that feels angry and frustrated with thoughts of what’s the point?. The ‘inner critic’ inside of us whispers that we have expired or passed our ‘sell by date’ and that we have nothing more to offer. You may feel anxious as you face a crossroads — not knowing what the future holds in store for you and not knowing which path to take, not knowing when the next pay check is coming from.

These circumstances may be interpreted or viewed as setback — I consider this an opportune moment to set ourselves free. Free to unleash the gifting inside of us that we have kept hidden from the outside professional world. What is that gifting? A creative talent, a prolific author and songwriter, a beautiful singing voice, a sermon and a heart to help the poor and needy?

Set yourself free to pursue your calling or your purpose, whatever it may be. What do you love? What moves you? What have you always dreamed of doing — but was too scared to venture out? What was the first thing you said as a child when asked what do you want to be when you grow up? What brings you to tears? What do others say about your gifts and talents? What injustice angers you? Therein lies your purpose. Show that inner-critic what you are made of. Are you going to step back or are you going to muster your talents and your experiences to be a force for long-lasting change? You can do it. Step forward. We are waiting for you…. We believe in you…. We are rooting for you. Now soar!!!