LIFE TRANSITIONS & OTHER PEOPLES JUDGMENTS
For the last couple of days I’ve been thinking about writing something profound about life transitions and how to cope with change, and I’m not saying that still isn’t going to happen, but, instead I have been moved to write something more personal, albeit still about life transitions and change.
How do we deal with others expectations and judgments when we make a change or life transition.
The other day I received an email from an old Uni friend which read (and I quote) “Well, its been easily a decade since we’ve been in touch. Excuse the ignorance but Life Coach? NLP?”
So to give this some context, the last time this person knew me I had completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Technology and then moved into a career in Marketing. So yes, I understand their surprise at ‘yet another’ vocational change but have I (the person) really changed that much?!?!
What is of most interest to me is my interpretation of their email. Maybe they were judgmental, maybe they were surprised but rooting for me. The fact is I may never know as they have not responded to my email reply. Nonetheless it has me pondering about how we deal with other peoples opinions and perceived judgments when we make life changes. How much of what holds us back are our own fears of our capabilities and how much of it is our fear of being judged by others?
The fact of the matter is that we can only answers to ourselves and if those people in our lives really love us, they will only want us to be happy and succeed at whatever it is we choose to do. So maybe we need to stop listening to others, stop judging ourselves and follow our hearts desire with love, trust and honesty to ourselves and others and that will provide us with the freedom we want and need to make our dreams come true.
One day (hopefully) you will be 90 years old and looking back on your life. What do you want those memories to be because now is the time to make them. Show yourself respect and you’ll always be proud of who you are today tomorrow and yesterday.
Lydia x