Have you ever had an opportunity meet you in the face that you felt like you had to grab right away? Maybe you felt ready for it or maybe you didn't. It may have been the best jump of your life...maybe you are still avoiding it...or regretting it. I think we've all had moments like these at some time or another. My most recent was going back to school. Originally, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to go back for my Master's and if I did, I told myself I wasn't ready...until the opportunity came along. I suppose I was afraid of missing out on something because I took the leap as soon as it came upon my reach.
Since I started taking classes for my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I've been enjoying the experience, but I often wondered if it was the right step for me. Don't get me wrong; last October, I was so set in taking on the challenge and becoming a professional counselor, and I thought it's what I wanted. In all honesty, I love the idea. I enjoy helping people and listening to people, and analyzing relationships and communication between those relationships. (I did receive my BA in Communication Studies: Interpersonal Relations, so I suppose this would make sense.)Even so, I still found myself questioning my possibilities over and over, and I decided it was time to reflect and reevaluate. To make a long story short, I realized it wasn't the right thing for me. It was difficult to come to that conclusion with the time I already spent, but it was so relieving when I officially made the decision. Regret does not linger in this at all because many great things have been recognized with this experience. I met some great people, gained interesting knowledge, and if I didn't chose to try out this program, I would have never known it wasn't the right fit for me. If I didn't try, I would have regretted the decision not to.
Anyway, I feel like a huge amount of weight was just lifted from my back. Everything isn't perfectly planned out, but I can now breathe and explore new options and ideas. When an opportunity arises, it can be a great experience, but it doesn't mean it was meant for you to follow through. I didn't withdraw from graduate school because it was easier, but because it wasn't the path for me. I would love to use some aspects of counseling in my future career, but I don't need this particular program for the direction I'm looking to swim in. Life can be complicating, and our experiences are what make our own lives unique.
Is there something that truly feels off to you, but you're afraid to do what feels right for you? Are you afraid others will be disappointed in you, but that otherwise you may be disappointed in yourself? Maybe it's time to reevaluate and make some room to breathe. If you take this time, it may help you focus on other things that are important to you, or maybe it will help you realize that what you're taking a break from matters more to you than what you thought. It can be a refreshing experience either way.
Since I started taking classes for my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I've been enjoying the experience, but I often wondered if it was the right step for me. Don't get me wrong; last October, I was so set in taking on the challenge and becoming a professional counselor, and I thought it's what I wanted. In all honesty, I love the idea. I enjoy helping people and listening to people, and analyzing relationships and communication between those relationships. (I did receive my BA in Communication Studies: Interpersonal Relations, so I suppose this would make sense.)Even so, I still found myself questioning my possibilities over and over, and I decided it was time to reflect and reevaluate. To make a long story short, I realized it wasn't the right thing for me. It was difficult to come to that conclusion with the time I already spent, but it was so relieving when I officially made the decision. Regret does not linger in this at all because many great things have been recognized with this experience. I met some great people, gained interesting knowledge, and if I didn't chose to try out this program, I would have never known it wasn't the right fit for me. If I didn't try, I would have regretted the decision not to.
Anyway, I feel like a huge amount of weight was just lifted from my back. Everything isn't perfectly planned out, but I can now breathe and explore new options and ideas. When an opportunity arises, it can be a great experience, but it doesn't mean it was meant for you to follow through. I didn't withdraw from graduate school because it was easier, but because it wasn't the path for me. I would love to use some aspects of counseling in my future career, but I don't need this particular program for the direction I'm looking to swim in. Life can be complicating, and our experiences are what make our own lives unique.
Is there something that truly feels off to you, but you're afraid to do what feels right for you? Are you afraid others will be disappointed in you, but that otherwise you may be disappointed in yourself? Maybe it's time to reevaluate and make some room to breathe. If you take this time, it may help you focus on other things that are important to you, or maybe it will help you realize that what you're taking a break from matters more to you than what you thought. It can be a refreshing experience either way.
“We need to find the courage to say NO to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.”
~Barbara De Angelis
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