Wednesday, May 13, 2009

through the fear

I have been thinking a lot lately about "pushing through the fear". About how if we can find the courage within ourselves to try...to follow our hearts and to conquer our self-doubts...amazing and wonderful things can happen. These are the things that happen if we can push through the fear...it's what we can find on the other side.

To lose a job and choose not to cower in the face of an uncertain future but to use the time as an opportunity...and discovering a love of writing, a passion for photography and the joy of a dog.



To write a story about personal loss and discovery and dare to try to have it published, rather than hide from the possibility of rejection...and end up on the front page.



To take a contract position, in uncertain economic times, doing work that I love and not worry about what happens one year down the road, or what my title is, or how much money I make... and, just yesterday, get offered a permanent full time position to continue doing that very work.



With a little luck thrown in, I found what matters on the other side. And when I look back at the tracks left as I pushed through that fear...in every case, they were accompanied by Sophie's paw prints. There is nothing a like a little dog love to show you the way.

Push through the fear...follow your heart...and see what you can find on the other side.

27 comments:

Jan said...

Hey good for you!!!!

Tatersmama said...

Oh Andrea, that's wonderful!
To find something that you love and that you do well.. and then to be offered to be paid for doing it... that's fantastic!
Congratulations!

Shirley said...

"let it go and it'll come to you..." Trust is powerful. Pushing through fear is something Chickory and I went through, and is still something I'm working on with her, although her fear is much less strong now.
Congratulations.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Wow! That's awesome on so many different levels. That is no small thing you have accomplished, the conquering of Fear. I'm quite sure I would spend quite a bit of time in a state of Panic, if I were to lose my job. It shows incredible strength of character and grace to relax and let the river take you with it. I'm proud of your accomplishments and a teensy bit envious. I'm also very pleased that you have found a place where you can fulfill your inner desires and passions AND get paid for it. Not all of us, me included, have attained that loft goal yet. You're a beacon of hope to those of us still struggling to find the path.

Carolynn Anctil said...

BTW, I just read the article you had published and I think it was honest and insightful and inspiring. The naysayers who had churlish things to say have, in my humble opinion, obviously never experienced the comfort that a cold nose can provide on a cheek wet with tears.

Keep up the excellent work, full speed ahead!

*Blessings*
Carolynn

Maria said...

congrats on the full time position

RURAL said...

How wonderful, I love to hear good news.

Jen

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt congratulations Andrea.

Holly said...

*smile*

do you always intend to have such a gentle spirit show through in your posts?

no bluster, no muster, no fuss.

I am glad this worked out for you. And I am excessively glad that you had a partner in your dog, by your side.

Joanne said...

Amazing accomplishments, Andrea! Kudos to you on the full-time job offer, and even more so for following your heart, pushing through fear to the wonderful world on the other side. Isn't it amazing how the journey of following one's heart rarely steers us wrong?

Life With Dogs said...

Pure inspiration, great post!

Barry said...

Dogs are, in many ways, magic--and inspiring!

Sort of like your photos.

Diego Dog said...

Nice post!

Diego Dog

Sherri said...

Way to go, Andrea.So happy for you.

Girl Tornado said...

I'm in total agreement with you.. wonderful post! And great pics of Sophie with the colorful flower petals.

I am glad to hear you were offered a permanent position, how wonderful!

Gennasus said...

Glad to hear you now have a full time position. And doing something you love.....you're very lucky.

Love the photos. I've never tried to get a splash of colour in a black and white shot, it looks very clever!

Bagman and Butler said...

Pushing through the fear. Best definition of courage I have ever seen. And losing a job is an incredible opportunity for growth if you have courage. Maybe opportunity is the wrong word...forced growth. I hate the phrase "no pain, no gain" but it is probably a true one.

NKP said...

Such strength of spirit.

♥Mimi♥ said...

Sometimes all we can do is live within the moment and not be concerned with what may or may not be around the next corner.

To follow one's dream, and to achieve it, is satisfaction with life to the ninth degree. Congrats on the new position.

Robynn's Ravings said...

Your photo series, accompanied by your moving words brought hope and then tears. The black and white photo with the color spot and progression were poetic genius. And thank you for the words of encouragement. What a wonderful blessing for you to succeed in your field of choice! Good direction, Sophie. :)

Jackie said...

Congratulations on the new gig! You are an inspiration.

Libby's Library said...

Isn't it wonderful - how dogs can KNOW who we are, often before we do!
Wishing you continued "success" in all aspects of your life!

Hilary said...

Good for you.. congrats. :)

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Having just lost my job i feel where you're coming from and pray and hope that you're going for your dreams!

The Write Girl said...

This a wonderful post and a bit emotional for me...I am happy you have a job doing what you love.
Thanks for being so inspiring.

sista' moonshine said...

Very inspiring and I love the paw and feather pix.

Far Side of Fifty said...

OH MY!! Imagine me and Chance dancing a little jig for you! Well don't laugh..
I am so very happy for you, a full time position.fantastic!
You keep dancing girl! :)