Following your passions despite uncertainty

BY TARA MYSHRALL

At the start of the pandemic, I decided that despite all the changes that were taking place and the lack of travel (that one is really difficult for me!), that I would use my time at home to try new things and diversify my portfolio. I embraced the uncertainty in life that was caused by the pandemic and used it as an opportunity to grow. Instead of being thrown off by not knowing how COVID-19 would affect me, I committed to my goals and used this time to explore my other creative interests and passions.

I have always loved my corporate roles, but I felt a calling to do more. I wanted to tap into my creative energy and explore some of my passions that had been put on the backburner for way too long. I started writing this column, which I adore! I love sharing my perspective with all you wonderful people! I wrote an e-book and had a chapter published in an anthology called Breathe, part of A Beautiful Life publication. I started teaching a class on abundance vs scarcity mindset, to a group of outstanding women and I started teaching as an associate professor at Conestoga College. I love finally doing some of the things I always wanted to try.

As all this was unfolding, my corporate organization was acquired by another company and I found myself spinning. My job has always been my grounding point, regardless of all my other endeavours. I love my clients and helping community organizations with technology solutions. Despite being able to handle uncertainty in other areas, this transition to working for a new company was very difficult and left me spinning.

Here I was, the queen of ambiguity, feeling distraught as I just didn’t know what to expect with my new organization.  Has this ever happened to you? The thing that grounds you changes and all of a sudden, you feel like you’re floating, spinning or sinking? You’re not sure where to plant your feet, if you’re safe or how things will play out. Needless to say, this acquisition created a lot of feelings of uncertainty.

Over the past couple of months, people who know me have made some interesting comments about doing too much and encouraged me to take things off my plate or look for a new corporate career. At times I thought they were right! Maybe I was doing too much?

But I had to dig deep and figure out why the uncertainty of the new role really bothered me so much. Why was I letting others’ perspectives bother me so much? When I took some time to reflect, I got very clear. I realized that I am not doing too much. I am doing exactly what I want to be doing and what some view as work, just isn’t work for me.  I love the things I do with my time and the lessons that have unfolded for me as a result.

Today, I was on a training session with my new company and they spoke all about inclusion and diversification of perspective and workforce. The CEO mentioned that the more diverse the groups, the broader the perspective and the growth. This dialogue brought back the grounding I needed. I felt hopeful that this organization aligns with my core values. The fear I was feeling slowly eroded and a sense of excitement set in.

It can be very difficult facing the unknown but if we push through the fear there are amazing lessons and rewards on the other side.  We will never know if we don’t start, if we don’t follow our passions. Take some time to reflect on your life. Where are you letting uncertainty prevent you from moving forward?