I originally posted this in 2014… Because of the discouragement and confusion I have been hearing from some of my clients, I decided it was worth sending this message out again… May you all choose happiness and joy… it is out there for you…
Recently, a client shared this anonymous quote with me and I just had to share it with you: “Life is like a camera; focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” I love the metaphor and vivid reminder that there are always choices and opportunities in life… happiness is really a choice.
What does being happy and successful mean to you?
Many of you may remember Steve Jobs’ message, “…Don’t waste your time living someone else’s life- follow your dreams and passions…” And yet, I see many people doing just that- working at a job they don’t like, doing what they feel they “should” as opposed to what they want, feeling stressed, and stuck in a rut. Sound familiar?
In The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, recorded her patients’ biggest regrets in a blog:
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I wish I’d let myself be happier.
Deep down, I believe we all know what’s really important in life, but often we get caught up in the “shoulda, coulda, have to’s and must do’s” that society dictates will bring us success. But at what cost? It saddens me to read that 80% of Americans are unhappy with their jobs! Why waste 40-60 hours a week doing something you hate? Take a good look at your life now. Are you stuck on a treadmill you think you can’t get off? Are you ready to redefine success and happiness and live a life true to yourself?
What’s your dream?
Imagine living a life you love- doing work that’s meaningful where you’re valued and appreciated…sharing work and life with people you care about who are being true to themselves. It’s possible! You can create a life around your passions and dreams. Sure, it takes courage, perhaps shifting your mindset, or working on self limiting beliefs… and yes, there will be challenges and obstacles, but you always have choices and choices are always better than regrets.
If you’re unhappy or feel stuck in your current situation, if you’re unemployed or underemployed, and you’re ready to see what else is possible, I have a super special offer for you! (details below) Together, we’ll craft a strategy to attract more of what you want, define happiness on your terms, and create your own personal road map for success. Sound good?
Special Offer- *50% off Career and Life Coaching with Clare!
The first 5 people who respond to this email will receive coaching with me at half my regular (unemployed) rate! Why am I offering to coach people at half price? Mostly, because I’ve seen it make a difference and I’m committed to helping people find work (and a life) they love; it’s my passion and brings me joy... plus recent research has shown that coaching helps job seekers find work faster by providing emotional support, objective feedback and accountability that keeps their motivation and momentum strong. It’s a win-win!
So, what do you really, really want? And what are you waiting for? It’s your life, and you can make it work! I can’t wait to work with you!
Conditions: You must commit to a minimum of 3 months or at least 6 one hour coaching sessions, meeting weekly or every other week and agree to these terms by signing my coaching agreement. I will send the coaching agreement to all 5 of you ahead of time so you can review it in case you have questions.
Clare Harlow, MSW 