I started a new job yesterday. I am excited to be part of a small, vibrant and inspired team who really seems to appreciate me and what I bring to the table. It feels good. It’s 30 hours a week and I plan to do some freelance work on top of it (if I can swing it), but beyond that I really need to figure out what I should be doing.

While I like what I do and am pretty damn good at it, that inner ‘gnawing’ to do something that truly feeds my soul continues to grow stronger. I just wish I knew what I was supposed to be doing. I am not even sure how to get there. I think that if I can create space and clarity, and really take control of how I spend my time it will help. In the meantime, I have been instructed by my very wise and insightful sister to simply “let things unfold.”

With that said here is an approach to help me evolve – and hopefully figure out what the inner gnawing is trying to tell me:

Approach my time/days/weeks differently
I used to let my job consume my week. What I have realized is that weeks shouldn’t be solely about work, they should be about living and creating experiences. I have a neighbor who has a day job that is not her passion – I am inspired by her because she is really good at compartmentalizing her day. She starts with a morning meditation walk, then get’s ready for work and goes to the cafe for an hour to work on her book before she goes to work. After she gets home, she spends time with her family, takes another walk and then works for another 45 minutes (or more) on her book. I like it. It’s simple, organized and makes time for the important things.

Use exercise and meditation to help clear my head and create brain-space
My lack of focus in recent months has set me back considerably. In retrospect, i really have not been taking care of myself as well as I should be. Creating the brainspace to think, create, and focus will help. The exercise is critical for a good state of mind (and my overall health). Ignoring this is no longer an option.

Get out of my comfort zone and meet/talk to people
Over the past few years, I have done a really good job of isolating myself. Then I have the nerve to be annoyed that people don’t know who I am in my professional life. I kind of have to get out of the house for that to happen! My new job will force me to do this – so I am trying not to fight it and embrace this new approach.

Spend time with those who are in need
What’s the best way to get out of my own head? To get out there and spend a few hours each week with someone in need. I visited Volunteermatch.org and already filled out a profile.

Schedule quality, focused family time
We have friends who live near the mountains. Not only do we love to visit them because of the majestic beauty of where they live, they experience of spending time with them is a great reminder of how important family time is. Typically we share a meal and often spend time in conversation for hours afterwards. It’s refreshing and inspiring. We don’t do enough of this. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner, day hike in the mountains, a visit to the museum – this is critical for us and a huge priority.

Today I am thankful for:

1. An absolutely perfectly brilliant autumn day
2. Miles Davis
3. My daughter being herself again after emergency surgery and hospitalization this week