Still not having had the chance to write about our end of year holiday to Japan and Bali, I do need to mention my holiday reading.
Hearing her speak at the Sydney Opera House last year, I was compelled to download Elizabeth’s Big Magic on my Kindle.
Reading it, I started reassessing my sales job. Sure, it got me back into the work force and into familiar territory.
But sometimes familiar doesn’t cut it.
With every day of mundane driving around Sydney meeting clients, I was remotely further from what I wanted to do.
The crazy thing? I’m not sure what that actually is.
Write a book? Start a small business?
You know how they say once you let go of what’s holding you back, some good takes its place?
Well, something to that effect.
I came back to Sydney, submitted my resignation and was decidedly happy to have some free rein. Then came a new opportunity that was frighteningly out of my comfort zone.
While what I do now undoubtedly feels closer to what I want to do in life, it hasn’t made it any less challenging.
Because trying anything new exposes yourself to mistakes and oversight. And man, I’ve made my fair share these past weeks.
I like to think that it was serendipity that led the kids and I to the movies last Sunday.
Even if I were to ignore the mumbo jumbo of Big Magic, the Zootopia message shook me back in place: mistakes are how we learn.
It would be committing an injustice if I gave up now.
I may, or may not have Shakira’s “Try Everything” on rotate in the car.
So, I’ll keep going, dammit. Not with the hope it’ll get easier but that things will get interesting.
Have you read Big Magic? Have you seen Zootopia? Did you know that Shakira specifically requested wider hips for her animated character, Gazelle?
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Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
What a courageous move leaving your old job. All the best with the new one and beyond!
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Vanessa says
I have no book budget so I’m on a long wait list at the library to read big magic. One day I’ll get to the front of the queue!
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, but my job allows me to help people when they most need it, which is important. I think your new job sounds brilliant for you! And I did not know that about Shakira- what a legend 🙂
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Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
I’m still trying to work out what I wanna do – agghh! I have Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic book and have started reading it and enjoying it. I must get back to it though – I’ve had a bit of a reading crisis lately – just can’t seem to focus and concentrate – my mind is too busy! I had never heard of Zootopia – guess who doesn’t have little kids LOL! Had a listen to Shakira’s song – love it! 🙂 xo
Sarah @sarahdipity says
I loved Big Magic. You really need to listen to the follow up podcast ”Magic Lessons” with Elizabeth Gilbert, it’s literally life changing! It inspired my post this week actually, it made me come to a big realisation that has changed the way I look at the whole ‘creativity and career’ thing. I think it was so brave to do what you’ve done. I’m a very firm believer in everything happens for a reason so I’m sure you will end up exactly where you need to be x
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Natalie @ Our parallel connection says
Ive made a big move recently too Grace and it is very scary but I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shufflers.
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Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
As Bono would say “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” but I’m excited you have! I haven’t seen Zootopia or read Big Magic but I’d like to do both! I left the comfort zone of my longest ever job last year and started a new one. It was both terrifying and challenging but it was oh, so liberating. A friend sent me an email with the message “jump and the net will appear” – it always does! As for mistakes, I think the more mistakes you make, the better you learn. Making mistakes is not always the easiest nor is it the most pleasant way but it’s one of the most effective!
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Denyse whelan blogs says
This is a pertinent post for me even though I am no longer IN the workforce, I have done so much searching for what I think I want to do or be in the past 2 years …and I am slowly realising that each moment of each day is just what it is. That.
However, as a ‘label’ driven person – without my teacher/principal/mum/grandma labels – I am really needing to let the Denyse who is label-less emerge. And it IS harder work than any job.
There has been creativity in my life but none more so till now. If I do not do something that is just for the sake of it..not a product any more then I am less likely to have had a good day. Art and photography are those two things. Liz Gilbert’s book on first read was Ok…then I got the book on CD and with her voice reading it to me it ‘clicked’. I too listen to her podcasts.
Giving ourselves permission to put our needs first is also very hard for many of us, me included. Lots of food for thought in your post and I am glad you are finding the messages in different places. I do too! Denyse
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Druimé says
I needed to read this today. How brace of you to quit your job like that. Sounds like you have perhaps made the right decision. Life if funny like that. I have downloaded big magic too but have so far only read the first few pages.I’m also reading Jane Eyre , Jane is drawing me more at the moment, her fiestiness . Best of luck with new role !
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Brenda says
Here’s to more frighteningly interesting things! xx
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Erika @ Ever-changing Life oF a Mum says
I have Big Magic sitting on my bedside table in my TBR pile 🙂 I have heard so many good things about it and really look forward to reading it soon 🙂 Good luck with your new adventures, sounds like you have Te passion to make it all happen!
Deborah says
Oh wow, that’s hilarious as I’ve written about Liz Gilbert as well. Not about the book as such but about a podcast she did – which is also about creativity and failure!
Deb
Deborah recently posted..Failure and creativity
Beth | AlmostPosh.com says
Thanks for the link-up! I have been mildly pushing myself a bit more this year, especially when it comes to attending blogger events or activities on my own.
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Mumabulous says
Congratulations on the new gig Cougar. I am sure that over the coming weeks yo’ll become a dab hand at it.
Ai Sakura says
Oh my you started a new job!! How exciting!! And yes do write about your year-end trip.. it’ll make waiting for mine in June to Japan a bit more bearable hahahaha.
All the best in your new adventures at work. I’m sure no matter what you do, you will excel and achieve 🙂
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sarah@tomfo says
I can just imagine you seeing that song in the car!
Well done, how exciting, I’m looking forward to reading that book now and seeing Zootopia too. x
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Bron from Flat Bum Mum says
I think we have been conditioned for so long to believe that there is ‘path’ or ‘career’ that we should follow. It just doesn’t seem to fit with our modern world though. Keep hunting. Bron x
eva@ themultitasking woman says
I think you’re the 3rd person that’s mentioned Big Magic and how great it is so I think I need to read it!
Emily says
Lovely post, Grace. Mistakes are so important. Some people don’t like the word mistake; I really like it. Much better than failure, because I think failures only come when we give up on something we really want just because MISTAKE. x
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Oh I love your quotes up there!
And I can’t wait to see Zootopia. Can’t wait!
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