“It always seems impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela
On the last day of my former employment, one of my best friends gave me a framed picture with the above referenced quote. Upon receiving it, I gently laughed to myself because I knew I had no idea what I was actually doing. Sure, like a good professional, I had a plan set out, but really had no idea how it was going to unfold. To be honest, I just had to leave an environment that no longer suited my growth, and I felt much like a failure, 20 pounds added to my frame since January, but somehow had to move forward.
After going through boxes of almost 20 years of accumulated papers, emails and briefs to make room for the future, I was left with a dullness in the pit of my stomach. Asking myself what do I have to show for nearly a quarter century of my life. Feeling slighted and obviously angry that I did not get the recognition that I had wanted, not even a plaque to thank me for my 19+ years of public service, I left. Now sitting her writing today, after two months, asking myself again, what do I have to show for it? And many times over the past two months, head slumped, a bit overwhelmed with the responsibility I have voluntarily added to my plate, contemplating how to go through the world not coming across like a fraud- I stopped myself thanks to my 14 year old son!
Loving the synchronicity of life, he approached me and asked me to read a part of the book that started my love for reading- The Count of Monte Cristo. And with a smile on my face, I thought of Dante, the lead protagonist, unfairly locked away in a fortress for nearly 14 years time. Finally, after teaching Dante about the cardinal’s map, the wise Faria dies and gives Dante his opportunity to get the courage to literally take a leap of faith to save himself. This man never gave up. And then, the universe conspired in his favor and amazing things unfold. (you gotta read this book!) I remembered the message my friend gave to me 2 months ago, It always seems impossible until it is done. Now I get it. So, I dust myself off, time to get my sh*t together and face the world showing up as Meg. With my head held high a bit higher than the day before I continue to take another leap with my own cardinal’s map by my side that will lead to real treasures, this time knowing, just like Dante, that I am free to see where this journey takes me! Turning the impossible to I’m possible and so are you!
Ready to get my sh*t together! was originally published on Meg Nocero