25 Comments
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Trindi Mitchell's avatar

These are some hard, but necessary questions we need to ask ourselves in order to grow. Thank you for writing this, I appreciate it! 💜

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Floating Files's avatar

embrace failure!! its the best way to learn and grow in life

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Skott Jones's avatar

and if not us, who?

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Yes its starts with us! Always!

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Kyle's avatar

Love to see these kind of writings. It's very much me that I'm seeing in everything described. Thank you for showing how you are working on things, it gives me ideas to try for myself.

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Love that it resonated with you Kyle. It’s not always easy to write about my fears but i’ve learned that when i open up, others often feel a bit less alone too and that makes it worth it.

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Kyle's avatar

Obviously you have to make the determination for yourself if it's worth it to you, but may I just say that vulnerability and your ability to flip the script are both commendable to see. That you are sharing it in what I perceive as wanting to help others, that sets you apart in a very good way.

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Lisa Riesner's avatar

Time is now

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Gunnar Habitz's avatar

You‘re exactly where you meant to be. Don‘t see that as failure. Good on you to describe what people see as such. And be sure that your people cheering for you are there in the world (at least one of them very far away but close in heart).

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Gunnar, yes, i remind myself of this daily. So grateful to have found a sense of community here.

I’m slowly rebuilding and restoring connection… still figuring out how to do that in closer proximity too.

For now, i’m really thankful to have a little village here.

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The Mrs M's avatar

This is very beautiful. And so relatable. I'm pivoting in my career at the moment. I'm a mom of 3 and I am physiotherapist, I have a PhD - the 1st in my family and in any of my past generations as far back as I know at least 🤔😁 but despite the academic accolades, I have never really ever felt fulfilled.I absolutely love helping people, but healthcare has drained me. Now I'm stuck behind a desk as a researcher... 😒And it's like this discomfort inside of me is pushing me to try something unconventional. And I am. But for now, I'm here on Substack just to write. And subtly, slowly, I'm rewriting my story...

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Writing is such a powerful way to begin again. Cheering you on in this next chapter and how incredible to be the first in your family to do something so big.

Substack really is a beautiful, supportive place to explore what’s next. glad you’re here.

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The Mrs M's avatar

Thank you very much! 🙏

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Lucas's avatar

This was heartfelt, because it is so genuine and vulnerable. I can 100% relate to the "You stay quiet when your voice matters" part. I'm extremely frustrated with my corporate 9-to-5, exactly because what you said. It often feels I don't even care, so why bother voicing up.

Thanks for sharing!

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

I totally get that frustration. I’ve been there too. In my first corporate job, I stayed quiet, thinking it would help me blend in. Honestly, it just made me feel invisible. Eventually, I told myself, no you do have a voice.

In my next role, I started speaking up. And at first, it worked. The right manager saw it as curiosity and appreciated it. Then, leadership changed and the same voice was suddenly “too much.” I think so many people are quietly quitting not because they don’t care, but because they’re tired of not being heard.

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Jenn Barber's avatar

I left the Corporate world as well just before COVID. And it was the best decision of my life. Perhaps we have to learn to embrace that we’ve chosen a unique path that speaks to our soul. Most will not have the courage to pursue what lights their soul on fire. Courage dear heart and that is what you have! You’re already on the path to create the most fulfilling life never doubt the seeds you planted even if your external environment does not reflect it yet. Faith unwavering. 🫶🏻✨

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Debbie Rainer's avatar

Have you read Feel the Fear (but do it anyway)? I did at a point in my life when I needed that message and the book title has been a mantra ever since.

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Ohh that sounds like an interesting read. Who’s the author? I don’t think i’ve read it but would love to.

What’s the main message that stayed with you?

(i’m guessing it’s something like “do it afraid” but i’m curious what it meant to you.)

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Debbie Rainer's avatar

I only read a pocket book version (must read the full copy) at the point I was considering giving up my career to go back to college. Main message to me was that change is terrifying but don’t be put off. Think through the worst possible outcome, acknowledge the fear, then go for it. I did, and have never looked back.

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The Becoming's avatar

I literally feel like that right now. Perhaps for along time too. Don't like my career. I'm a lawyer that reviews contracts. And what I would love to do is build houses. A builder. It's the first time I actually I am brave enough to say this. Hoping that my dream doesn't sound ridiculous to the world.

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A Slow Living Path's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. It’s such a gift to hear your dreams spoken out loud.

I watched a cooking show recently where one of the chefs had left law school to become a chef and it reminded me how possible it is to start over.

It’s not always easy, but it is possible and saying it here is a powerful first step.

Your dreams are never too big!

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The Mrs M's avatar

Not ridiculous at all! I hope you go for it and get to achieve your dreams. 🙏😉

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Shift Happens's avatar

Well done! This is absolutely beautiful - a longer & more carefully crafted version of what I have just published (my first mini post Why Wait?). It's a biggie reframing & owning your own narrative. Sounds like you're doing well. Really looking forward to following you & reading more.

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Dylan Monteverde's avatar

I absolutely loved and resonated deeply with this post. It’s refreshing to read authentic and candid words on a fear many of us keep hidden away and suffer in silence. Thank you 🙏🏻

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John Mitchell's avatar

Fear of failure is insidious but untiring. It is always there haunting you if you care about succeeding.

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