Lisa’s Story: Creating a Positive Direction
I received your newsletter and was inspired by Karen’s
story. I would like to share my own.
I am a divorced mom of a nine year old son and recently lost my
job in the wake of massive lay offs after September 11. After
a successful career in the entertainment industry, I had spent
the last three years in direct marketing to be able to have more
time with my son. I was not really satisfied in my job but the
money afforded a good lifestyle for us. Now, without a job and
bleak prospects of one in the marketing field, I find myself at
a crossroads in my life.
I decided to use this as an opportunity to follow a dream I have
had for many years. A dream to write. I wanted to write a book
expressing the opinions and experiences of real people in their
relationships. I have created a website with a questionnnaire,
attended free writers workshops and spend my days working on
my book. This is my job now. And I love every minute of it.
I am looking at opportunities for freelance writing, editing,
jobs in publishing, etc. I know I need to make a living, and
I want it to be in a way that supports my goal. I also realize
how much less we need to live comfortably. It’s amazing how much
more you spend the more you make with little to show for it!
I feel blessed with the additional time I have to spend with my
son now, and I have had more support from family and friends in
this endeavor than I ever expected.
Going forward, I feel empowered and alive. After years of
working in the support of the craft of others, I am now the
artist. It is a wonderous experience as I move into the next
phase of my life.
Thank you for inviting me to share my story. You are providing
a much needed inspiration to all of us in what could be the best
time of our lives – If we only have the courage to make it so.
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Steps Toward a New Perspective
Lisa was able to respond to the dramatic change in her life
by turning it into a challenge. She used it as a positive
opportunity to focus her energies in order to pursue her dream.
Reflect on the following questions to help you change the
negatives to positives in your own life as you proceed on your
journey.
* How have you dealt with the other major changes in your life?
What have you learned from your life experiences?
* What are your own strengths and how have you used them in
particular situations in the past?
How can you build on these strengths now?
* What kinds of resources and support can you call on now to
help you through this process?
What kind of support tends to help you most – stories, books,
personal relationships?
* What will help you let go of your preconceived notions and
refute your negative thoughts?
Can you open yourself us to new ideas and attitudes?
* How can you find the courage to trust yourself and your own
wisdom?
Can you let your creativity flourish so you see yourself from
a new perspective?
* What stimulates you to the point that you begin to integrate
the answers to these questions and create a new and positive
direction in your life?
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Recommended Resources: Books & Websites to Explore
“The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by
Julia Cameron
This popular book helps eliminate writer’s block and enables
you to tap into your own creativity. Ms. Cameron provides a
twelve-week structured program for both novices and
professionals. This book can be used in conjunction with
individual coaching or mentoring.
“Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life” by
Martin E.P. Seligman
“Learned Optimism” is a ground-breaking book which is both
well-researched and highly readable. Dr. Seligman teaches
the reader about fundamental concepts as well as skills and
techniques essential to live a more positive life.
You might also enjoy visiting the website, www.myprimetime.com,
which has a variety of resources including self-quiz developed
by Dr. Seligman to help you identify your level of optimism.
To get to this quiz, click on “Me Meters” at the bottom of the
home page and then go to ‘Family Tools’ and click on ‘Learn
How to Be Optimistic.’
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Our Invitation to You
Do you have your own transition story? We invite you to
share it with our readers for the benefit of women who
themselves may be dealing with similar changes. The skills you
used may be Stepping Stones for others. If you are interested,
please e-mail us.
(c) HerMentorCenter, 2002
