Sailing to the Unknown! (March 2024)

I was inspired to write this article about my experience throughout 2023. Strangely enough, a maritime metaphor showed up to help me to explain my journey. So here we go - All Aboard friends!

I started my career in Talent Acquisition in my 20’s. And here comes the maritime part… TA was my anchor, holding my boat steady throughout the years. In late 2022, I was laid off from my job, severing the rope that kept my boat tethered to that anchor.

I was scared. My boat was adrift and I did not know where the current might take me.

In the beginning of 2023, I found myself continuously looking into the water for another anchor. I kept gazing downward expecting that I would hook my boat up to one of the TA anchors that had always been nearby in the past. But as I stared through the clear water, all I saw was a sandy bottom, not an anchor in sight.

In the hardest moments, I would succumb to believing that without that anchor I was doomed. 

Then I remembered that I was sitting in a boat. I stopped gazing over the side into the water and took a look instead at what was keeping me afloat. I was sitting in this beautiful boat made up of my values. I sat back and reacquainted myself with what I value now and why I value it.  I am both driven by and lit up by my top values: growth, connection and fun. I remembered that it has never been the job title, job security or money (AKA the anchor) that fulfilled me - it was the opportunity to practice and experience growing, connecting and being in joy.

I noticed that my intimate inspection of my values boat not only calmed my fears, but it inspired me to look up at the horizon. And as I felt fully held by my values, there was a palpable excitement and anticipation for this adventure. 

On the horizon, I saw unspecified shapes that looked intriguing and a bright light that was calling me in a particular direction. So I started to weave together a vision statement for the life I want to live based on my values. When I was done weaving this vision, I hooked it to the mast of my boat and allowed my vision statement to be the sails for this boat. These sails catch the winds of inspiration moving me forward.

By reconnecting to my values boat and allowing my vision statement sails to move me forward, I get to just relax and enjoy the ride. However, because I am a human being with years worth of habits, I sometimes find myself looking back over the side of the boat or desperately seeking an anchor. That’s okay. I am still practicing surrendering on this journey and deeply trusting the boat and the sails I have built.

This practice of trusting my values and vision has been transformational in my life. When I allow my Values and Vision Statement to be my guide, I am always surprised, delighted and fulfilled by where it takes me. 

Part of my purpose is to help people navigate transition by getting clarity on their Values and Vision. 

If now feels like the right time for you to reconnect with your boat and weave your sails, come join my Values2Vision group coaching program starting 4.24.24!

Learn more about the Values2Vision Programs.

Bon Voyage!

Bridgette