Dooley Noted: 10/23/2015
This morning, I took my typical walk to the subway.
I walked on the sidewalk, obeying every light.
I thought I was safe, within the borders of what one considers safe on the sidewalk.
I looked down to my phone and got lost in my emails.
A tractor trailer made too close of a cut on a right turn, leaving me face-to-face with the back of his truck.
The truck was about 2 millimeters from my nose.
When you think you’re safe, you’re not quite safe.
There is no safety net.
I’ve listened to patient stories about being fired from jobs they were only working for the paycheck.
I’ve heard friends and coworkers lament about their unhappy relationships, that they stay in for security.
But there is no security.
People leave their spouses – sometimes in what seems out of nowhere.
People get fired.
If there is no true security, then it only makes sense to live life by certain principles.
1. Love intensely and work hard at maintaining the relationships you chose.
2. Work with passion in the vocations you choose.
3. Seek connections from people that stimulate your thoughts and dispel your fears.
4. Be hungry for knowledge and find value in things that aren’t stagnant.
5. If you’re not doing what you want, start doing it. You can. No excuses.
I have ten jobs. Ten. It’s not because I’m strapped for cash. I can let go of anything I want. I do it because I’m doing exactly what I love, and it’s a feeling I can’t quite describe. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone happier.
6. Start surrounding yourself with people that aren’t seeking false security. Broaden your network. You’ll find more people like you, who want fulfilling relationships, connections, and careers.
7. Get mentorship. Don’t call people you’ve barely met or follow online your mentors. Mentorship is personalized guidance with feedback. It’s about communicating what you want and mapping a path to get it.
Security doesn’t exist.
I hope you start living all the way and throwing out a B plan.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
