For 25 years, I navigated a career path that, while financially rewarding, left me feeling deeply unfulfilled. It was a classic case of “selling my soul” – sacrificing my passions for stability and a paycheck.
My journey wasn’t without its early challenges. Bullying in elementary school left lasting scars, fostering a sense of insecurity that impacted my relationships. My personal life was at one point a rollercoaster of passionate but ultimately tumultuous relationships, leaving me wanting for genuine connection.
These experiences, while painful, shaped me. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of authentic self-expression. Yet, for years, I buried these lessons beneath the demands of my high-pressure sales job or trying to please my partner. The constant pressure to meet targets and the relentless pursuit of success drained the joy from my life, leaving me feeling empty inside. Meanwhile, prioritizing the needs of others in my relationships caused me to lose sight of who I was. Finally, burnout and depression struck. The weight of years of suppressed unhappiness became unbearable. I hit rock bottom, forcing me to confront the uncomfortable truth: this wasn’t the life I wanted to live. I had to take a serious look at myself and what my soul and heart were telling me to do.
In that moment of crisis, a seed of change was planted. I began to explore my passions, rediscovering the joys of helping others. I started to prioritize my well-being, focusing on self-care, building meaningful connections, and most importantly listening to my inner voice: time to take action and make your life the one you always wished for!
So I quit my corporate job at age 48 and decided to embark on what would be my greatest life accomplishment: going back to school to pursue my dream of becoming a mental health counsellor. The transition wasn’t easy. I had to make difficult life-changing decisions that were quite impactful in my life. Sure, there were doubts, fears, and financial anxieties. But with each step, I felt a growing sense of liberation. I was finally aligning my personal and professional values and sense of purpose.
Today, I’m living proof that living my life is possible. I now can say I am living my life authentically and purposefully. It sure brings me joy, fulfillment and real meaning to it.
That being said, being a counsellor has its challenges, but the love of what I do is so much stronger than the difficulties. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, to redefine success, and to build a life that truly reflects who you are.
In conclusion building strong, meaningful connections, focusing on quality over quantity, is key. It’s also crucial to be kind to ourselves, to remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers and that mistakes are simply part of the learning journey. Life is constantly changing, and even our toughest struggles are temporary. Let’s celebrate the small victories along the way – they often pave the path to bigger achievements. These small wins, these moments of joy, are what make life truly meaningful.
Take care and remember you matter the most!
Rene
