Out with the old, in with the new

Good morning.  The title of this entry is not original, however it seems to be the story of my life recently.  Today marks another end, and Monday a new beginning.  I work in the mortgage industry which has experienced turmoil since 2007.  It's almost embarassing to complete an employment application because I have had at least 5 different employers since that time.  My career has always been important to me and therefore I have taken risks to help push me up the ladder.  Ironically, my transformation to a vegan diet is more of a risk than the new job I begin on Monday.  This time, I am taking the safe route with my career with the hopes that I can enjoy my personal life and new journey more than I have in the past several years.

The decision to take this new position was tough.  I had two opportunities, both at completely different ends of the spectrum.  To keep it simple, it came down to a few basic things.  Career vs. Family.  Prestige vs. Wellness.  Creative vs. Specifically Outlined Tasks.  I chose Family, Wellness and Specifically Outlined Tasks.  For awhile I felt maybe I was taking a step back by going this route and that plagued me.  Why did I feel this way?  I happen to know the people I would be working for and I adore them.  They are uber successful so what was it that was bothering me?  And what if I had chosen Career, Prestige and Creative.  Would I be feeling the same way?  Anytime I thought of those three words my gut reaction said stress.  Stress is not good.  Stress will over take all the positive changes I am making.  Stress will make me a distant wife and mother.  I need a break from stress.  As each day draws closer the feeling that I just can't put my finger on subsides and the excitement is growing. I see endless possibilities of incorporating my get well plan and I imagine how happy I will feel most of the time.  I will enjoy the work, I will enjoy my family and I will enjoy myself more knowing that I made the right decision.  The thought of being a better wife, mother, sister, friend, daughter, coworker, and person makes me smile.  I polled just about everyone that is close to me in my life including personal friends, business friends, mentors and if my mom has to hear about it one more time, she might stop taking my phone calls!  If you didn't hear fromme on this subject, you are lucky and should feel relieved.  I just wanted to get it right and even though I am technically the only one who can really answer that question, I still wanted everyone's opinion.  What if I was missing something?

Bringing newness into life always carries the mixed emotions of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, anxiousness...to name a few.  I think this is true of all experiences whether it is as simple as buying a new gadget or as complex as bringing a new baby home.  I still get a mixture of these feelings at meal times, both when I am preparing my own food or making a selection at a restaurant.  I try to be flexible at restuarants.  The only oil that I am technically able to have is extra virgin olive oil.  I would feel very uncomfortable asking the wait staff to prepare my food in such a strict manner, it seems unreasonable to me.  Sticking to broiled, raw foods or pasta with a red sauce has seemed to be my best options and if it is made with a little butter, so what?  I know I am avoiding the main no-no's like fried foods, dairy, meat, and extra satuated fat through staying away from cream sauces.  Most restaurants offer healthier options such as gluten-free or wheat pasta, have vegetarian sections in the menu and if you ask, are accomodating to your needs.  Instead of asking them to prepare my dish in a specific way, I simply ask for the cook to go light the sauce, or ask for none at all.  At home, I worry more about preserving the good qualities of the foods, overcooking and making the most of flavor as I experiment with new spices.  A good portion of my next grocery trip will be spent in the spice aisle.  Side note: very excited about that.

The last thing I have to say regarding "out with the old, in with the new" is that when you take action in this way, you are setting goals for yourself.  Goals are so important.  I believe you are making a conscious effort to walk forward in life.  The goal does not have to be a grand finale, it can be a series of simple steps that you take one day at a time.