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Unexpected changes initiate self-exploration where I’m left asking should I hit the red button?
For the second time in my professional career, I’m working for a company that is “restructuring.” At the first company, restructuring meant letting people go. In this new company, it’s unclear what restructuring means, but I don’t have a good feeling about it.
With that said, I’m trying to keep positive about the situation. I’m reminded of an ancient Buddhist teacher who said, “Always rely upon a happy mind alone.” There’s no use holding on to the past or keeping negative energy around, so I’m trying to turn this into an opportunity.
Part of this opportunity means deconstructing my life. I’ve been exploring how I can use this restructuring to my advantage, not only in my work life but in my home and personal life.
Restructuring at Work
I’m not going to name the company I work for, especially since I still have a job, but my role is in sales. Or should I say it was sales? In the old position, I was a territory sales representative working on hitting big goals. With the new set up, I’m a brand advocate with no defined goals.
As of this writing, it’s still unclear what the actual objective of my new role is or what it will be. What has been communicated is that I will be focusing on education, but educating who, where, when, and why?
When I hear the words educating and brand advocate, I get excited because it means speaking with others. Not only does it mean speaking with others, it means expressing a mission and sharing a story. So when I say I’m looking to turn this into an opportunity, I mean this will be the best practice ever which I can apply it to my work as a writer and public speaker.
Restructuring Health
When it comes to my health, restructuring isn’t a bad thing. I do need to take better care of myself. For the past year, I’ve been putting off self-care, and it’s beginning to show.
Since I live with depression and schizoaffective disorder, taking care of my mental health should be a top priority. The truth, however, is mental health has been on the bottom of the list. Overall, I’ve been exhausted, in a pissy mood, and not so great to be around.
Physically, I’ve gained weight, and my body hurts with aches and pains. I know these issues arise from not enough sleep, bad eating habits, and not getting enough exercise. All of these areas are crucial to the success of my healing plan, yet here I am throwing the program right out the window.
Restructuring Life
The changes happening at work and with my health are bleeding over to my personal life. I’m not happy with what I see, and it’s only up to me to address the issues and then develop a solution. I’m not looking for someone to swoop in and magically save me. I know it’s my responsibility.
I need to make changes in my life, and the restructuring at work is only solidifying this truth.
As I look at the entire situation, I’m left asking myself what makes me truly happy? Where do I want to spend my energy and resources? Plus I’m not getting any younger, and my ability to casually brush off bullshit is decreasing. I’m excited about this restructuring, and my hand hovers over the big red reset button!
Hitting the Red Button
What will happen when I hit the reset button? I can’t say for sure what the future will look like, but I do know what I’m aiming to achieve and I know what truly matters.
When it comes to working, it’s time to engage in meaningful work. I need to dive deep into my mission of helping others cultivate inner peace. I can do this through my writing and speaking. I’m taking this time to explore how to make this dream of serving others a reality.
Outside of meaning work, the things that matter most are my family, and spiritual practice. I want to build a life where I can spend as much time with my wife and three children as well as develop my Buddhist practice.
I’d Love to Hear from You
Would you share with me? When is a time you experienced a massive change in your life and what helped you to get through the process? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Leave a comment below.
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A version of this post was previously published on Charlesminguez.com and is republished here with permission from the author.
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