Dear Gretchen: I have a great job and make good money. I live within walking distance to the beach. However, I can’t help from feeling overwhelmed and lost. I dread going to work each day. I don’t know if I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I want to do something more meaningful. Something I can be excited about and feel good about doing. Help! – Unsatisfied in Cocoa, FL
Dear Unsatisfied: It doesn’t matter how good your circumstances are if they aren’t feeding your soul. You were given a unique purpose for your life, and it’s time to find out what it is. If you are out of alignment with your core values, you will experience dissatisfaction, irritability, depression, and even resentment and anger. Wanting to do something meaningful is a beautiful gift to give to yourself and the world. To uncover your true path, ask yourself what you would do if you could not fail. How would you live if time, money, circumstances, your ego, finances, and knowledge weren’t holding you back? Don’t edit or judge your answers. Notice what they are telling you. Stepping into your authentic self takes bravery and perseverance. You have both. Use them to your advantage. Be excited. This is where the journey begins.
– Gretchen
Dear Gretchen: I have three children, and I have also started a new business. I feel like everything is getting mediocre attention, and I’m frustrated. What should I do? Mediocre in West Hills, CA
Dear Mediocre: Things don’t need to be perfect for them to do be done well. If you want to make room in your life for a new business, you’re going to have to prioritize your tasks and take a look at what absolutely needs to be done and what doesn’t. Ask for help. If you are accustomed to doing everything yourself, this will be hard. Do it anyway. If your children are old enough, assign them with new responsibilities. Explain that you have started a new business and will need more help to get it off the ground. Letting go of your sense of control and perfectionism will automatically ease your stress and frustration. You are in a time of transition and growth. I commend you for taking a chance. Remember, even when it doesn’t feel like it, good enough IS good enough. – Gretchen
Dear Gretchen: My family spends a lot of time together, but between TV watching and getting food on the table and getting to where we need to be, none of it seems special or meaningful. How can I make some of our family time seem special? Wanting More in Orange County, CA
Dear Wanting: Getting stuck on the hamster wheel of life is something that everyone is guilty of. If you practice being present and are mindful of the very moment you are in, you will see the magic in the busyness of life. Special moments can be built during your everyday routine. While cooking dinner invite your children to help. They can do age-appropriate tasks while telling you about their day. Assigning them a night to cook can make an ordinary dinner meaningful. Pick a show to watch as a family. Even if you all like different things, agree on something and watch it together each week. Pop popcorn. Bake brownies. It will give you all something to look forward too. Life is busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pace. Not everything needs to be an event for it to be special.– Gretchen
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