Originally posted 5/14/2012

Remember the first time you had that little nagging feeling that something was just not quite right? There was a voice perhaps saying that this isn’t what life is all about- that you needed something more?

I remember the first time for me was over 20 years ago- I was in the middle of down-sizing a division and after talking with the 15th person or so, I thought – “STOP – this is NOT what I want to be doing with my life!”

When I look back to that time, a part of me thinks “Why did it take you so long to make a change?”  But now I realize if I had not done all of those things in the meantime, if I had not met all of those people who would help me to get to this place, I would not be able to do what I am doing today, with courage, joy , gratitude and conviction!

What do you do, then, if you know you want something more, but aren’t sure what to do or how to get started?

The journey to your next chapter is a combination of things both inside you and things from the outside.  Whether you jump right in or just test the water with your toes doesn’t matter.  What does matter is action!  Take that first step, do just that first little thing and you will already be on your way.

Following are three ACTIONS for you to begin your new adventure to having a life that is ‘on purpose’ and that brings happiness to you and those around you:

1. Quiet Time

In order to begin to figure out what will make you happy and fulfilled, you need to really listen to that inner voice, even if you’re not sure yet what it sounds like.  Start with even 10 minutes a day in total quiet: no phones, no music, no talking and see what thoughts come to mind.  Start to really listen to your heart.

2. Journal

Get a private notebook or journal and start to write out your thoughts as they come to you.  If you don’t have your journal with you, use your smartphone to jot down a few words… use anything just to start the process.  Just write whatever thoughts come to mind with no judging or editing.

3. Look for the Clues

In a short while, you will see patterns emerge from your writing which are the important messages you need to pay attention to.

In just taking these three small steps, you will be amazed at the information inside of you that is just waiting to come out.

My future blogs will give you much more information to help and support you on your journey, so keep checking back!

Wishing you a joyful day,
Marybeth

Originally posted on 5/13/2012

I started The International Center for Women on Purpose because I know firsthand how challenging these times of significant transition can be… AND I know they can be just as exciting and even FUN. I wanted to give you a chance to get to the “exciting and fun” part, so I started a business to help you do just that! You see, this business is a result of my own journey of change, so we probably understand a lot about each other already!I have had a long and wonderfully successful career as an HR executive, and then as an HR consultant (nationally and internationally), but I needed something different in order to add to what my career has been so far. I’m an inventor at heart, so I knew there had to be a way to use my skills and experience in a new way that could both feel exciting to me again and be inspiring to others. I also love international travel and the unique perspectives it provides, so the “international” part of the business was really important to me.

After a few false starts (as I said, change is an adventure!), and a grueling hiatus while dealing with my husband’s serious health issues, I used the help of wise coaches and a vibrant support network to bring The International Center for Women on Purpose alive!

I first thought that to do something more satisfying and fun with my life, I needed to start a new life recipe “from scratch” – starting all over. What I’ve learned instead (thank goodness!) is that everything I’ve done in the past I get to bring together for what I’m doing now! The same goes for you – each part of your past is a strong stepping stone to where you are now and where you will go in the future.

Our most important and impactful work often comes from our own life experience and the learning we get from solving our own challenges, doesn’t it? It worked out perfectly that the things I needed in order to create this business are the same things that can help you make your own transitions.

I discovered that I needed all of the following in my transition to a new career (and life!):

• A guide
• A process (some kind of format to follow)
• A variety of POWERFUL products and services to help me achieve my goals
• Re-inforcement that I was (and am) going in the right direction… and suggestion for correction if going off course!
• Celebration
• Pampering / self-care / play
• A network of others
It’s no coincidence that those are the tools and resources available to you through Women on Purpose; I figured if I needed these things, you probably do too! (See more details on the Discovery Programs page).

Change, even change you are looking forward to, can be difficult, but it can also be exciting and even FUN! My hope is that here you can find what you need in order to believe for yourself and prove to others that times of transition can be our times of greatest creativity and possibility!

What change are you going through, or considering going through?

Are you feeling the same way as I did about needing to re-energize your life?

And how can we (myself, the Women on Purpose team, and other readers) help support you? (Feel free to comment.)