Shifting Gears is Scary Stuff

by Muriel Ward O’Tuel Author, Speaker, Educator

The cast would soon come off and I would be on two feet again. Yet, there was a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. Was the anxiety readiness or reluctance?

After five months of medical leave and restricted activity following my near fatal car accident, I was facing re-entry into my fast paced world of work as a school administrator.

For 31 years I had climbed the career ladder in public education from teacher (elementary, middle, high school, university levels) to counselor, psychologist, and district level administrator. My training and experience were exceptional, and my competence was valued in educational and business circles. How could I turn loose now after investing so much time and energy getting there?

With only a few days left before the retirement question had to be answered, my inner voice gained momentum. “Its the right time to make a change. There are many other ways to make a difference. You won’t really be retiring, you’ll just be shifting gears.”

I did it. I listened to my heart. I retired from school administration. My days are no longer filled with state and federal report writing, budgets, and school board politics. Yes, my phone keeps ringing, but my energy is spent in making a personal difference in the lives of others. My many volunteer  efforts are valued, a career in professional speaking is flourishing, and my exciting new book Footprints On The Heart -- The Caring Path To Prosperity will soon demand a fourth printing. These new directions have required much work, but as Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” Being on the edge of newness promotes much excitement in my life at 50 plus.

Yes I was afraid to shift gears. I was afraid to leave my position as district school administrator. I was scared to take that risk called retirement. What have I learned? I have learned there are songs to be sung and other things to be done. I have learned that there is an exciting world beyond the traditional workplace. I have learned that relationships and communications were not ended the day I retired. The greatest lesson I learned is that it pays to listen to one’s inner voice.

Shifting gears is exciting stuff when you follow your heart. There are thousands of positive footprints I want to leave on hearts outside my usual workplace.

You have the power to make it happen in your life too. What is your passion? Listen to your heart. Happy footprinting!