Become the person you needed when you were younger.

What did you think of when you real the title of this post? What did you need when you were younger? For me, I wish I hadbeen supported indoing things that I was interestedin, not what others thoughtI should be exploring.

Instead, while growing up in the 70's-80's, I was taught to be a "good" girl and put othersfirst and my "reward" would be a devoted husband, wonderful house and kids of course. There was really no mention of a career or creating a life that reflected my interests.

Fast forward through the years of being a good daughter, student and employee but not being very happy with my life or myself. Also adding to the frustration was others telling me to be happy because of what I had going on in my life. But then it all fell apart. I could not keep up with the demands of my job and started getting bad performance reviews for the first time ever. I did not have a life outside of the office because people were tired hearing how I had to work instead of doing something with them. My health was horrible, but no doctor is going to stay "quit your job", instead she emphasized reducing my stress levels.

When I read the quote "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" (Lao Tzu), I finally had some clarity on what I needed to do. I left that job without having found another one. My doctor had a huge grin on her face after I told her I was no longerthere and said "Your job now is to get better." And so I started my journey of figuring out who I am and what I really wanted in my life.

It did not take long to be draw things into my lifelike World Pulse, where I have been a volunteer listener for almost three years. I have enjoyed cheering others on as they have faced obstacles in their lives and supporting them as they come up with ideas to change their world.

While I am still working some things out in my life, I can say that I am happy with my life and myself right now. So I will end with this question, what would change in your life if you become the person you needed when growing up?