I have not posted intimate feelings or thoughts lately, largely because I have been focused on family and work, Also, sharing my personal life is sometimes hard for me. However, I think this is a topic worth discussing. The way to reinvent yourself and change your life comes down to one word: pivot.
Throughout my life, I have had a lot of different circumstances, hurdles and setbacks, just as everyone, but the one way I survived – I PIVOTED. Sometimes you decide to pivot and other times you are forced too. Either way, this uncomplicated word can change lives! This straightforward word carries so much meaning and is something that everyone should embrace.
In my other life, I am a female engineer for a large corporate company. Over the past year, more than ever, I have definitely had to embrace this word pertaining to my professional life.
I was a manager of a productions shop – and I loved my job and team. I was so happy that I never considered moving. Unfortunately, being a part of a big company comes with events that are out of my control. The company eventually decided to shut down the site and ship the work overseas to save on cost. Enter PIVOT.
I was then offered an opportunity which I was guaranteed would “excel me in my future with the company”. Of course, the company decided to lay off another 20+% of the company to save again on costs and BOOM – PIVOT.
With this role eliminated, I was offered an opportunity to move to China – MASSIVE PIVOT!
Within a year I moved jobs 3 times. I hated the thought of having to pivot and I was angry and upset for longer than I should have been, but eventually I embraced it. If circumstances did not present themselves, and I was not forced to pivot, I would not have met all of the amazing people I did. I would not have made life long friends, or traveled throughout the world.
Small pivots can alter your world, too. These are small changes you make, most likely without even much thought, but will change your path completely.
One day walking through the flea market I took a different path to get to my car than normal and I saw this little puppy. I found out that she was going to be sent to the pound since nobody wanted her, as she was the runt of the litter. Fast forward 9 years and I now have my adorable little fur baby whom I love.
For a Girls Night Out my friends and I decided to do something completely different and went to a pole dancing class. I had so much fun at that one class that I decided to go back. Over a year later it is now my gym and it is where I have met one of my new best friends and true motivators in my life.
Keep in mind – Pivoting is not always easy. Sometimes this will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do as well as the most scary, but the rewards can be so amazing. Pivots can be easy, they can be hard, but more than not – they can be the best life decisions you can make.
One of the hardest Pivots of my life was leaving a 7 year long relationship that was unhealthy. It took me a lot longer than it should have, but I finally took that turn. That one change in direction changed my entire life.
I have gained more confidence, found my true friends, traveled the world and learned what it is like to be in a truly loving, loyal, and supportive relationship.
I posted this because I want you to sit and think about all of the amazing pivots you have made in your life – no matter how big or small. If you are stuck in a rut, currently in a bad relationship, wanting to give up on your goals – STOP & PIVOT. Take your life in a different direction and open it up to an infinite amount of possibilities.