Time to Reflect and move forward

Transitions

I have found the transition from full-time work to self employment more difficult than I anticipated. In a way I felt like I had lost my sense of identity.  I had gone from leading a busy, hectic and all encompassing job role to running a business running creative workshops in a relaxed and social setting.

Not for one minute I have regretted my decision to leave work, however, I felt like a part of me got left behind when I left work, I lost my sense of identity.  You can't do a job for 15 years and it not become a part of your identity and who you are.  For a short while I lost my sense of worth; I didn't feel like I was helping people in the same way - I now realise I was wrong ... but it wasn't easy.

I was struggling so a couple of weeks ago, I decided to go away and spend a weekend on my own at a place I absolutely love, a place where I feel safe and I could reflect and get my head around everything that had happened over the last few months.

This place is Sandyhills, Dumfriesshire ... a little haven on the Scottish coast and my all time favourite place.  This was my second visit, my first was a couple of months earlier on a short break in the summer; when I enjoyed a few days of painting and fantastic scenery.

Sandyhills, Dumfriesshire

I spent my days twisting wire and taking long walks along the beach thinking about the past, the present and the future, adjusting to how things were and how they might be in future.

I enjoyed my own company and just let things happen, let my thoughts drift and let decisions to come to me as they needed to. 

I sat and looked out into the openness around me and just enjoyed the peace and tranquility of what was around me. 

I didn't force anything ... and it worked.  

After 2 days I felt content and at peace with everything.  I felt like I could move forward with a more positive outlook, knowing I was doing what I was meant to do and I had a positive future ahead of me. 

Whilst I was away I was contacted by a school, who want me to go in and not only work with the parents and children but also work with the teachers on a well-being workshop.  Since I came back I have had more attendance at my workshops, I have had more interaction with associations wanting workshops and contact from local organisations. I am working with homeschool parents and children twice a week on art and craft workshops, which I love.  

Positivity through creativity is most definitely the way forward and is a mantra I stand behind wholeheartedly.  

My workshops not only impact positively on me but also on the people who attend them.  I made the right choice and I am moving forward happy I made the right decision.