The end of the year always causes us to reflect on our lives and I’m knee deep in reflection this year. Looking back I feel like I lost some of my spirit this past year. It’s not as if I didn’t give my work 110% of myself-I always have worked hard. It’s more like my sparkle dulled a little. 

There were several job offers, which should have been flattering, but they succeeded in making me realize I wasn’t in a position they respected. I was ‘gettable’.

Being loyal to the core, this was really hard for me. Honestly, the last thing I want to do is change jobs or companies. However, if my people weren’t getting my sparkle, would they be better off without me?
The first thing I had to address was my sparkle. Where had it gone? Was it simply lost forever?

Every single one of us is susceptible to simply maintaining the status quo. Anything can get you there. A rude comment, blown out of proportion can rock your world for days. Or being treated unfairly by someone you respect. Some don’t have the ability to rise above these things. The smallest thing can be detrimental to the strongest of souls. There is a point that takes you to the intersection of giving up and making a drastic change.

Second, I need to G.Y.S.T. (get my stuff together) I’d encourage anyone at this point to step back and look at things from a different viewpoint. Question everything. Why have you chosen this path (or has this path chosen you)? What purpose have you served? Where was your passion directed?

My friend, Laurie Davis, posted this quote the other day and it sliced to my core. “One of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make is to let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.”—Brigitte Nicole.
In my opinion, you have to consciously decide to get up in the morning and change your mind. This was my third and final step. Change my mind. Let go of everything.

I feel like I have it easy. I love my people. They inspire as well as challenge me and all the reward I need is to nurture their success. There it is. Therein lies the sparkle.

The end of 2014 was a gift. A self reassessment of sorts. My future is bright and clear. I’ll continue doing what I love and keep giving every ounce of myself to it.