A party and the end of a season.
What an interesting place to be!
For the past six years I have led a local songwriting group. Leading the group consisted of: 2 monthly meetings, teaching, (or getting speakers), planning and implementing creative work nights, organizing and participating in showcases, setting up CD competitions, workshops and conference after parties.
The underlying goal was to encourage the songwriters (myself included) to strive for the better song.
As these things go, I gained and learned so much through teaching and building relationships with other songwriters. At the same time, I gave the group 110% for six years and knew that even as we stepped into the beginning of 2017 it would most likely be my last year of leading the group.
My co-leader (or as he called himself “boy assistant”) has no desire to lead the group solo and no one else stepped in to take the baton. So, we closed out 2017 and 14 years total of an incredible organization last night with a holiday party. It was bittersweet, to say the least.
It is somewhat disappointing to see the group fold, but I know for me my time there is complete. I am at peace with my decision and will use the time to step into my songwriting through other avenues.
What kind of changes are nudging you right now?
Moving to a new city or different community? Career or job changes? Taking a side job? Getting married? Having children? Letting go of a relationship? Adjustments in lifestyle for health or other reasons?
How do we make these kind of decisions and truly KNOW it is the right time?
Before we move on, let’s note that inaction is also making a decision.
Here is a list of questions I asked myself when I was pondering stepping out of my leadership role with the songwriters, as well as other times in my life. These questions and others like them are helpful in sorting through thoughts and feelings and assist us in processing.
-How long have I been thinking about it? The longer you have been thinking about it increases the importance of it to you.
-How committed am I to this change? How much work, effort and time will it take. Rate your commitment from 1 to 10. A higher number demonstrates your level of commitment.
-How does my body feel when I think about it? Imagine your life a few months down the road after stepping into the change. What do you feel? Excited? Relieved? Beware of “blah” or indifferent feelings.
Fear can actually be a good indicator of its importance in our lives because we don’t want to fail on this venture.
-Does this decision line up with my long-term goals? Where do I want to be in 5 or 10 years?
-What is the risk of not doing it? What are you giving up by not deciding to make the move or change?
-Have I looked at all my options (be creative here…dream a little)?
-What is the risk in doing it? What is stopping you?
-Is it the right time? If not, when? What can you commit to within a 6-month time frame toward this change?
-What can my past experiences tell me about making changes and what I have learned, or how I have grown?
-Is there a place for fun in this? Change brings growth and it can be a scary thing to take the leap, but leaping can be fun, too.
You can always stay right where you are, honestly, it is your decision, but I wonder what kind of beautiful living awaits you down the other path.