Identity |
Wednesday Nov 29 2006
During my business lifetime, I have had many careers---everything from school secretary, waitress and restaurant owner to author, legal secretary and promotion director. I was also a realtor, both in Canada and the United States. When I retired from the real estate profession after more than 20 years, butterflies started flying around in my stomach. Instead of giving in to my fears, I said, “Stop. Listen up, self. I have worked all my life. I’m entitled to some relaxation and enjoyment. I give myself permission to do whatever I choose.”
Since my retirement from real estate, I have been very busy doing what I love to do—writing my Affirmation books, monthly newsletters and columns, counselling, teaching seminars, and conducting workshops on the power of Affirmations. I have also completed my ministerial studies. I make numerous guest appearances on radio and television shows. I thoroughly enjoy visiting, writing, meditating, walking, playing, laughing, reading, and travelling. I can also take advantage of doing absolutely nothing and having fun!
“We are not what we do. If we are what we do, when we don’t, we aren’t.”
—Wayne Dyer
Sometimes we identify with what we do. Being too attached to that identity can make it difficult for us to find another purpose later in life. If I had seen myself as a realtor when I retired, I would have lost that identity when I retired or if I had not been able to do my job for any reason. I think it’s better to say, “I am Anne Marie and I am in the real estate profession.” This way, I am identifying with myself as a person, not a realtor.
When I retired, I chose to share all the ideas, experiences, business and marketing plans and expertise with anyone who chooses to use it to benefit or further their business, career, life and growing process. I know that when good, positive, constructive ideas are lovingly released into the Universe, anyone may tap into that information and benefit accordingly.
So now I am choosing to be Anne Marie—mother, author, lecturer, teacher and friend.
Written by eldering at Retirement
Tagged with: career identity retirement
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