In case you were still wondering… I didn’t win the Biggest Baddest Bucket List Competition.  If I had, you would have heard about it right away, over and over.  In fact, you’d probably be sick of me by now.

While I’ve summarized my journey into and out of dentistry on this blog, I realize I haven’t shared much of how life has been “post-retirement.”  It’s no secret that I believe it was the best decision I could have made for myself.  It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but it was right.  I am finally content, and when I recall where I was 5 years ago, I get even happier, filling with gratitude for my life as it is (or isn’t) today.  However, it’s not just about what I’m not doing, but also what I am doing.

So what am I doing now?

I run a weight loss practice.  It’s fun.  It’s easier on me than dentistry was.  I get to help people get healthier and look and feel better.  The worst news I ever have to give anyone is reveal that they didn’t lose 2 pounds that week.  They usually already know anyway, so it’s not a surprise.  At times the job is mildly frustrating because I want everyone to succeed.  The frustration is short-lived though, as I remind myself that whatever outcome occurs, it is the client’s choice.  I am there to support, not to judge.  They get to do the work.  They get to take the credit for their successes, just as they get to take the credit for their missteps, and in some cases their failures.

Outside of work, my days are also quite lovely.  Not every day is easy though.  It’s not as if I am suddenly “cured” and all my worries are gone.  Some days I still feel insecure.  Some days, although rare, I still feel like a failure.  Some days I wish my new business would become more successful more quickly.  Some days I worry that I am not interesting, exciting, or successful enough and that my husband, who is making many exciting career moves of his own, will grow out of me and get bored.

But most days, I feel at peace. 

I don’t know where I’m going.  I don’t have it all mapped out.  But for the first time in my life I do feel that everything will be okay, if not great.  Who knows?  I may be at my current job a year from now, or I may be doing something completely different.  This uncertainty doesn’t give me the same anxiety and fear it did 2 years ago. I don’t have to follow any of the self-imposed rules that held me back before.  Instead of being closed off, my world is open now.

The biggest surprise is the abundance of new opportunities that keep finding me.

I used sit in my dental office talking to patients and secretly daydream that one of them would rescue me and say, “hey, I think you would be great at such-and-such, and I think you should come work with me at your dream job in my awesome company.”  It never happened.  There were no lucky breaks.  Ever.  As hard as I searched, I could not even find one thing to do for a living other than be a dentist.  I stayed in dentistry because I had no way out, no Plan B.  But now I beam with delight noticing how many opportunities continue to show up.  They aren’t golden tickets or magic pills that will miraculously and immediately bring me everything I want in life.  They are ideas and invitations that will require hard work, nurturing, and courage to bring them to fruition.  Those really are the best kind of opportunities, and the challenges and possibilities excite me.

What’s changed?  Is it my perspective?  Were they here all along, and I simply missed them?

I entered My Biggest Baddest Bucket List Competition over a month ago.  I entered confident that it would open unexpected doors for me.  I also entered as a way to celebrate how my first travel contest ultimately got me to where I am today.  It was a tribute, a symbol; and I never want to stop celebrating the creative spirit that can so easily become neglected.  This contest delivered!  After it ended, I received an email from the guys at My Destination with an opportunity to become a part of the My Destination family.  What!?!?  Had this offer come my way in 2009, I would have found my dream job.  But in 2013 I realize I don’t have the time to dedicate to an endeavor this large.  I am committed to other projects that I need to see through, and having my own My Destination travel website would require more than I am able to give right now.  Having to pass it up is hard because I want it– along with all the other fun propositions I have my eye on.

How can I do it all?

Since the timing isn’t right for me, I want to share it with you.  This is a stellar company with a group of passionate people who have continued to impress me every step of the way.  Check it out here. Find out if it is right for you and if you are right for them.  Because I really believe that once you get the ball rolling, it will keep rolling.  If you are looking for a BIG change, this may be what you have been waiting for.

Oh, and tell them I sent you over.  I may have a little clout over there.  Just kidding.  But do tell them I sent you.