Jump by Jessica Swift
A girlfriend gifted me with a beautiful silver key chain stamped with the word ‘fearless’. While I am definitely one to leap without looking, I’m not quite sure if my friend identified me with the right adjective!
When I finished my undergraduate degree I took on an internship as communications assistant at a major health care system in Seattle (okay, Tacoma). At the end of the summer, the company offered me a comfortable job. The work was interesting, actually, but I found the environment dull, dull, dull. Instead of accepting the job, I used the money that I earned that summer and bought a plane ticked to Prague. Why Prague? Because I read that it was the artistic capital of the world. What did I do in Prague? I volunteered as an editor for an English language literary review that ran out of the back of a pub, took photos and drank tea. I also pretended to know my way around.
Above is a figurative example of leaping off a mountain, now here’s a literal tale:
When I returned from Europe, I was broke. I moved to Denver, stayed with my parents for a couple of months and picked up a job as a cashier at a health food store. I had been away from Denver for several years by then and didn’t have many friends in the area, so I often went backpacking by myself when I wasn’t working. One weekend I picked my destination by name, lonesome and isolation lakes {true tale}. I camped at one lake and climbed around the rim of a mountain to visit the other. As I was heading back to camp, I stood at the top of the mountain thinking that it was a long haul around the rim. In a matter of seconds, I jumped onto the glacial slope in front of me and slid to the foot of the mountain. I have since been employed as an outdoor education instructor, and, as far as safety is concerned, I can tell you that this move is not advisable!
I’ve always subscribed to the philosophy of follow your bliss, and I’m not afraid of the unknown. What I am afraid of is unhappiness!
My friend’s gift (the keychain) was inspired by the ease with which I quit my job at an art center here in Denver – a pretty awesome job, but I was not happy. Honestly, by that time, I was beginning to wonder if any job would actually feel right. I can tell you now that this is exactly what it feels like when purpose is trying to break free from old forms. *I am hereby going to call that the indiepreneur itch.* Holy heck am I thankful that we have the ability to design our own careers! After a lot of free-falling, I finally feel like I am doing the work for which I am meant – I absolutely love helping people define and express their purpose as a remarkable business brand! Honestly, I’m not sure if I would have connected with my calling if I were a more practical person. I’ve certainly had a lot of people question my decisions!
I think that every time someone gets closer to the life they want to be living, the whole world becomes a better place! Click to Tweet It!
When have you jumped from a mountain? Or what highly impractical leap would you like to take right now? I would love to hear your stories … (and I’m curious to know if you wish that I had written holy hell!) Please leave your response below…
