The 5 Biggest Life Lessons

As I stared at the keyboard, I thought about the biggest and most important gifts and lessons I could give them – beyond the database hints and tricks, beyond the instructions manuals and sheets, beyond the copies of important documents that someone may need. They were like family. I had spent more time with them than some of my own flesh and blood.

You would think that after 16 years working for the same company, I would have no problem coming up with a heartfelt email of my 5 biggest lessons I learned about the office and life.  I felt as though it was my duty to give some words of wisdom to my fellow co-workers.

My last day at the office was met with a minor earthquake and then a fast moving snow and ice storm which, later, enveloped the city. As the snow settled on the leaves of the bush outside my window, it was as though a peaceful blanket of white enveloped the world.

Someone told me at my office “retirement” party (I wasn’t really retiring in the ‘age’ sense – just retiring from cubicle nation) “That wasn’t like a ‘work’ party, it was more like a family gathering.” I had replied, “Well, of course, that’s the our way – like family.”

That’s why my final office lessons for my co-workers were really some of my most cherished life lessons – lessons I hope to pass on to my grandchildren.

My 5 Biggest Life  Lessons

 

Life Lesson #1: Share Your Story

Each one of you are a special and wondrous creation from God.
You each have your own unique story, gifts and talents and some of you
have shared those with me through the years.
Those qualities are what makes you important to me…
I encourage each of you to share your story.
Your difficulties you have overcome, the victories you
have celebrated, the joys that have filled your heart – all
make you the unique person you are and will encourage
other people. Share your story with the world.

Life Lesson #2: Face your fears.

“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you
didn’t do than by the ones you did do. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”~ Mark Twain

Life is too short to let fears hold you back from
your potential. Remember, fear has two meanings:

Forget Everything And Run or

Face Everything And Rise

Life Lesson #3: Keep It Simple

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the
supreme excellence is simplicity”. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Don’t get bogged down in too many details. Yes,
details are important but don’t let the details stop you
from taking any action at all

Life Lesson #4: Give

“The more you give, the more you live” – Bob Dedman

Give to others your most precious asset…your time. We
all can give to others, if nothing but a smile or a good word.
Be the difference you want to see in others…..

And a final thought you will use many times in your personal life ( and work life)..

Life Lesson #5: Be Resourceful Without Resources

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” ~ Albert Einstein

Your imagination is your greatest asset!
Use it as much as possible!

My hope and prayer for you….

May the road rise up to meet you…
May the wind be always at your back…
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again….
May God hold you in the palm of his hand…….

My deepest and most sincere thanks and gratitude…

I won’t lie. It was a scary day to give up a career of 16 years.  But, when you know that you know what you know and you KNOW that it’s the move and change that needs to happen – then there is a certain peace in the uncertainty. I know, that doesn’t really make sense.=)

Are you confused about what your next jump in life should be? If you are uncertain, apprehensive or looking for a little bit more clarity, then my new program “Finally Fulfilled!” just may be what you are looking for. It was the exact process I went through to get the clarity I needed to make the jump and ‘unshackle the golden handcuffs’ of security.

Hugs and feathers from the nest~~()~~

Kim Steadman is the Content Curator and COOP (Chief Online Operating Person) for The Re-Feathered Nest, a place of encouragement for moms entering the Empty Nest Zone who are ready to RePurpose and ReDesign themselves according to God’s purpose for their lives now that the kids have flown the coop. She is the author of the soon to be released book ““My Little Book of Empty Nest Quotes & Wisdom.’ Kim can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheRefeatheredNest and on Google+ at +Kim