Change is rarely linear. It is not a straight, well-lit road with clear signs directing us to the next step. Instead, it is long road going up a steep hill…
You know you are headed in the right direction. Still, you don’t know what the rest of the road looks like until you get over the hump.
Change can feel like an unfamiliar space that forces us to expand. Growth is uncomfortable, but understanding where that discomfort comes from allows us to move ahead with clarity. In these very moments, I remind myself that rejection is simply a redirection.
I was talking to a colleague recently. I shared how I know that this redirection is not an ending. It is a reminder that I was meant to contribute to education in a different capacity. While I feel waves of nostalgia and the heaviness of leaving behind teachers, I also recognize that this phase of my life was a stepping stone. And I can’t forget my power, my influence, my desire to disrupt the educational system in a way that aligns with my purpose.
Returning to My Why
Going back into leadership at the campus level reminded me of the essence of my work which is human connection, emotional intelligence, and supporting other’s growth. I thrive in spaces where I can support others, whether it’s students, educators, or leaders. But something inside me is whispering that it’s time to shift.
It’s time to step into alignment with the work that calls to my heart.
Sitting with Discomfort, Seeking Clarity
I am deciding to not take my discomfort as a sign to stop completely. Instead I will use it is a sign to pay attention. There is a unique uneasy feeling in stepping into the unknown, a natural instinct to hold onto the familiar. But deep down, I know that transformative moments often occur in waiting. They happen in the space between what was and what is yet to come.
I have been using deep breathing and self-reflection to guide me through this internal struggle. I have allowed myself to sit with my emotions. I honor my sadness. I trust that clarity will come.
A Bigger Calling, Waiting to Be Discovered
As a first-generation Latina professional, I have spent years proving myself. I have pushed through challenges. I have created space where none existed before. But this time, I don’t feel the need to prove anything. I know the value and worth I bring into any space. And I refuse to shy away from it. It’s time for me to rise.
While I may not fully see what is next, I feel the pull toward something greater than myself. There is a mission, a purpose, waiting to be uncovered, and I am determined to find it. Every rejection, every detour, every unexpected turn is shaping me for what’s next.
Moving Forward with Intention
As I step into this next phase, I am focused on aligning my career with what truly fulfills me:
- Helping others develop their social-emotional intelligence and leadership skills
- Supporting teachers, parents, and leaders in navigating challenges with resilience
- Building a brand that reflects my values and expertise
- Exploring consulting, coaching, and speaking opportunities
My path may not unfold exactly as I expected. I do, however, trust that it is leading me toward something even greater. I am not lost; I am being guided. And that is a truth I am learning to embrace with open hands and an open heart.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a moment of transition, you feel uncertain about what’s next. Know this: you are not stuck…you are expanding. You are not lost…you are evolving.
Keep trusting. Keep moving. Allow your path to unfold in ways that you never imagined. These ways were always meant for you.
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