I had a great do-over after I got laid off (it didn't feel that way at the time). With the aid of a career building company, I discovered what it was I enjoyed doing & pursued a couple of temp jobs until I found what matched my interests and talents. Looking back, I can see I have a natural growth spurt every 7 years & NEED to pursue something more fullfilling - either at work (via promotions) or through my hobby, needlepoint. Well, I don't know where I'll be in 5 years (typical interview question) but I'm happy with what I've done over the last 7 years! And, more importantly looking forward to the next 7 as I work towards discovering how needlepoint will be my retirement job!

In July of 2008 my family and I went on a trip to Port Aransas. I bought a cute new outfit for the trip and was feeling good.

Until.....my aunt posted pictures from the trip on facebook. The picture of me in my cute new outfit was horrific. I looked 20 years older than I am. I also saw how out of control my weight had gotten.

I started a weight loss program that month weighing 247 lbs. Last month all in the same week, I weighed in at my goal weight of 140 lbs and ran a half marathon.

The lessons I have learned over the last two years are invaluable. Slowly but surely my life is changing.

The best part is that being rid of the weight has also freed my mind to tackle other issues in my life.

The do overs have only just begun.

Stacy, could you share, what are the top two lessons you've learned over the last two years?

The kids are all grown and out of the house. Now it's my turn to reinvent my life in a way that's more different and exciting than it's been in the past.

I've raised four daughters, and I'm so happy to have had that experience; but now I have an opportunity to do some things strictly for me. Things I've always wanted to do -- without guilt and without looking back at how easy and safe it would be to live the status quo, and not really put myself out there to live my dream.

I call myself an EmptyNexter since I keep hearing these words in my head: "What's next?" I'm ready to move on to the next new phase in my life, which includes taking bigger risks. But what's life if not taking risks? Even doing nothing leaves you at risk.

I choose to sell off everything I own (except my laptop, of course), move out of state, and spend a few months immersed in my writing projects, as well as starting up two new businesses. I'm acting on the theory that if you leap, the net will appear. It's not a willy-nilly decision. I've done a lot of planning (in a short space of time), so it's a "calculated" risk, intended to pay off for me in a big way. I'm certain it will.

So I've given myself permission to be brave and step out of my comfort zone. I'm determined to accomplish the "life" goals I've set before me. And I'm THRILLED to be stepping into my next big adventure. Because I can. ;-)

What resonated the most for me during the Do-Over retreat was the concept of habitat – the environment and conditions to best support you. While exploring this more in depth that day I realized I needed to surround myself with peers who understood my goals and were capable of supporting me intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
I had recently attempted to network with some professional people in my field but found they “took” what energy, guidance and volunteer hours I gave them but did not reciprocate in kind or attempt to support my fledgling business. I struggled with the disappointment of having expectations of people who proved to be incapable of this support and exchange. I found myself almost paralyzed by it. Thus, the main goal I had for the retreat was to get me “unstuck”.

Let me tell you what happened the very next day after attending the retreat.

I received an e-mail announcement sent to the 600 members of the professional group in which I had been involved. It was a poorly worded litany of excuses as to why they were postponing the annual gala and other events. It confirmed to me I needed to move on from this entire group.
Later that day, my sister phoned saying she spoke with an old colleague that wanted to chat with me about a business she was starting up that was closely related to mine. If she had phoned a week before I would not have had much enthusiasm about it but now that I was gaining clarity I was open to new things. I was staring my do-over!
I spoke with my sister’s colleague, on the phone for 90 minutes. She had a lot of energy and some great ideas. We surprised each other how parallel our thinking was. We brainstormed, confirmed the others' strategies and discussed ways to collaborate. We have been in communication since then.

That was four weeks ago. I am now on Karen’s board of directors. Our businesses should compliment each other well. I have scheduled a meeting of my foundation’s board of directors with renewed motivation and clearer direction.

Thanks Ann. You worked your magic for me.

My pleasure, Susanna! Wish I could say I had a magic wand. It was all your directed focus and action. Brava! Keep us up-to-date.

It’s been about 3 months since I attended the “Do Over” mini-retreat. And, today, the thought flashed before me. “I will start living my life with true purpose.” I attended the retreat because I felt lost in my career as an attorney and could not fully grasp why I felt so. It is a respectable and honorable career. However, I finally realized that my personality did not match what I was doing.

First, I had to really understand and develop me; my character, style, likes, and dislikes. Life typically moves fast for me. As far as I can remember, I had worked and went to school full-time. Then, life became work, family, and community services. I really never stopped to gain a full perspective on who I was, am, or possibly can be.

This past year, I have had a lot of light bulbs turn on for me. After the retreat, the bulbs became brighter, and even more lit up. I analyzed significant comings and goings and how I felt in different situations. I also faced and learned to manage my fear of failure.

Now, I am applying for graduate school to get a master in social work with a focus on child and family services. I feel the excitement and the fear of the unknown but am truly looking forward to this “do over”!

Thanks Ann and all those at the retreat!