A Toast to…ME!

25 Mar A Toast to…ME!

It wasn’t applying for the job that was hard. It was the entire process. Following through, pushing forward despite the obvious doubt that was surrounding me. Round after round of interviews, time after time of selling myself and trying to convince others of my abilities can be truly taxing. It wasn’t until I finished the very last interview that I realized I was in the process of a testimony.

I have been in this season for a while. Stretching myself beyond my comfort zone and showing myself what it is that I am capable of. We tell ourselves how important it is to step into the light. We post quotes about not “sleeping on ourselves” and how the only one that can stop us is us. However, no matter how much courage we muster it’s not easy. It’s not easy to admit to wanting more when you have already been blessed with so much. It’s not easy deciding to start something new when you are already exceling in the place, you’re currently in. It would be easier to stay there. It would be easier not to try.

I applied for the new position knowing that moving to this next level would require parts of me that I hadn’t used here before. Sure, the money and the title look good, but this move would be about placing myself on a different level and charging ahead on a new path. I had my best friend look over my resume and cover letter maybe five times. I re-read the job description to ensure I was putting my best self forward. I swallowed my anxiety, after multiple pep talks from my husband, and went for it.

Since joining this company, I have gone through a couple of seasons. I was now hitting my stride and very secure in the work I produce. However, there was something telling me…’I can do this’ and pulling me to at least throw my hat in the ring. Once I did, I was met face to face with my truth. I found myself surrounded by people who are my champions. People who not only supported me trying to make this move but spoke up for me in rooms I had not even entered. I was also faced with those who doubted me. They haven’t seen me do it yet. They hadn’t seen that hunger yet, so they were unsure if I was ready. If you aren’t willing to take a chance on you, why should anyone else?

Instead of cowering, instead of going along to get along I advocated for myself. I accepted every challenge and went beyond expectations. This was for me. I wanted to work as if I had already had this new position, I wanted to show myself who I could be despite being given the opportunity to be it.

What I realized after completing the final interview was that I passed the test. I promised myself that in this season of my life I would show up for Shannon like I never have before. I would go for what I wanted. I would be the competitor, the champion, the advocate I am for everyone else I care about. Being nice, is the easiest way to be, but being yourself will always cause some level of opposition. Have the audacity to want the best for yourself. Be true to who you are and what you want.

What I discovered in this process is that I win. I win because I showed up. I win because I gave it my very best effort. I win because instead of being unsure of myself, I trusted myself enough to try. I don’t know if I will be chosen for the new position. However, I do know that how I navigated this test is worth celebrating. That’s the point. That was always the entire point. Show up no matter how it turns out. You may make mistakes. You may get overlooked. You may be even be ridiculed but show up for you. It isn’t about the outcome. It’s about how you walk through it

Pour yourself a glass of whatever you would like tonight and celebrate your win. You deserve it!

Cheers!