Open for business

After what's felt like a very long period of quiet, I've been working more. More speaking engagements, more coaching, and more writing.

I tried to move away from education last summer and looked for different work, but nothing panned out. Yet, moments of teaching did.

At one event, two people asked for advice, and I quickly helped, then I was asked to teach another semester.

I thought I was done with it, but it wasn't done with me.

After my class finished, I committed to doing more coaching. I attended events, offered coaching services, and applied for jobs.

The work began to roll in.

However, other opportunities have also come my way, and despite trepidation, I said yes. Hopefully, the worst that can happen is that I'll be embarrassed or rejected.

I've wondered why these moments came my way.

I don't believe in the power of attraction, but I think I'm more open to serendipitous instances. While this attitude isn't bringing offers to me, I am more willing to accept them.

Two stories have been on my mind as I think about all of this. Make of them what you will:

1

In the blog post Things You Learn Dating Cate Hall by Sasha Chapin, he says this:

I think the crucial difference with Cate is that she has really, really internalized the idea that everyone is winging it, which, luckily, means that you can wing it at everything, too.

Later he adds:

This mentality enables her to approach potentially intimidating enterprises with eager open-mindedness; she is always willing to ask dumb questions, think from first principles, and look for ways to improve.

2

It also reminds me of Ludwig Ahgren's philosophy he shared with Anthony Padilla:

It may be naively, I've always thought that everything will work out cuz it kind of has to...it either works out how you want it to, or you've tried, and it doesn't work out how you planned, but life still moves on, or the absolute worst case is you die, and I'm okay with that. All options are fine.

Lately, I have been feeling the same way.