"Pies, ¿para qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar?" - Frida Kahlo
This is a famous quote by Frida Kahlo, considered one of Mexico's greatest artists. To this day she still represents hope, power and empowerment. The translation is this:
"Feet, why do I need them when I have wings to fly?"
Sometimes it just takes seeing wall-art like this to remind ourselves that, yes, indeed, we DO have wings and we CAN fly.
Over the past 2.5 years, I have experienced loss, heartache, self-doubt, fear, financial hardship, loneliness; I questioned my abilities and my worth. My life as I knew it for 20 years changed in an instant in mid-2019.
My marriage was over
I am living in a foreign country
I'm running the rental business alone
A global pandemic happens, resulting in cancelations
I have NO income
Finances are dwindling
Divorce isn't pretty
I could have wallowed in self-pity forever. Believe me, I thought about it. But, really, I couldn't. It's not in my nature, and I have an amazing support group among my friends.
One told me, "We all think marriage is forever on our wedding day."
So true. Yet, the average length of marriage for American couples is 8.2 years. I consider my relationship a huge success and will always cherish it.
Living in a foreign country is a blessing. I am so fortunate to live in this beautiful place full of culture and warm and caring people. Learning to speak Spanish opens all kinds of new doors for me, but mostly allows me to become more intertwined in my community.
The pandemic affected the rental property and my income. Not having any income is stressful for anyone. Although not ideal, I accessed survivability money. A good friend pointed out that I DO have financial resources and I WILL be fine.
But what is my next step?
The decision to become a Transition Coach in 2021 was based on the fact that I had gone through so many personal and professional changes myself, but I still suffered from Imposture Syndrome...
Why would anyone want me to coach them?
What do I know about coaching?
I've never coached before.
Sharing this with great friend/mentor/trusted advisor, her sarcastic retort was,
"Yeah, because I want to be coached by a 21 year-old with zero life experience".
Point taken.
Imposture Syndrome was blocking me from progress.
With each obstacle overcome, my wings were able to open and spread, poco a poco. When limiting beliefs pop into my mind, the words of those who care for me, support me, and love me come rushing back . When this happens, it's imperative that I remind myself of my own motto:
The Greatest Opportunities Are On The Other Side Of Change.
Why? Because it's true. It's always been true. Why would it be any different now? 2022 is my year to fly!