Share Your Wisdom

   

Recently, a girlfriend shared with me about her struggles with work. She was tired of working long hours, feeling like she had to work on vacation, and feeling unsupported by her boss and project manager. She told me she wished something, anything, would happen to her so she wouldn’t have to go into work. Right away, I heard warning bells, and it brought me back to a time when I had had similar thoughts. Feeling powerless and stuck in a situation where you can’t see a way out is truly terrible. It was fortunate that this friend decided to talk to me about it.

About 20 years ago, I had been in the same place, and she had helped me through it. At that time, my work, home life, and health weren’t functioning well. I was overwhelmed and tired. I felt stuck. I didn't share the details of what I felt with her at that time, but I did tell her I was struggling. I still remember how she listened and shared words of loving encouragement. Who knew, that one day I would be able to return the favor.

Ten years ago, I had a manager with whom every conversation seemed difficult. While it felt like we spoke very different languages, I was determined to find a way to communicate with him. At that time, this same girlfriend made me a special gift to remind me to speak up. She had decorated a wooden spoon with "Your words are valued" on one side and "It's time to speak" on the other. This precious gift is a reminder that I have the power to change my life. Because of her support, I didn't give up and tried different styles of communication with this manager. Eventually, I found one that worked.

Silk bag for my spoon.

Your words are valued.

It's time to speak.

Back to 2019,  several days after that conversation with my dear friend, I heard from her again. This time she told me how she had taken steps to change her life. She thought about what she needed in her life to be healthy and happy, and then had an honest and frank conversation with her boss. As a result, she found out she had other options that she hadn't considered. In this process, she found her voice and stood up for her values, priorities, and needs.

I’m so proud of her. We’ve come full circle. She helped me and then years later I helped her. Situations were completely different, yet the feelings of helplessness were the same. It just goes to show, we all have wisdom to share. You never know when something from your past will be the very thing to help someone get unstuck.