Fit to Go On

Just close your eyes and jump!

That's exactly what I am doing...with my career. In my 40th birthday post I talked about how I wished I had done more with the first half of my life and had expressed some regret in growing stagnant in my job and never venturing out enough to have a full blown career. In less than 60 days from that post, the opportunity came wrapped in a bright red bow known as voluntary severance.

After 20 years in pretty much the same role and the last five-and-a-half years with a fantastic company, I have decided to raise my hand, take the package and embark on a completely new path. I have never been more at peace and assured of anything in my entire life than I am right now.

I'm not leaving because I no longer believe in the company but I am leaving because, in fact, I do. Surrounded by brilliant minds and creative genius on a daily basis has a way of spurring you on to live your own dreams. That's what this company has done -- pushed me to pursue my own dreams.

New York City. Living in a metropolis where mink is as common as khaki can make big dreams bigger. This city is filled with money, furs and fine cars. I always have my Honda valet parked with pride, however, I'd prefer to park something European with letters and numbers in the name. Living here made me believe I can have it. It's not about the materialistic things but the amazing journey this city offers to have anything and everything.

Of course my boss has to share her proper blame. She relocated me to this fabulous city, gifted me from the finest stores and showed me that gender was no excuse. Even if I noticed, she never complained of being slighted because she was a woman but forged ahead bravely by breaking new ground in the industry and setting records. Had she not been such an incredible example of what a wife/mother/boss hard at work and doing so successfully looks like, I might have stayed. Yes, she must shoulder her part in my leaving.

What does any of this have to do with fitness? Well I'm glad you asked. This has everything to do with fitness. I stayed in my old job so long because I didn't have the confidence to move forward. Who would hire me at 400 pounds? At that weight, what could I do besides sit behind a desk? Today, those physical constraints no longer apply. Having a better body made me a better me, a more confident me and is now the me that's looking out into my destiny, excited and unafraid. Here I go....