Writer Wednesdays: Midwife For Your Life

Posted on the 06 July 2011 by Shawndrarussell

Stacey Curnow is a former midwife turned life coach, and the transition came because she found she preferred helping people bring their dreams to life instead of actually bringing human life into the world. Her writing and advice is uplifting, powerful, and downright motivating. Her guest post on the blog Everyday Bright truly helped me get over a near-panic attack that I was having the day I stumbled across her blog.
I recently quit my job teaching that I have had for four years and am now pursuing writing as a full-time career. Stacey's post helped reassure me that I am not crazy and that this was a mandatory risk that I had to take. The bigger risk would have been staying a teacher which was not my true passion or life calling. She says:
"The good news is that you’re on this path for a reason. The world doesn’t need more people mired in mediocrity, waiting to punch out at the end of the day and knock back a stiff drink. We need you to fulfill your purpose and become truly alive."
Powerful stuff, right? There are so many people that I know who hate their jobs or are just punching in and out for the paycheck. 
Are YOU???
The truth is, like Stacy points out, that you aren't doing yourself, your family, or the world any favors by living your life that way. We should truly only work in jobs that make us feel "alive," that we are excited about, and that we can imagine doing for the rest of our lives instead of counting down to the day we can retire.
I can honestly say that I would love to write every day for the rest of my life. I can die (of old age, I hope!) at my computer screen, working on an assignment. This realization is so reassuring because it means that I don't have to constantly worry about if I am saving up enough money to retire at 60 or 65 because I am following my passion and could write forever! 
Obviously, saving money is still important, but the freedom that going after my dreams has given me regarding worrying about my retirement funds has been astounding. My writing career doesn't have an expiration date because I don't want to ever stop! I can't think of another profession that I would willing want to do for the rest of my life. 
Thank you Stacey for helping "talk me off the ledge" with your blog post when I was having a major day of doubt. Your words were exactly what I needed to read at the moment I read them. Here's to pursuing your life's passion!
http://www.staceycurnow.com/blog/hello-and-welcome/