Have you ever known deep down that the career path you’re on isn’t the right one, but felt too afraid to take the leap and change direction?
It’s Sierra on the blog – that was how I felt when I graduated from nursing school in 2019. I’d followed a path that wasn’t truly mine, driven by the desire to meet others’ expectations rather than fulfill my own dreams. Even on the day I graduated, I knew in my heart that this wasn’t the career I was meant to pursue.
Self-Doubt in your Career
For years, I wrestled with the feeling that I didn’t belong in the world of nursing. Despite the security and stability that came with the profession, something was missing. I could never find a place within the hospital that felt like home, and the work I was doing didn’t resonate with my heart. But like many of us, I followed the advice of those around me, especially my parents, who strongly encouraged me to pursue a career with job security. They believed it was the most practical choice, even though I had always dreamed of becoming a psychologist.
A Transformative Career Journey
In 2019, I decided to leave Spruce Grove and take a working holiday visa to New Zealand. Initially, I planned to stay for just three months, but life had other plans. When COVID-19 hit, I found myself unable to return to Canada, and what was meant to be a brief escape became a transformative journey. For the first time, I was away from the expectations and opinions of my family. In that silence, I began to truly connect with myself and rediscover the dreams I had buried for so long.
Surrounded by new people and fresh perspectives, I was encouraged to follow my heart, a message that was new and unfamiliar to me. Up until then, I had been conditioned to prioritize practicality over passion, but something in me began to shift. I started to see that following my dreams wasn’t just a naive fantasy – it was the key to living a fulfilling life.
When I finally returned home to Spruce Grove, I knew I couldn’t go back to the life I had before. I found a program that would allow me to pursue psychology, and though it was daunting to make such a significant investment in myself, I knew I had to do it. Taking that leap of faith was terrifying, but it was also the best decision I’ve ever made. Every day since, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the work I do now. I wake up knowing that I’m on the right path, and that belief in myself has been my greatest gift.
Taking Small Steps Toward Your Dreams
I know it’s not realistic for everyone to move to New Zealand for a self-awakening experience, but there are ways to start making changes right where you are. If you’re questioning whether you’re on the right path, listen to that inner voice. It might be scary to take the first step, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
Here are a few things you can do to start making your dreams a reality, without having to travel across the world:
- Create Space for Reflection: Take time to tune out the noise of others’ expectations and reconnect with your own desires. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply spending time alone in nature, find what allows you to hear your own voice again. My first blog has journal prompts for self-reflection.
- Seek Out New Perspectives: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your dreams. Sometimes, just hearing someone say, “You can do it,” is enough to spark a change in your mindset.
- Take Small Steps Toward Change: You don’t have to make a drastic move overnight. Start by exploring your interests, taking a course, or even just researching the possibilities. Each small step builds momentum.
- Trust the Process: Change is scary, and self-doubt will creep in, but trust that every step you take is bringing you closer to the life you’re meant to live. It’s okay to be afraid – courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward in spite of it.
Making the leap to follow your dreams isn’t easy, but it’s the most rewarding journey you can embark on. If you’re ready to start your own path to fulfillment, know that you’re not alone, and that the life you truly want is within reach. You just have to be brave enough to take the first step. If you’re having trouble knowing where to go next, please reach out to us at Dóchas at 780-446-0300 or info@dochaspsych.com. Book an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our therapists here.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
