EP6: Embracing the Messy Path to Purpose in Regenerative Work
In the endless hustle of our corporate lives, we often find ourselves yearning for something more meaningful, something that aligns with our deepest values and contributes to a better world. But the path to finding that elusive sense of purpose isn't always straightforward. In fact, it can feel downright messy, confusing, and at times, even a little silly.
I want to share with you my own journey of transitioning from a successful corporate career to the world of regenerative work. It's a story that might surprise you, challenge your perceptions, and hopefully, inspire you to trust your own path – even when it doesn't make sense to anyone else.
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Redefining Purpose: It's Not What You Think
First, let's talk about purpose. In our achievement-driven culture, we've come to view purpose as something to be acquired, a destination to reach. But I've come to understand it differently. Purpose isn't a thing you find – it's a state of being, a feeling of alignment between your work and your values.
Elizabeth Gilbert beautifully challenges the myth that we each have a unique, predetermined purpose waiting to be discovered. Instead, I invite you to think of purpose as a garden that needs constant tending. It's not about finding the perfect plot of land, but about nurturing the seeds of curiosity, passion, and connection that already exist within you.
The Power of Play in Career Transition
One of the most counterintuitive – and powerful – tools in my journey was embracing play. Yes, you read that right. Play. As adults, we often equate play with sports or structured activities. But I'm talking about the pure, exploratory play of children – the kind that has no fixed outcome, just joy in the process.
I found myself doing things that seemed utterly frivolous at the time:
Attending a forest bathing experience (despite feeling completely out of place)
Hosting "forest school for grown-ups" day retreats
Conducting coaching sessions in the wild, complete with foraged herbal teas
These playful experiences felt far removed from my identity as a "serious" businesswoman. But they were absolutely crucial in shaping my new path. They allowed me to reconnect with parts of myself I had long neglected and opened up new possibilities I couldn't have imagined from behind a desk.
A snapshot the letter and words treasure box I made for one of my early retreats.
Trusting Your Curiosity (Even When It Doesn't Make Sense)
Throughout my transition, I learned to trust my curiosity, even when – especially when – it didn't make logical sense. This meant following seemingly random impulses:
Signing up for life coach training (despite having no intention of becoming a life coach)
Exploring flower pressing on a whim
Getting intentionally lost in the woods (which led to unexpected poetry and insights)
Your curiosity is a powerful guide. It's your inner wisdom nudging you towards experiences and knowledge that will shape your future, even if you can't see the connections yet.
Navigating the Internal Struggle
I won't sugarcoat it – this process of exploration and play can feel deeply uncomfortable. There were many moments when my inner critic was in full force, questioning my choices:
"Alisa, what are you doing? You're just messing around. You're wasting time and money. Nobody understands what you're doing. You're going to become irrelevant."
It's crucial to recognize these thoughts for what they are – echoes of the dominant culture that values constant productivity and linear progress. They're not your true voice.
Practical Steps for Your Regenerative Career Transition
If you're feeling called to explore a more purposeful, regenerative career path, here are some concrete steps to get you started:
Create space for transition: Develop a financial plan that allows you to take time for exploration. This might mean saving, reducing expenses, or finding flexible work arrangements.
Embrace play: Schedule time for activities that spark joy and curiosity, without any expectation of practical outcomes.
Follow your curiosity: Pay attention to what lights you up, even if it seems unrelated to your career. Trust that these interests are guiding you towards something meaningful.
Be mindful of your thoughts: Notice when your inner critic shows up. Instead of fighting these thoughts, try leaning into them. If the voice says "you're getting lost," allow yourself to literally get lost and see what you discover.
REMEMBER: the path to regenerative work isn't about finding the perfect job title or role. It's about aligning your skills, passions, and values with work that contributes to a thriving world for all beings.
Your journey may look messy and nonlinear. You might feel lost at times. But trust that by following your curiosity, embracing play, and staying true to your values, you're cultivating the fertile ground from which your regenerative career will grow.
