Posted by Anne

Hint: This isn't it. As much as I'd like to believe this is the key to energy...

Imagine, if you will, that someone has offered you an opportunity.  Maybe it’s a professional opportunity, or perhaps it’s associated with a volunteer organization, your church, or even just a social opportunity.  You listen (or read an e-mail), and mentally you understand that you should be interested in this opportunity. 

And yet…your stomach plunges.  Your lips purse.  You immediately feel drained of energy.

I experienced this little scenario only a week ago.  A goal of mine has been to teach more, but I have to admit—I’m picky about what I hope to teach.  Last week, a teaching opportunity came through my email inbox, and I knew I should be flattered and thrilled, ready to take on this new challenge.  But my reaction was everything I mention above.   

There were immediate and involuntary physical reactions that told me this wasn’t where my heart was.  And yet…I continued to have a conversation with myself…

It’ll be a good experience.

Yeah, but why am I not more excited?

Well, you want more teaching experience, and here you go!

But this isn’t the kind of class I want to teach.  It’ll stress me out and take my focus away from some other professional goals that feel more pressing right now.

Beggars can’t be choosers…just go for it, and it might lead to better opportunities. 

But as my life stands right now, I’m not a beggar…I can construct the experiences I want.

True, but how often will those experiences come around? And what if this department doesn’t offer you any other opportunities because you turned this one down?   

I can live with that.  I’m willing to take the chance.

As you might have deduced, I decided to turn down the class.  Because these days, I feel that Life in Pencil is about following the opportunities that bring energy instead of lethargy. I’m not sure where it will lead me, but I’m going where my energy takes me.  It’s a new approach—as I’m the ultimate planner.  But somehow, it feels good.  And energizing.  So if you’ve ever encountered a situation like mine, ask yourself… 

1. What’s my immediate physical and emotional response to this opportunity?

2. What would my immediate physical and emotional response be if I turned it down?  If I accepted it?

3. If this doesn’t bring me energy, what does?  And am I doing it already?

Have you ever encountered a situation like this?  When you were offered a great opportunity but just couldn’t summon the energy?