Have you ever strived so hard toward a goal or dream only to have conflicting feelings when it becomes realized? For the past few weeks, I have been dealing with a range of feelings about my initial African Dream coming to fruition.
As I type this post, all of the supplies that I accumulated (about 4 pallets) are on their way to Nigeria and South Africa to benefit the eager minds of African children. I could not be more pleased but part of me feels like I just stepped from a speeding train and I'm not sure exactly where I landed.
I have not posted about bringing literacy to Africa lately because I am not sure about the direction I am to go on now. I believe I am regrouping my storehouse with passion and purpose. My purpose for this post is to purge my confliction of thoughts and to ask for suggestions.
So how about it? Got any? I am open to your thoughts.
I think it is normal to feel a letdown after achieving a life long goal. As you stated, after achieving such a goal, you are left with a what's next feeling and a loss of self direction.
I would just use this time to celebrate your achievement with your friends and family. Also, just take a break from any new goals until you are ready. You have worked hard and you deserve the rest.
I am sure that soon you will be back on your feet with new goals.
In this meantime, just enjoy this time of incredible joy because you have fulfilled your dreams.
Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you.
Posted by: nycrican2 | January 29, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Nelly,
Thanks so much for the congratulatory comments. I appreciate your advice and will take it to heart. Check back in regularly to find out where my heart for Africa will take me.
Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | January 29, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Laura, you made a great accomplishment to carry this off along with many others who helped meet this goal. It makes you feel good to help others. But whenever you climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy the thrill of the summit, there is a letdown when you have to come down. How will you settle that "unsettledness" before making a decision about what's in future?
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | January 29, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Be still. Enjoy what you've done. Know that there is more to do...and you will be led to that next challenge just like you were led to this one.
Sometimes having faith means doing nothing until you get the nudge. Don't rush Him.
Drew
Posted by: Drew McLellan | February 01, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Robyn,
Thanks for the advice - Very Wise! My "unsettledness" has been dealt with this weekend. I took a short trip and got out of my rut. Luckily for me, the weather was great and I was able to be outside to contemplate easier. Look for the next few posts. I believe my block has been compromised. Yeah! Thanks for the well wishes. You are right on with what I am going through.
Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | February 01, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Drew,
Our meeting, about this very topic, was a turn in that "fork in the road" feeling we discussed. I am filling the vessel every day with other people's passion. Thanks for you support and wisdom in this dry time for me.
Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | February 01, 2009 at 05:40 PM