Expect the unexpected
One of the scariest thing I have ever had to do was walk into a certain corner office, shut the door and fumble out the words that I was quitting my job to travel the world. It was a lifelong dream for certain, which took five years to save up for, countless hours of consideration, but one that was undeniably on my heart. If I never tried, if I never left my comfort zone, I would always wonder. Regret was ineveitable if I didn't seize the opportunity to go. No more weighing the pros and the cons. The stars were aligning. Prayers were being answered. Doors were opening and closing in spectacular ways, and I knew the opportunity to finally go was here. All I had to do was take that leap of faith. But first, how in the world would I survive the implausible task of telling my boss?! There would be no turning back after this. Intimidated was an understatement. He's going to think I've lost my mind. A complete flake. Ungrateful, irresponsible, young and dumb. In this economy? Maybe he's right. Will he roll his eyes at me? Probably. Was I absolutely sure this is what I wanted? Definitely. I swallowed hard, said yet another prayer, and wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans after lingering outside his door like a kid counting down to jump into a cold pool, making unnecessary laps around the office and returning back to the door to exhale and try, once again, not to chicken out. It felt exactly like the moment immediately before cliff jumping, where you're temporarily paralyzed by fear, but know if you just jump it will all be worth it for the rush and the experience. It's that small moment in time where you can actually feel courage mustering up inside you when you either punk out or say here goes nothing...
Well, if you remember the company email I shared before (posted below), you know how this turned out. Out of all the potential outcomes my terrified mind had played out, his actual reaction was the only one I hadn't accounted for (although that was entirely my fault, not his at all). Genuine encouragement. Not just acceptance, but support. Above and beyond. A true lesson in no matter how many "how to" business articles or "get mine" stories you read, the traditional way of doing business and parting amicably is still alive and well today, only with a modern-day twist, because it now involves cheering on adventures across the world. Or stuff like that. Loyalty. Integrity. Personal and professional development. Those are real actionable concepts, not just adjectives on a mission statement somewhere. When they are in practice in your own life, I can assure you, they are worth so much more than the shiny penny we get from jumping ship every couple of years because we're restless or unfulfilled. We go off chasing the almighty dollar and somewhere along the way our greed confuses us into thinking we are somehow entitled to it all. But everybody wants to be appreciated and everybody doubts whether or not they REALLY are. After all, we are all replaceable... So what! Give it your all anyway. Work earnestly. Stay positive. Stay patient. Assume the best (instead of the worst) and just wait and see what happens.
You would think that day I dreaded giving my notice (and the outpouring of love that followed) would have taught me the truth in that wise, old colloquialism from Maya Angelou, "When people show you who they are, believe them." Turns out, really and truly, you should.
The only thing more miraculous than a company that supports you to follow your personal dreams is one that welcomes you back with open arms to continue to pursue your professional ones.
After seven months on the road, I'm over the moon to be rejoining the First Watch family to pursue a brand new adventure together that is too good to be true, even though they know very well I'm down to less than $30 in my checking account. As my friend Claire always says "high risk, high reward." What could have been an "upper hand" was an extended one full of promises that required nothing more than a gentleman's handshake.
Fear really is no match for faith and the doors that it will unexpectedly open when you just relinquish control and trust it will all work out for good. Take a chance on whatever it is you're thinking is out of reach. You might surprise yourself. If it's an art class and you're a lawyer, forget practicality and do it anyway. If it's a cross-country move for your dream job, go! Who cares if you don't know anyone. If it's a trip around the world, tell me and I'll help you plan every detail, the best I can. The point is if it's from a grateful heart (and not a decision made out of fear or frustration) than you can trust that it's pure, and the unexpected will let loose its imagination! Running wild, connecting dots right in front of you, that you never even saw coming. Things you thought as constant will suddenly become fluid. Change is everywhere and instant. It's the best and worst wild card, depending on your perspective and acceptance. The book of Romans says, "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Does that mean you should believe in God because he'll give you your heart's desires? In one word, YES! Faith doesn't make you immune to bad times, but it gets you through them. There's no telling what will happen to your heart (and the desires within) if you do give it away, but there's sure to be love and adventure and wonder if you just give it a go.
I truly believe God uses good people, time and place to create extraordinary outcomes. My employers are living proof of that. But you have to be willing to take the chance. I'd love to steal the credit and say I considered this all along, but that's simply not the truth. I couldn't have orchestrated or expected an outcome like this if I tried. But then the phone rang. And my mind was blown once more by this extraordinary, fast-growing breakfast company.
Whatever you believe, one thing is for certain. When you follow your heart, it always leads you home. And maybe, if you're really, really lucky, it might even take you across four continents first.
