I was offered a seasonal position at the local lululemon athletica showroom in November that I couldn’t pass up. I was excited to work with two women whom I loved going on runs with and enjoyed seeing around town. I also didn’t mind that I’d get to try new fitness studios around town. There is no way I could have imagined how much the last two months would impact my life. This job isn’t just a job. It’s made me a better person, one who is more committed to herself, who is more open and out going, and a stronger believer that anything is possible.
The biggest lesson lululemon has taught me is to stop fearing my dreams. The company has an amazing goal setting activity for all employees to complete. When we sat around the showroom one Saturday morning, I felt a wave of emotions I wasn’t expecting. I thought about my life in ten years and envisioned myself as a mom and wife. I saw a home with windows that allowed spring breezes to flow in and was filled with warm sunshine. I saw myself as a part of a community, where I’d walk around the farmers market and get caught up in conversations with friends while sipping coffee. I saw more races and a growing appreciation for yoga. And I finally said out loud the dream for my career. The desire to be outside on a farm, to teach, to inspire, to lead a new generation into healthier lives.
Putting these words on paper is one thing, admitting them to the world and the people that surround you is another. It takes courage to set goals, but it take strength to put them out in the world knowing that there will be people who doubt and question. The first time I let the words of my vision flow out of my mouth to someone out loud, I knew I could never take it back. I was admitting to myself, to the man I’d spent the past few months with, the type of life I wanted to live. I found myself so desperately wanting approval, wanting to hear that was a life he could see himself in, one to share with me. In that moment everything changed. How could it not? There is so much that will change in the next six months of my life, that has to change for me to be happy and fulfilled every day. But that also means letting go of expectations and people, and taking risks that might fail. There is a part of me that wishes that I had that one person to serve as a constant in my life but these steps on my own have shaped who I am.
So here are my goals, world. Here are my hopes and dreams for the future, for what my life will one day be.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
As my vision finally (?) becomes more clear, I love reading yours, and being inspired by your goals. Congratulations to you…and obviously we have a lot of catching up to do.
LOVE this, girl! So glad to be part of your your journey, even if in a small context
So proud of you!
What a great program they have! I love all your goals. I have some goals myself that are tough to say out loud too.
Alex,
Writing down your goals is an awesome way to get them. Amazing how well it works really. However, I stopped telling people mine a long time ago, because sometimes they laughed at me (I left those people) and sometimes they just sounded too hard to believe. For me, it’s the writing down that’s key. Best of luck to you on yours and remember it’s okay to change your mind as you go, learn and grow! Thanks for the reminder that I should jot down a few myself.
this is fantastic on so many levels. I’m so incredibly excited for you and let me tell you, the Exec Director job, I bet is here way before 10 yrs! You have a great heart and I’m quite happy to have met you. xo
I realize I am late reading this, but I absolutely LOVE it!
Great risk, greater reward.
lululemon is a dream gig – kudos. that’s fantastic!