It’s been quite a while since my last post. I’ve experienced a lot - a job change, a parent’s illness, challenges with one of my kiddo’s health and along the way, I’ve searched for meaning behind these experiences .

I believe that everyone is on a journey. No matter how long or short their journey, it’s significant, a story to be told and a lesson to be learned for the individual or for others. And sometimes along the way, we find our purpose and path and sometimes we realize we have lost our way.

Let me explain- have you ever seen the movie “Bridges of Madison County”? It’s a riveting, passionate love story about two individual languages that find each other but can’t be together. Yes, it is a beautiful love story but as I watched it a few weeks ago, a particular quote struck me. Spoken by the amazing Meryl Streep, as Francesca, she says “You don't understand, no one does. When a woman makes the choice to marry, to have children; in one way her life begins but in another way it stops. You build a life of details. You become a mother, a wife and you stop and stay steady so that your children can move. And when they leave they take your life of details with them. And then you're expected to move again only you don't remember what moves you because no one has asked in so long. Not even yourself. You never in your life think that love like this can happen to you.”

This struck me. Now, please don’t misunderstand- I love my girls more than anything in this world. However, as they grow, I realize and ask myself if I am continuing to grow?

Am I living my life to its fullest potential. Have I lost myself in being a mother? Am I being true to myself and still evolving to be who I’m supposed to be?

This moment in the movie really stuck with me.

**Spoiler Alert** She ends up staying to raise her children. I think she chose a dual path. The path to her heart lead to a man that truly loved her, something she yearned for, but the path of her life lead her to her family. A different life but in the end, a fulfilled life.

After that movie, I have paid more attention to conversations and continue to see friends that have come to a crossroad in their lives, professionally or personally, and take a leap of faith with their paths to explore what their purpose is supposed to be.

A dear friend has recently left a job that she was excellent at but was overworked and miserable. She was finally honest enough with herself and her family to say that she couldn’t continue to spend her days working at a job where she was miserable. It affects everything: health, relationships, energy and happiness. She decided enough was enough and took a new career path that will likely live her fulfilled and ultimately where she is supposed to be.

Another wonderfully talented friend has talked for quite a while about not feeling fulfilled in a position that he held has for over 15 years. The frustration in his role continued to build and although he was the magic behind the company's success, it wasn't enough. He quietly built his own business on the side and just a few months ago finally took the leap to do things on his own. You can just feel that he is going to be successful, personally and professionally. He examined the paths he could take and chose happiness. It's inspiring.

One other lovely friend who just recently made a career change, spontaneously went on an adventure in the South. She spent a week on a remote boat, over crystal blue waters, sleeping on a hammock, swimming during the day and suddenly realized that there’s more to life then work and focusing on her career. She came back to reality but had somehow changed. Changed her perspective on what was important and what she wanted in her life. Did she go back to her job? Yes. However, is she aware that she now knows she wants a more fulfilled life? Heck, yes!

A few years ago, one of my best friends and her family moved to Colorado. Her husband had a great career opportunity in an amazing part of the country. Now, if you would have asked me ten years ago if they would pick up and move to the other side of the country, I would have confidently answered no. But it was the best thing that ever happened to their family. It opened up opportunities to explore a whole new part of the country, their son excelled in school and is now on his way to even greater things in college. But most importantly - they’re happy.

Isn’t that why we change? Isn’t that what we strive for?

These are just a few examples of inspiration that I have found over the last few months. I’m hungry for change. Big or small. I’m ready. Will I lead with my heart or my head or both, I’m not quite sure but I know change is inevitable so why not hang on and cross this bridge with an open heart and open mind.

Want to do the same?

Xo,

Bridgette