Dear  

Next month will mark two years since leaving corporate America after 23 years.  I actually quit the job although some like to say I retired.  I actually didn't retire because I have no pension and received no special pay or pin for leaving. 

In 2007 I took a six month leave of absence to experiment with the idea of leaving my 'safe', 'high-paying', career with 'benefits' and 'bonus packages' where I offered 'value'.  During that 6 months I fine tuned my exit plan.  However, a month before my return I was overcome with palpitating panic at the thought they wouldn't take me back! The 'desire' for a regular pay check and a routine got the best of me - temporarily.

My plan to quit in Oct. 2008 took a U-turn when the market plummeted.  All other exit plan milestones had been met for a smooth departure.  When mentioning, to some people, the 'idea' of leaving during such a time, I was met with eyes of shock and words of grave fear.  Others said "Go for it". While my 401K was evaporating and the trend was worsening, my inner voice was screaming "ITS TIME TO LEAVE!"  I listened to that voice get louder and louder between Oct. 2008 and Mar. 2009. 

Along with the relentless interior voice, my friend Pam told me a story that was pivotal in my final action.  During some number of years of kayaking she would walk around the most treacherous "Suicide Falls". Other kayakers would whiz through the rapids.  The fear had gripped Pam.  Finally, courage took her over the falls.  She told me it was great fun and that her fears were all for not. 

To this day I have hardly looked back. 'Safe', 'high-paying', 'benefits', 'bonus package' and 'value' are all perceived differently. The life I'm living now is far richer and exceedingly fuller than I had expected.  

Ingredients for success:

#1:  Tune 'in' and do what feels best in each segment of time

#2:  Remain focused on abundance

#3:  Observe and be surrounded by people who are thriving in meaningful living

#4:  Breathe