Not sure whether to repost as a note or comment here. here goes nothing!
I've willingly boarded the doubt train many times to escape discomfort. And stayed on long past my stop in hopes that the next stop would be the right one. Sometimes it’s comforting to stay on that train and look through the windows at other peoples’ lives instead of experiencing the love, joy and challenge in my own. Wonderful piece!
You’re so right Anna. The seats on the doubt train are comfortable but it’s almost like the air conditioning is too strong or the heat is up too high. Something feels a little off, but we often don’t say anything, we don’t want to rock the boat/train. Sometimes it has to get to a point where we can’t stand it anymore, and that is when we decide it’s time to leave the train. Here’s to to hopping off together. Xx
Welcome as I have done too. What I have grappled with also is being educated and counseling first a d later coaching clients but I could not “help” myself. It has gotten worse during the pandemic and after losing my daughter I am constantly on an ocean of “doubtful” waves and depression. Journalling each day to hold on to sanity.🙏🏼
The "doubt train" is not a fun ride, but for some reason I consistently get back on! I love the concept though because labeling those thoughts and feelings helps in my attempt to compartmentalize and work through them.
You’ve got this Emily! Sometimes the pull to get on is so strong, especially when it feels like we have “season ticket”, like @jools stone joked about in the comment on the Note.
I loved this analogy. I jump off the train every so often and then panic. I wonder if my jump (however small) was well considered. I thought it was OK at the time... then doubted any wisdom I may have had and am desperate to get back on that train!!
I published my first SS post in a while yesterday and now fretting was it too personal? This is where my posts have been heading lately. Then I think perhaps I shouldn't even be on this writers platform anyway. There's a real skill at removing the personal and yet speaking from the heart I guess. I'm then filled with doubt and back on that train.
One of my favorite things to do is to step out of my comfort zone. I've done it so many times now and it fuels my growth and confidence. Cheers to you for taking this leap!!
Mika. I also have worked for money my whole life, since I was 8, and all through school and raising 4 children who are now grown. I left my job in May 2024. I have doubt and am terrified and exhilarated and here for you and your journey, as well as my own. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I no longer felt like I had anything new to offer. And I had a memoir come out last year that’s done reasonably well, so I want to follow where that leads. Even though of course I know I’m giving up financial security.
I think back on the fact that I had a strong feeling to keep it free. My husband even tried to fill it up with some business ideas....and I went along with it, I guess because it did look like I would have time. Then my mother’s diagnosis came and it all made sense why I needed to keep it free. ✨
The “big windows” part is what hit me the most! So accurate. If there weren’t big windows I wonder if we would’ve reflected as much about the journey we were on 🙏🏼 great piece 🥰🙌
I sometimes wonder if there was a way to pull the shutters down so that we don’t get distracted and can tune inwards instead. I think then, we wouldn’t stay on the train as long.
It wasn’t what I trained for at school. I transitioned into it when I saw a need at the company I started working for after raising our kids. I got trained up and have loved it ever since.
All those "You get a great view of.." lines in this piece hit me hard. Too hard. And too true! Big thanks for sharing this.
You’re so welcome! Thank you for your lovely comment. 💕
Not sure whether to repost as a note or comment here. here goes nothing!
I've willingly boarded the doubt train many times to escape discomfort. And stayed on long past my stop in hopes that the next stop would be the right one. Sometimes it’s comforting to stay on that train and look through the windows at other peoples’ lives instead of experiencing the love, joy and challenge in my own. Wonderful piece!
You’re so right Anna. The seats on the doubt train are comfortable but it’s almost like the air conditioning is too strong or the heat is up too high. Something feels a little off, but we often don’t say anything, we don’t want to rock the boat/train. Sometimes it has to get to a point where we can’t stand it anymore, and that is when we decide it’s time to leave the train. Here’s to to hopping off together. Xx
Welcome as I have done too. What I have grappled with also is being educated and counseling first a d later coaching clients but I could not “help” myself. It has gotten worse during the pandemic and after losing my daughter I am constantly on an ocean of “doubtful” waves and depression. Journalling each day to hold on to sanity.🙏🏼
So much love and grace to you. What would you say to one of your clients if they were feeling like they should be able to help themselves but can’t?
I would ask them to tell me if an incident/event when they felt happy and felt secure. And that would create a shift in their thinking.
I love this! It encouraging us to stop the spiral doom of doubt so we can step out and shift into a different space. Bravo!
I hope you're able to be supported through this however near or far the support is 💓 sending you encouragement and love from the midwest 💓
Thank you Anna. Everyone of you are so kind and although I have not met anyone of you in person I truly feel that you are all kindred spirits. 🤗❤️
I agree 💓
Couldn't agree more 👏 cheers to that!
The "doubt train" is not a fun ride, but for some reason I consistently get back on! I love the concept though because labeling those thoughts and feelings helps in my attempt to compartmentalize and work through them.
Thanks for sharing :)
I love a good visual! It really helped me to feel like I have a bit of control over it too.
I love this so much Mika ... ! I'm definitely going to try and let 'the doubt train' pass me by more often !
You’ve got this Emily! Sometimes the pull to get on is so strong, especially when it feels like we have “season ticket”, like @jools stone joked about in the comment on the Note.
I loved this analogy. I jump off the train every so often and then panic. I wonder if my jump (however small) was well considered. I thought it was OK at the time... then doubted any wisdom I may have had and am desperate to get back on that train!!
I published my first SS post in a while yesterday and now fretting was it too personal? This is where my posts have been heading lately. Then I think perhaps I shouldn't even be on this writers platform anyway. There's a real skill at removing the personal and yet speaking from the heart I guess. I'm then filled with doubt and back on that train.
Vulnerability hangover is a real thing! You’re not the only one Susan.
Bravo for being courageous!
Thank you Mika it is reassuring to know this 🙏
This is a great piece and a beautiful reminder of being yourself. Never stop!!
Thank you so much!
One of my favorite things to do is to step out of my comfort zone. I've done it so many times now and it fuels my growth and confidence. Cheers to you for taking this leap!!
I’m here all week!
Mika. I also have worked for money my whole life, since I was 8, and all through school and raising 4 children who are now grown. I left my job in May 2024. I have doubt and am terrified and exhilarated and here for you and your journey, as well as my own. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thank you xx
What led you to leaving your job?
I no longer felt like I had anything new to offer. And I had a memoir come out last year that’s done reasonably well, so I want to follow where that leads. Even though of course I know I’m giving up financial security.
I still struggle with the financial security. But we are in a time of our lives where we get to ask ourselves, what if?
I’m excited to follow your journey. And congratulations on your memoir! 💕
I think I'm the conductor...thank you...this is impossibility me..all aboard ?? ...
Nice, I can relate! I'm curious why you left the comfortable job. What are you seeking now?
This post might help. I was following my intuition, even thought I was so so scared. https://musingsbymika.substack.com/p/stepping-into-the-unknown-of-quitting
Wow, that is amazing how it worked out. Glad to hear your mother is doing better now, and I wish you all the best!
I think back on the fact that I had a strong feeling to keep it free. My husband even tried to fill it up with some business ideas....and I went along with it, I guess because it did look like I would have time. Then my mother’s diagnosis came and it all made sense why I needed to keep it free. ✨
That is really wild. Glad you were able to be there for her.
The “big windows” part is what hit me the most! So accurate. If there weren’t big windows I wonder if we would’ve reflected as much about the journey we were on 🙏🏼 great piece 🥰🙌
I sometimes wonder if there was a way to pull the shutters down so that we don’t get distracted and can tune inwards instead. I think then, we wouldn’t stay on the train as long.
Just like Krishna, the same lines hit me and in addition, I am pleasantly surprised that you have a graphics background. 💜
It wasn’t what I trained for at school. I transitioned into it when I saw a need at the company I started working for after raising our kids. I got trained up and have loved it ever since.
You should offer to do graphics for substackers. Lol
You’re always such a big supporter! Xx
A doubt train is a good analogy!
The idea that it takes you to a ride to nowhere is where it all started. I have definitely felt that way over and over again.
Very true!
I like the analogy of the doubt train a lot. I think I may even have a season ticket for it! 😂
You cracked me up about the season ticket! 😆
Oh my! Have you written about this yet?