IF

"IF" is a small word, but it can have great impact on our lives. Think of all the times you have used the word 'if'. Perhaps at times you have said, or thought, "If I had stayed at that job, by now I would be ___." Or "If I hadn't done _________ now I would be _________." Sometimes we decide, "If I do _________ now, I won't be able to do _________ later." You may even have thought, "If I retire when I'm _____ years old, my life will be over."

It is probably natural to think in terms of 'ifs', but I encourage you not to let those thoughts rule every decision. Allow yourself to think of the wonderful possibilities that could happen... if. Sometimes it can help to think of the 'ifs', like "If everything goes as planned, I will be able to ___________." Or, "If I change my lifestyle in this way, I can enjoy __________."

So, I encourage you to think of the potential positive aspects of your 'what ifs'. It certainly can be scarry to make a change because of the uncertainty involved. Plan for the likeliest events and you will be more likely to increase your confidence in making the change.


Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio, a Master Career Counselor (MCC) as designated by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience working with adults in transition. She meets with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

WELCOME TO PATHWAYS 4 LIFE

Throughout life we are presented with many choices - some difficult, some easy, some complicated, and some just plain hard choices to make. But having choices is a good thing. I think sometimes we forget that or we don't want to make a choice on a particular issue. As I have often struggled with making choices and sometimes struggled because of my choices, I feel like it doesn't get any easier - making choices. But that is a part of life.

I decided to create this Web Log to share some thoughts, some insights, some challenges, and perhaps some realizations that I have come to regarding different pathways for life. I have been working with adults in transition for over 20 years and have walked with family and friends through various transitions. And one thing I have realized is that as human beings, we can and have handled tremendous loads and very difficult journeys and keep moving on.

So, as I add blogs to the site, I hope you will find something to offer you some insight, some comfort, or some information to help you on your journey. Feel free to share a comment, if you desire.


Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She meets with individuals in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.