jodunsford
jodunsford
| Forum role | Member since | Last activity | Topics created | Replies created |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Jan 3, 2015 (11 years) |
- | 1 | 0 |
- Forum role
- Member
- Member since
Jan 3, 2015 (11 years)
- Last activity
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- Topics created
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Bio
What’s with the Pie? I've always been driven by the philosophy that success isn't getting what you want, it's loving what you have. It's what led me to a career in fundraising where I was lucky enough to spend 16 years jumping out of bed every morning to a job I loved, making a difference to things I care about. Steve Jobs said the only way to do great work is to love what you do... and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days or live my life than dedicated to charity work. I spent many years happily working long hours, making sacrifices I was too busy to spot, driven by a desire to make a difference. Quite unwittingly, I found myself in a Director's role at 36. Everybody congratulated me on how successful I had become but I didn't see that - all I really cared about was an opportunity to make an even greater impact.
One day in March 2014, as part of a Women in Leadership course, we were asked to draw a pie chart to illustrate how much time we were giving to the various sections of our life. Incredibly, it was the first time I'd ever stopped to think about it. As I drew my pie chart I came to a painful realisation; 5% to my house and dogs, 5% to family and friends, 90% to work! I stared at my pie chart, reflected on my definition of success and realised I was getting it all wrong. I seriously needed to do something about my pie!!!
In July I took a break to see a friend in Malta. I arrived in a state of complete exhaustion; mentally, physically and emotionally. As I started to unwind, I reflected on 'the pie situation' and began to realise quite how unhappy I had become. Time to take some action... I just wasn't sure what?! Fate stepped in and introduced me to an incredibly inspirational person who happened to be in town - thank you universe! A few glasses of wine and some transformational conversations later and I had completely changed the way I looked at my life. I was introduced to concept of The Neutral Zone and invited to embrace the uncomfortable nature of the unknown. I got it - I didn't need to have all the answers - I just needed to be asking the right questions!
Time to let go of the security of familiarity and set off on the path of uncertainty. I got home, sold my car, brought a round the world ticket, a back pack and handed in my notice at work.
On 4 February 2015 I set off for 14 month adventure around the world. But the real journey is internal; following my heart, my instinct, my sense of adventure. This trip is about reconnecting with what is important to me, to my definition of success and the anchors in my life that bring me happiness. This is about re-baking my pie and working out the right recipe for a truly fulfilling life. I have no idea what will happen along the way. I have no idea what lies at the other side of this trip. I have no idea where I'm heading - all I'm sure of is that it's in exactly the right direction.
Time to get busy living. I invite you along for the journey.
Jo Dunsford
25 January 2015
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