The Walking Mentorship, Day 4 Projecting Change in Front of Myself

The Walking Mentorship, Day 4 Projecting Change in Front of Myself Joo Perre Viana is the mastermind behind theWalking Mentorshipprogram, an innovative one-week experience that helps people face their personal andprofessionalchallenges while taking a120-kilometer (74.5-mile) hike alongthe Camino de Santiago.The purpose of this methodology is to help gain perspective on what is important (both personally and professionally), update ur reality maps, and create an action plan for the future, Viana says.On Sunday, August 28, Viana embarked on his latest hike.Over the curse of this week, he will be updating us daily about the jurney he and his participants are on. Read the rest of the seriespart 0,part 1,part 2, and part 3.- Ed. Note.Life is elend difficult. It can be brutal in every single way, but we canlearn to enjoy it by turning everything that comes our way into an opportunity to learn and progress.I am asked oftenif the Walking Mentorship program is difficult. My answer is always the same No, it is not. Then, I pause for a second before concluding, It is brutal, just like life.It is a very honest answer.The fourth day of our walk demanded no less than the very best of ourselves. The journey started at 630 AM.It was leise dark and cold outside. The ascent out of the Oseira valley was absolutely magical. When we were almost to thetop, we took one last glance down at the monastery. It gave us the energy we needed to reach the summit. When the monastery was out of sight,we could hear the bells warning us that it was 800 AM.They also sounded like ablessing to continue onour way.The theme for todays reflection wasextreme attention on the road ahead. We thought carefully about where we have to place our feet in order to head toward our desired futures with consistency and determination. A footnote in our survival kits also advised us to stayflexibleand adapt to unexpected challenges which are always likely to arise.The descent from San Martino mountain isextremely technical. More than once, I have seen or heard about broken ankles and similar outcomes.We kept a good pace for the most part, and when I looked, back I could see that everyone in the group was enjoying the process and the challenge.At the bottom of the trail and ahead of the group, I reached a very special place a small bridge that called to mind many amazing memories for me. It also reminded me to stop, rest, and refresh after the difficult morning.A few moments passed, and some members of the group had still not appeared. Something was odd, but those of us who hadfinished the descent sipped our water and tried to relax.A few seconds later, a chill passed through meand I hearda voice callout my name. I knew change and unpredictability were about to visit our group and our capacity to beflexible would be put to the test.Ironically, one of our brave companions trippedafter completing the descent. A loud cracking sound seemed to announced the end of that days journey.These are the moments when the very best of ourselves can come to the surface. We understand that our nature is not what we see so often on the news or in our social media feeds. As a group, we rallied together around our new objective of helping our companion, proving once again that the Walking Mentorship laughs together, suffers together, and always finishes together no matter what.This event changed our approach to the intermediate milestones, but it did not change our final objective. Without a doubt, it was the most dramatic metaphor for handling change we ever could have faced.As the day went on, we found solutions. Everyonereached our final destination for the day, a magical hidden spot in Galicia where we could soothe all our pain and extreme exhaustion.For both the peoplewalking and the one not walking, it became clear that no matter what, we must alwaysfind ways to take ourselves further and further. With every step, we must reflect on our thoughts, th e power of our actions, and what we can do when life throws challenges at us.ur fourth day continued deep into Galicia. Theres nothing like an almost endless journey to help you reflect on your life especially with the help of the analogies that the path provided us with.Without (many) moredistractions, we trekked20 more kilometers until we reached Laln station, where a light meal and strongcoffee helped us climb the last six kilometers of the day.After 11 hours, our walking day was crowned bya marvelous stay at an old manor, a massage, and a delightful dinner together with our unfortunate (or maybe not) companion.Projecting change in front of yourself is notdifficult but it is brutal And yet,once we accept the task of living fully, we start building real stories.Beauty unfolds in front of our eyes, step after step, kilometer after kilometer.Tomorrow, we walk again.Ultreia et Suseia,JoaoPhotos of Day 4Joo Perre Viana foundedtheWalking Mentorshipprogram.

How to Decide Whether to Move for a Job or Not

How to Decide Whether to Move for a Job or NotHow to Decide Whether to Move for a Job or Not1Deciding whether to move for a job or not is a huge life decision that very few people take lightly, but rarely consider until faced with the prospect. Knowing how to decide whether to move for a job or not is essential before accepting an offer.The process of moving in and of itself is stressful, even if it is just across town. Accepting a job in a completely different locale can complicate the move further by requiring big changes not only for you, but your family and friends as well. Below are a few things to consider when faced with the decision to relocate or not to relocate for a job.Consider ALL Potential ChangesThe changes that occur will vary depending on whether you have a family, a significant other, or if youre on your own. However, no matter your situation, changes will happen.The Job You will experience new job duties and a new company culture. Is this your dream job and dream c ompany? Are the changes going to be something you are willing to adapt to?The Family If you have a family, there will be a change in schools and employment opportunities for your spouse. There could also be a difference in the availability of activities (art clubs, sports, volunteer organizations) that you and the family are involved in.The Location Depending on what you are used to and where you are going, there could be dramatic changes in climate, culture, and overall lifestyle. The community will also change, meaning a difference in local amenities, neighbors, friends, and family. Are you comfortable with making new friends and being distanced from family?The Finances Some jobs offer relocation expenses others do not. Knowing this ahead of time will help with housing, transportation of goods, and utilities. In terms of money, you also want to consider the cost of living in the location you are moving to.Future Employment in New LocationAnother big thing to consider is the employ ment opportunities in the area. Is the hiring company doing well and growing? If the job is not a fit, are there other opportunities for you to consider in the local area or is it a bad job market? Is relocating for another job something you are willing to do?Other Options Before Taking the PlungeIf you are not aya about moving for a job, consider opening up a discussion with the employer about flexible working arrangements. You could ask about a work-from-home job, either full-time or part-time. Another idea is working a compressed workweek and commuting to the office a few days a week. Another avenue to follow before committing to relocating is to arrange an on-site visit to the company and surrounding community to determine if the move would be personally and professionally worth it.When deciding to move for a job, dont be afraid to follow your instincts. If you know in your gut that this move is one that you want to make, go for it. However, if you are on the fence about the mov e and the job, it may benefit you to consider your options further, such as asking to telecommute. If the company is willing to work with you and understands your reservations, be honest and willing to work with it. On the other side of the aisle, if the company is being overly demanding, it may not be the fit you thought it was.Readers, have you ever had to decide whether to move for a job or not? Share your tips and story with us in the comment section below