Today's How I Did It Story comes from someone who left a six figure prestigious career to begin a more fulfilling passion. Joyce Averils seemed to "have it all" until one day when she realized she no longer wanted the "all " she had.
Ever since I was 12 years old, I wanted to be a lawyer. In my little girl mind, there were really only two professions in the world: doctor or lawyer. I hated the idea of cutting into anything; and I wasn't too thrilled about being around a lot of blood either. So, lawyer it was. After all, I loved watching Perry Mason and I knew I could do what he did. He just talked and like most 12 year olds, I was great at that!
I went to law school at The Ohio State University and following graduation moved to Atlanta and passed the Georgia bar exam. Talk about excited! With all of the things I've done, passing the bar is still one of the proudest moments of my life.
For the next 10 years I was a trial attorney. I truly loved it! I had found my passion. Nothing excited me more than standing in front of a jury and giving a closing argument. I know one of the biggest fears many people have is public speaking. I’m not one of those people. Standing in front of an audience absolutely energizes me.
A few years later, I was appointed to the bench and was eventually promoted to the Chief Judge of my court, and discovered I loved being a judge, just as much as I loved trying cases. Shortly after my appointment, one of my brothers asked me if I remembered what I used to tell people I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn't remember but he reminded me that I always said that I wanted to be in charge and I absolutely got my wish. My professional life was wonderful. I was living a life bigger and better than anything I had ever dreamed was possible.
But, after 14 years of practicing either as an attorney or judge, I began to realize I did not have the same passion I had started with. The day came when I didn’t enjoy what I was doing. I reached a place where my work was no longer enjoyable but had become a very unfulfilled obligation. The fire had burned low and was about to go out but there was a looming question; how could I leave a six-figure paycheck, a prestigious title and one of the few jobs that require everyone to stand up when you enter the room? Leaving didn’t seem to make sense.
As I struggled with that question, I felt as if I was dying inside. My days were filled with stress,anxiety and less fulfillment. There was no joy in my work and I just couldn't take it anymore. Not leaving was no longer an option but a choice I realized I would have to make if I was to ever experience another career ignited by passion.
I knew within my heart I had entered a new season of life. I knew God had something even bigger planned for me and I knew I had to take the chance to do something with everything He had entrusted me with. So, I retired from my job and joyfully entered the next season of my life.
Was I scared? Absolutely! But, I knew I had to do something different, become someone different.
So, I started a non-profit, Changing the Buzz, Inc. which helped inner city middle school and high school girls deal with issues of self-esteem and life skills. Next, I began an online women's ministry, Refresh Your Faith, which focused on giving women of faith a fresh way to connect with God.
On the latest step in my journey, I entered the world of entrepreneurship. My business is My Second Chapter, LLC, where I help women design an authentic life that gives them joy and fulfillment while they share their gifts with the world. My biggest desire is to inspire them to lead a life that is not happenstance, but one that is purposefully designed.
When people hear my story, I'm often asked if I miss being a judge. I can truthfully respond that I don’t. Everything I loved about practicing law and being a judge, has given me skills that I use in my business every day – speaking, listening and writing. And, just like I loved being a trial lawyer and I loved being a judge, I absolutely love speaking and coaching. I've found my second chapter to be just as sweet as the first.
Lessons Learned on My Journey:
Dreams do come true.
It’s never too late to dream a new dream.
Give yourself permission to set new dreams and goals.
Living a joy-filled and fulfilled life matters.
Everything you go through prepares you for the next season of life.
God desires that you live the life you were created to live.
Joyce Averil is a life design and business coach and you can visit her at
https://www.facebook.com/FabulousYouAcademyByJoyceAverils and http://fabulousyouacademy.com/
How I Did It Stories are part of FINDING YOUR FIRE the site where those who want to make their passion happen learn how.
