Take Back Your Life

I am getting back into the habit of writing, and I am starting with my newest acquisition. "Take Back Your Life," by local Ohio artist Michele Adkins, represents my journey as I take back my own life. I was originally drawn to this Mixed-Media piece as a Psychologist. The words described the personal battles I have fought over the last few years. As I began curating the artwork that had arrived for our gallery opening, the title "Take Back Your Life" resonated with my soul.

I was selective in sharing the personal details of my struggles these last few years. While it would seem obvious that my battle with anxiety and severe depression (both on the back wings of the sculpture) were a part of the grieving process following the loss of my father, it was a direct result of my employer and its environment. I spent my 9-months of Grief Therapy on the couch instead discussing my lack of work-life balance, lack of morale in the environment, and my opportunity to learn and be developed stifled. I absolutely hated going to work every day.

The sculpture is me. I felt chained to my salary and benefits. I spent more than a year nodding, smiling, and playing the game; while I applied for jobs in my field both in and out of state.

I was so exhausted from the 10:30-7:00 shift that I was moved to, that I averaged about 3-4 hours of sleep each night. I rarely saw my friends, and I did my best to squeeze in family time on the weekends. The stress, anxiety, and abnormal work schedule caused me to gain almost 60 pounds. There was never any capacity to take a day off, and every day someone was yelling at you whether they worked for the company or they were a customer. That line from Bad Moms would pop into my head all the time...

"Sometimes when I'm driving all by myself, I have this fantasy that I get into a car crash. Not a big one with fire and explosions, but just like a little one, but I do get injured and I get to go to the hospital for two weeks and I sleep all day and I eat Jell-O and I watch so much TV and it's all covered by my insurance. My kids bring me balloons, and the nurses rub cream on my feet, and oh, my God, it's so amazing. Is that like something you guys fantasize about, too?"

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I took back my life. I claimed my power. I purged the toxins from my soul. The chains were broken. I severed ties with any negativity.

I discovered that I have purpose, and my purpose will not be stifled. I am financially stable, and I was able to take my time to find where I belong. My destiny is not tied to a salary, 401k, and benefits.

Your Mind. Empowerment. Listen to your heart, it will show you the way. Ownership. Family. Your Life. These are all words within the sculpture that encourage me. The former days have passed.

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I am excited and loving the opportunity that I have to lead and coach my team, to re-brand and develop my department, and the encouragement I am given to continue my work within my community. My boss encourages me daily to be creative, develops me, acknowledges my hard-work, and celebrates my accomplishments. I get to wake up every morning and open a museum where I spread my wings in the areas of Art, Science, History, and Technology. I get to watch young minds get excited about the museum exhibits every day. I get to network with my fellow Young Leaders of Licking County, and I am encouraged to attend events and conferences that sharpen my leadership and management skills. I get to watch the construction of our Scidome Planetarium, and plan magical experiences for our guests.

I am happy, healthy, and flourishing.

When one door closes, another door opens.