Being Behind The Curtain

I grew up dancing competitively, which not only shaped my confidence, but taught me many valuable lessons. At each competition or performance, I would wait behind the curtain backstage watching the other routines perform. Despite having practiced for copious amounts of hours, receiving coaching, and having a group of supportive teammates next to me, my heart and mind still raced as I anxiously awaited my turn to take the stage. I would compare our routine to the routines that had gone before us, questioning the worth of what we were about to do. Silly, right? Just because something is happening before you, doesn't mean it should invalidate what you are about to do. Instead of looking at the dynamic performances of others as inspiration to compete better, I was consumed by comparison. They say comparison is the thief of joy, and in this case and many others, sometimes it as just as simple as being reminded- it's not my turn yet.

As I enter my job search as a Senior in college, I find myself back in this headspace. Except this time instead of a nailing a stage performance, it's nailing down a career. I have been preparing extensively, receiving coaching and mentorship, and have supportive people in my corner. Yet, I find myself scrolling LinkedIn, comparing the accomplishments of others to an accomplishment that has not yet happened for me. This makes me feel a sense of pressure to perform, so when rejection comes, it is devastating.

However, I am learning that finding a job is not a race. Just because I am waiting behind the stage curtain, watching others succeed, does not mean I can't do the same eventually. It's just not my turn to perform yet. I am reframing my mindset to practice patience, trusting that what is meant for me will come in time. Waiting doesn't have to hold a negative connotation. In fact, It can be an advantage. I am learning to live in the season I am in, instead of looking so far ahead at what's next that I lose sight of the present.

Being behind the curtain is an opportunity to draw inspiration, practice patience, and prepare for the moment when I finally take the stage.