The Evolution of Impact🌍: My Next Expression of a Fulfillment-Focused Life



I have always lived outside of norms and expectations. My family knows this best, as do my hommies, my lovers, and my friends.

In 2024, prior to accepting my current role at NAFSA, I was blessed with a sabbatical—a rare window of time to pause and reflect. During those months, I began to deeply ponder a single word: fulfillment. I interrogated what it meant for me, and I invited those in my inner circle to play with the idea alongside me. What I discovered is that this simple word often evokes a tidal wave of emotion. Beneath the surface of "career success," I found vulnerability, grief, embarrassment, and even shame.

The Cost of the Climb

For mid-to-senior level professionals, reflecting on values, habits, and the norms we’ve accepted over time can be deeply uncomfortable. We are taught that success is a linear ascent. Yet, taking one step after another up the professional ladder often results in the slow abandonment of the self. In exchange for consistency, financial security, and dopamine hits from the occasional ego boost, we often sacrifice the very things that make us feel alive.

My New Definition of Success

During my sabbatical, I decided to pivot. I began focusing on a renewed definition of fulfillment—one that I’ve been documenting on my @FulfillmentFocused Instagram page. This pursuit led me to the art of coaching, where I now help others unpack their own perceptions of what a "fulfilling life" looks like as a servant leader and "grown up."

To align my life with my values, I made some intentional shifts:

  • I accepted a role with less leadership responsibility to protect my time and energy.
  • I moved back to the city where I feel most empowered and limitless.
  • I began designing a unique coaching curriculum specifically for my tribe: professionals who haven’t given up on living a life of value, purpose, service, and self-defined fulfillment.
Let’s Connect
If you find yourself reading this and feeling a tug toward something deeper, I invite you to explore this with me. If you’re ready to schedule a Fulfillment-Focused Coaching session, send me a message on LinkedIn and mention this blog post.

Peace, until we meet again. Thank you for reading This Space, This Time...

Maraina


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