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This Time I Dance!: Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love
A Harvard-educated former lawyer recounts her decision to leave her successful corporate job to follow her heart and invites readers to do the same, sharing insights and tips from her career coaching workshops. Reprint.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 20, 2014
This book changed my life. I quit my 9-5 fulltime job as a librarian, sold all my possessions, hopped in a truck with what few possessions remained and left FL in my rearview en route to the PNW! Jump and the net will appear. This book makes you want to swan dive off the cliff. My life is flowing like a river now. I'm no longer clutching the banks. It's all downstream baby!! Thank you Tama!
November 4, 2009
While I love the title and the premise, and am happy for the author who gave up a stuffy career as a lawyer to become a writer, each chapter in this book essentially said the same thing over and over in different ways. Just got way too repetitive to stay with halfway through.
March 2, 2011
Yay you. You changed your job and followed your dream and sold a book and all that. And while you tried to do a job of convincing people that they could also do the same, you didn't really give any concrete ideas.
But good job selling a book patting yourself on the back.
But good job selling a book patting yourself on the back.
February 25, 2013
a validation of the desire at midlife to just let go of all that crap! and be who I really am
August 24, 2018
Tama got me back into joyfulness which has been lacking for the past few years. I’m ready to begin again.
February 25, 2018
A beautiful and magical book, full of heart reaching prose and poetic metaphors that connected with me. I am in a time of personal transition and developing work that has meaning for me is proving to be very elusive. Tama Kieves has provided a wonderful cushion of warmth and inspiration in equal measure. I feel like I might trust more now than I did before reading her book.
Does she say anything new? No, not really. There's a mixture of self-help, a call for continuous movement (although not necessarily goal oriented, which I found a relief) along with promises of a universe that will support you if you love yourself and have faith in its magic. However, the way she writes it is more convincing than I've come across before and her personal journey provides an insight into the difficulties of anyone struggling to find themselves.
I just love the way that she crystallises the effects of work and employment on our personal development. Believing work to be a passport to status and wealth is one thing, as is having to pay the bills but if that's the only perspective you have there is a chance that you will squander a great deal of your life. However, anyone who seeks to get more from their work will understand the risks that need to be faced and the demons that take residence in your head which try to thwart any creative ambitions. This book can be part of your defence against giving up.
A successful Harvard lawyer, she gave up her prestigious job to follow a dream. However, she did not really know what her dream was only that she had a dissatisfaction with what she had and an ache to do something with more meaning. She admits that she didn't know a thing at first about harnessing her energies into meaningful work but her career journey taught her. She started out desperate and terrified. One day fancy-shmancy corporate attorney, the next a slow-downed person with no idea what she would do with an unstructured hour, much less the rest of her life.
Now she is a published author and poet, coach and seminar leader.
Not having a clear plan as to what I want to do next is problematic for me but is echoed in Tama's writing. Her metaphor is just brilliant in summing up how I feel. "The circumstances of my life looked more like confetti in a hurricane rather than a path to a goal" Perfect!
It is clear that your current job affects your thinking about your future and keeps you chained to your past. However, this is no book to buy if you just want to change your job. Changing jobs is a piece of cake but if your soul is crying out for something else (and you don't know what this might be) then you need to embark upon a pilgrimage. Changing your life TAKES the cake! "After all, your life's purpose isn't about circling want ads. It's about asking yourself, at the deepest level, what you want. What do you ask of this lifetime? A question that brings to life a hundred other questions, a hundred other flashlights suddenly beaming into the secret tunnels of our consciousness."
Self discovery becomes your new career. "Do not secure your future without securing your intentions. Find out what you want."
When someone asks me what I do it's difficult to answer because I no longer fit a clear job description. Tama thinks this need not be a problem if you view it differently. You may not have a label anymore but you've got yourself a ticket to go anywhere you want to with your life. "Trade in that label for a ticket. One explains you properly and makes you a perfectly conventional guest at a cocktail party; the other is the price of admission to a dance of no regret and no turning back. Sure the place between places is awkward and different and people may look at you funny. But freedom always enters ordinary rooms flaunting exotic robes."
She provides a wonderful call for action. No extravagant grand opening or fantasy fuelled experience which threatens to paralyse any action. Instead a version of starting any journey, no matter how long begins with one step. "Go ahead it's time to start. Sculpt a vase that looks like a skinny chicken neck or teach a class that could be sold separately as a cure for insomnia. it doesn't matter. It's not the end of the world; it's the beginning."
"Do the one thing. Face your work. Small deeds build strength. Take the tiniest step you can imagine toward your dream and you will be on track. Even five minutes can wheel destiny around."
"It is obvious, now, that work needs to support not just our materiel lifestyles, but our true lives - and life, itself"
Does she say anything new? No, not really. There's a mixture of self-help, a call for continuous movement (although not necessarily goal oriented, which I found a relief) along with promises of a universe that will support you if you love yourself and have faith in its magic. However, the way she writes it is more convincing than I've come across before and her personal journey provides an insight into the difficulties of anyone struggling to find themselves.
I just love the way that she crystallises the effects of work and employment on our personal development. Believing work to be a passport to status and wealth is one thing, as is having to pay the bills but if that's the only perspective you have there is a chance that you will squander a great deal of your life. However, anyone who seeks to get more from their work will understand the risks that need to be faced and the demons that take residence in your head which try to thwart any creative ambitions. This book can be part of your defence against giving up.
A successful Harvard lawyer, she gave up her prestigious job to follow a dream. However, she did not really know what her dream was only that she had a dissatisfaction with what she had and an ache to do something with more meaning. She admits that she didn't know a thing at first about harnessing her energies into meaningful work but her career journey taught her. She started out desperate and terrified. One day fancy-shmancy corporate attorney, the next a slow-downed person with no idea what she would do with an unstructured hour, much less the rest of her life.
Now she is a published author and poet, coach and seminar leader.
Not having a clear plan as to what I want to do next is problematic for me but is echoed in Tama's writing. Her metaphor is just brilliant in summing up how I feel. "The circumstances of my life looked more like confetti in a hurricane rather than a path to a goal" Perfect!
It is clear that your current job affects your thinking about your future and keeps you chained to your past. However, this is no book to buy if you just want to change your job. Changing jobs is a piece of cake but if your soul is crying out for something else (and you don't know what this might be) then you need to embark upon a pilgrimage. Changing your life TAKES the cake! "After all, your life's purpose isn't about circling want ads. It's about asking yourself, at the deepest level, what you want. What do you ask of this lifetime? A question that brings to life a hundred other questions, a hundred other flashlights suddenly beaming into the secret tunnels of our consciousness."
Self discovery becomes your new career. "Do not secure your future without securing your intentions. Find out what you want."
When someone asks me what I do it's difficult to answer because I no longer fit a clear job description. Tama thinks this need not be a problem if you view it differently. You may not have a label anymore but you've got yourself a ticket to go anywhere you want to with your life. "Trade in that label for a ticket. One explains you properly and makes you a perfectly conventional guest at a cocktail party; the other is the price of admission to a dance of no regret and no turning back. Sure the place between places is awkward and different and people may look at you funny. But freedom always enters ordinary rooms flaunting exotic robes."
She provides a wonderful call for action. No extravagant grand opening or fantasy fuelled experience which threatens to paralyse any action. Instead a version of starting any journey, no matter how long begins with one step. "Go ahead it's time to start. Sculpt a vase that looks like a skinny chicken neck or teach a class that could be sold separately as a cure for insomnia. it doesn't matter. It's not the end of the world; it's the beginning."
"Do the one thing. Face your work. Small deeds build strength. Take the tiniest step you can imagine toward your dream and you will be on track. Even five minutes can wheel destiny around."
"It is obvious, now, that work needs to support not just our materiel lifestyles, but our true lives - and life, itself"
November 14, 2015
Tama Kieves had it made. A Harvard Law School graduate, she had achieved what most people would consider “success” – a well paying position with a large firm. But something inside told her there was more to life than filing legal briefs and earning a big pay check.
In “This Time I Dance!: Creating the Work You Love” Kieves tells her own story of leaving the corporate world to pursue a writing and coaching career. “No salary ever pays enough for us to leave our truth behind,” she writes. “Only a life of self-honor feels safe and sure. Everything else leaves us empty, hungry, and haunted for more.”
In telling her story with candor and wit, Kieves inspires us to follow our own callings, too. She encountered plenty of naysayers along the way, including her family, questioning why she would leave a secure job for a writing future that was anything but guaranteed. Perhaps you are considering a career change but wonder if you can support yourself in following your passion? “Decide to live your dreams before you can foresee the means,” Kieves counsels.
I liked how the book was a mix of biography and motivation. Kieves relates one story of meeting a senior partner from her old law firm in a chance encounter at a bank. Kieves’ casual outfit that day matched her new artistic bent – complete with a striped feather tucked into a black hat. “You look great, just like Annie Hall,” her old boss told her. Kieves was mortified. She later realized her former boss was well meaning in his comment, it was she that was condemning herself for “playing dress up.” Kieves follows this story with a lesson: “we will face these kinds of tests in our transition … trying on new lives feels like playing make-believe. But as we act out our new roles, we will make belief. We become solid with experience and poised and affirmed.”
Reading “This Time I Dance” encouraged me to pursue my own dreams. I have had this book idea in my head for the past year. I happened to meet Kieves and told her of my vision. “I so hope you write your book … it’s your dance,” she wrote when I asked her for an autograph. Though I didn’t win a publishing contract in my first attempt, Kieves’ words motivated me to keep at it – to self publish. I recommend reading “This Time I Dance” if you, too, are looking to express yourself in new and exciting ways.
In “This Time I Dance!: Creating the Work You Love” Kieves tells her own story of leaving the corporate world to pursue a writing and coaching career. “No salary ever pays enough for us to leave our truth behind,” she writes. “Only a life of self-honor feels safe and sure. Everything else leaves us empty, hungry, and haunted for more.”
In telling her story with candor and wit, Kieves inspires us to follow our own callings, too. She encountered plenty of naysayers along the way, including her family, questioning why she would leave a secure job for a writing future that was anything but guaranteed. Perhaps you are considering a career change but wonder if you can support yourself in following your passion? “Decide to live your dreams before you can foresee the means,” Kieves counsels.
I liked how the book was a mix of biography and motivation. Kieves relates one story of meeting a senior partner from her old law firm in a chance encounter at a bank. Kieves’ casual outfit that day matched her new artistic bent – complete with a striped feather tucked into a black hat. “You look great, just like Annie Hall,” her old boss told her. Kieves was mortified. She later realized her former boss was well meaning in his comment, it was she that was condemning herself for “playing dress up.” Kieves follows this story with a lesson: “we will face these kinds of tests in our transition … trying on new lives feels like playing make-believe. But as we act out our new roles, we will make belief. We become solid with experience and poised and affirmed.”
Reading “This Time I Dance” encouraged me to pursue my own dreams. I have had this book idea in my head for the past year. I happened to meet Kieves and told her of my vision. “I so hope you write your book … it’s your dance,” she wrote when I asked her for an autograph. Though I didn’t win a publishing contract in my first attempt, Kieves’ words motivated me to keep at it – to self publish. I recommend reading “This Time I Dance” if you, too, are looking to express yourself in new and exciting ways.
October 24, 2009
I did not like this book at all when I first started reading it because I could not relate to it at all...
I have always followed my passions and dreams and money has always followed. I could not relate with someone who worried about whether to invest an "extra" 2k dollars into a tax deductible IRA or save it for a rainy day. Nor could I relate to someone who had the money or support to be able to just take time off for months or a year to re-create their profession.
It gave me a deeper understanding of people who "exist" and why they stay at the jobs they have but hate and it seems really sad.
I like the later part of the book as it is always a great reminder to take "baby steps" on your projects for the times when our creative ventures and professions seem to be at a stand still or overwhelming. Tamas suggestion of just investing 5 minutes a day is brilliant (nobody can just do 5 minutes).. and on days where you have no motivation at all, 5 minutes gets you 5 minutes further along on your journey.
It is also a great reminder to trust in the process and to know that with diligence and "letting go" of what "should be" you are creating and living exactly where you "should be". The writing was fair but I give her 3 stars because she wrote her book and followed her dreams.
I have always followed my passions and dreams and money has always followed. I could not relate with someone who worried about whether to invest an "extra" 2k dollars into a tax deductible IRA or save it for a rainy day. Nor could I relate to someone who had the money or support to be able to just take time off for months or a year to re-create their profession.
It gave me a deeper understanding of people who "exist" and why they stay at the jobs they have but hate and it seems really sad.
I like the later part of the book as it is always a great reminder to take "baby steps" on your projects for the times when our creative ventures and professions seem to be at a stand still or overwhelming. Tamas suggestion of just investing 5 minutes a day is brilliant (nobody can just do 5 minutes).. and on days where you have no motivation at all, 5 minutes gets you 5 minutes further along on your journey.
It is also a great reminder to trust in the process and to know that with diligence and "letting go" of what "should be" you are creating and living exactly where you "should be". The writing was fair but I give her 3 stars because she wrote her book and followed her dreams.
January 8, 2012
A friend who has been down the path of hating their work, chucking it all and starting over doing something they loved recommended this book to me. The author is a former lawyer who quit her high-pressure firm job, not only because it was killing her, but because her true passion was to write. Of course, it is so often unrealistic to quit your job and pursue your dreams. But the author makes an inspiring case-you only have this one life. Do you really want to waste it on a miserable career? Don't you want to at least try to live differently?
I did have a hard time getting into this book. It can be really hokey at times, and I am not a fan of the author's penchant for rhyming prose. But, at its heart, the book proved to be authentic, and has given me a little push along the path of a possible career change.
I did have a hard time getting into this book. It can be really hokey at times, and I am not a fan of the author's penchant for rhyming prose. But, at its heart, the book proved to be authentic, and has given me a little push along the path of a possible career change.
October 25, 2016
I loved this book! If you feel stuck, uncertain, or confused about your career or purpose, I would highly encourage you to read this book. I think this work is particularly useful if you feel you might be called to do something along a supposedly, non-traditional path that excites yet scares you or that you fear won't be approved by others.
Kieves speaks from her own experience transitioning from a high-powered legal career to one as a writer, but she also speaks to the reader with such encouragement and kindness as your personal life coach. Countless times I felt she was in my head reading my mind and delivered just the right anecdote or message to lead me forward. Her insights and loving voice were very powerful remedies in helping me recognize what is truly possible.
Kieves speaks from her own experience transitioning from a high-powered legal career to one as a writer, but she also speaks to the reader with such encouragement and kindness as your personal life coach. Countless times I felt she was in my head reading my mind and delivered just the right anecdote or message to lead me forward. Her insights and loving voice were very powerful remedies in helping me recognize what is truly possible.
August 1, 2014
I discovered Tama J. Kieves when I heard her speak in Boulder in the summer of 2013. I immediately connected with everything she had to say. I bought her book, which she signed :) This could not have happened at a more significant time in my life. I was at a crossroads and very unhappy with my work. Reading her book helped me have the courage in the months to come to step out and pursue my passions! My life will never be the same, and I'm grateful for Tama's words of wisdom! I highly recommend this to everyone!
January 20, 2011
This book is truly amazing. Inspirational, uplifting, and true soul food. It really hit home for me, as I recently decided to leave a writing related job to persue my dream of being an author, but it would be a must-read for anyone contemplating a career change. If you are struggling to find the strength to go after your dreams and tap into your true voice and inner ncalling, this is the book for you!
August 8, 2015
While attending a retreat in NY (to relax after just leaving my career of 14yrs), I stumbled upon an hour seminar by Tama to create the work you love. Her message was so powerful and exactly what I needed that I quickly got and read this book. Its a quick read, has a bit of laughs but a lot of encouragement and experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has or who is looking to make any change in their life.
February 11, 2009
"If you're this successful doing work you don't love, what could you do with work you do love?"
It's easy to see ourselves as trapped when we listen to fear instead of to inspiration. But through the unlimited energy of inspiration, we possess enough furious love and holy, glowing creativity to realize any dream. Any dream. Yet most of us walk as secrets even to ourselves.
It's easy to see ourselves as trapped when we listen to fear instead of to inspiration. But through the unlimited energy of inspiration, we possess enough furious love and holy, glowing creativity to realize any dream. Any dream. Yet most of us walk as secrets even to ourselves.
August 3, 2012
Some of her analogies were a little silly, but other than that, this book made me feel totally validated in my decision to leave the grind & focus on what makes me happy. I thought I was the only crazy one going through the 'undoing.' It's like the author read my mind these past few months, and said, 'Yep, that's normal. Carry on!'
January 22, 2016
I think that each of us has an ache to do something different, be something different. Tama tells her story of leaving a well-paying job and encourages readers to be bold, be daring, create the life you want, the career you want. You may not even know what that is at the moment but doing what you don't want to do is not the solution.
June 22, 2007
Tama Kieves, a Harvard-educated lawyer who quit her job as a corporate litigation attorney to become a writer and creativity coach, encourages readers to follow their bliss through a 'warts-and-all' account of her own personal journey. Definitely a breath of fresh air for the soul!
September 10, 2009
So far the book is really inspiring and thoughtful about her journey of recovering her creative self. I feel like she combines a spirit of jazz and poise. So far I do feel inspired and taken along her self-rediscovery.
September 23, 2009
Fabulous storytelling and sharing of the real experiences in being lost within and slowly allowing and coaxing the genuine Self to emerge anew and reveal Herself, while listening all the while to Her brilliant knowing and guidance about what She/I truly want to be and do!
April 15, 2011
Tama Kieves is one of my favorite go-to writers for inspiration. Love this book - it really takes you through all the emotions of jumping off the edge of the world (leaving a good job and following your heart).
November 14, 2011
This book describes Tama's journey from the security of a high-paying job to learning to trust her passion and follow her dreams. A great example of what happens when we don't let fear stop us and how the universe opens up and supports our journey.
January 14, 2013
Honestly, one of the best books I've ever read. If you are thinking about chasing your dreams, this is the book you need to read. It came to me at a time when I was struggling with which direction to go in my creative pursuits and how much commitment to make to them. Just brilliant.
March 24, 2013
Such an inspiring book! While reading I felt as though I had my very own personal cheerleader. My very own life coach. Tama shares personal fears and failures while encouraging you to press forward on your own personal goals. I. Am. Inspired :)
January 16, 2018
LOVED this book... read it some time ago, and Tama's piercingly honest and exquisitely sharp, witty writing style just spoke to me, and still does~~~ an excellent choice for anyone trying to find their place in the world~
November 29, 2007
What a refreshing book! A great book for anyone who is unsure of where they're at and what to do. Tami Kieves is motivational, interesting and real!
November 19, 2009
I love this book and the way Tama writes. Focusing on your feelings instead of taking aptitude tests speaks so much more to me.
did-not-finish
January 23, 2010As good as it sounded, and highly recommended as it came, this book just didn't speak to me.
couldn-t-get-through
May 23, 2012I am reading this book as part of my "life design exploration".
August 26, 2010
If you want a push to help you start doing what you really want, this is the book for you. Highly motivating!
Currently reading
November 9, 2010i'm loving it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews