The past few weeks have been a time of change and upheaval here at Casa HappySimple.
OK, when is it not? Still, the last few weeks seemed just a wee bit more fraught than usual.
Remember that new job I was telling you about? The one that I thought would last me well into the next decade or so? Well, things changed. A lot. And quickly.
There are times when you see the brick wall looming up in front of you, but no matter how big and thick and impenetrable you know it is, you hope to avoid having to change direction anyway. Because you don’t want to look like a loser. Because the same stupid wall keeps looming up in front of you, even when you’re sure this time will be different.
Because you don’t want to fail.
In the run-up to my decision to leave, I had many chats with a good friend. And at one point she said to me, ‘You know, I’ve been reading this blog that you might want to look into. It’s called HappySimple.”
I said, “Shut up.”
She said, “Especially the Failure post.”
So I reread it and the next day I handed in my resignation. And here I am, back in the scary, thrilling world of solo-preneurship. Selling my handmade cards at the Slow Food Market and (soon) a local art gallery. I’m halfway through my Reiki training and it is SO COOL!
And if I were a friend instead of being me I would be cheering for me and shouting these accomplishments from the rooftops instead of feeling just a bit weird about it all.
The day I handed in my resignation, I went to a women’s networking event with my soon to be former boss and all of my co-workers. It doesn’t get much more awkward than that. But the woman who organized the event gave a little talk and used the line in the title and I knew I’d have to tell this story, out here in public, because a great line like that just can’t go unused, even though I’d really rather just ignore the events of the last few weeks.
So I’m back. And I’ll have lots more thoughts and ideas for you as I take in my new situation and the Reiki wisdom (did I mention that it’s SO COOL????). And I won’t have the answers. Not ever. Just lots and lots of really interesting questions, some cool stories and all the encouragement you could ever need.
Which, occasionally, my friends will throw right back in my face for me.
“And if I were a friend instead of being me I would be cheering for me and shouting these accomplishments from the rooftops instead of feeling just a bit weird about it all.” — which is exactly what this friend is doing!
And has done and continues to do. For which I am so very grateful.
I love how you write, and – ohmyword – I love what you write!
Your story of a friend reminding you of your own words got me laughing – my daughter does that to me frequently (especially when I’m griping about anything body related) — ¿why is it that, as you said:
“if I were a friend instead of being me I would be cheering for me…”
it’s so much harder to apply those honest and deeply felt encouraging words to ourselves?
It really is.
But I guess if we could be the friends we need, we wouldn’t need the friends we have.
And how much would that suck?
A million years ago when I was a kid, I saw my parents’ generation living linear lives that generally went from A to B to C to D(eath). There was predictability and order. Enter technology and fast paced change in every area of life – employment, social, theories of living and loving and educating and child-rearing. Now life is more like a series of seasons. We can live in, enjoy, and learn from each place then take the good and the ‘learning’ with us into the next season. Here’s hoping that this new season yields much for you.
Thanks so much Val. I love the analogy!
Ahhhhh, I LOVE you!
I’m just sayin’…
Ahhhhh…. I’m just sayin’ too…
My dear FRIEND, I hope you are taking for granted that I AM Cheering!
I am now! And thank you.
great post, too true and here’s a cheer for (me and) you! (seems I’m channeling dr. seuss today…)
Hugs!
Sandy
Well here’s a cheer for Dr. Seuss and YOU!
Well done you. New season, all change!
A whole decade would be too long to stay somewhere you weren’t happy
It did seem a little excessive…
Simple honesty in life is so refreshing; beautiful people are honest with themselves and others. That’s truly living life without being driven by fear and that’s awesome. When we don’t believe in something, it’s better to leave it. More people need to be like that. (I’m listening.). Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Maureen.
I belive your life force energy has guided you well…here’s cheering you on from the rooftops!
Again, congratulations on making your move. I know you’re doing the right thing. Go, Barb!
Thank you for posting an honest, and personal, look at this decision you had to make. I have been in similar situations where I needed to treat myself more like a friend would treat me. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing that fabulous title! May I share it, please? I feel like shouting it from the rooftops!
It was drilled into my wee little head that once you make a commitment, you must stick to it – no matter what. I love being all grown-up now and realizing that I no longer have to do that, AND… that sort of thinking often keeps us in situations that are not in our best interest (bad jobs, bad marriage to name a few of my own).
Thanks again for sharing and best wishes to you on this new path – no matter where it takes you or how long you follow it!
Thanks so much, everyone, for your kind comments and support!
What a lovely post from the heart!! I admire your honesty and your bravery and wish you peace and happiness on your journey. Bye the way yor cards look beautiful. Thanks for sharing.