"What you risk reveals what you value."
- Jeanette Winterson, novelist
I may be repeating myself in this post a little - I've been reflecting a lot on past experiences and situations where I've had to make huge decisions. Moving to Florida was pretty outrageous, not only because I was moving 1300 miles away from home, but because it was a jumping off point into my career. At the time I moved, I valued proving how independent I could be. I was also going against what others thought of me and wanted to prove all of those people wrong. I do admit that taking that leap was a scary thought. I told myself for weeks leading up to the drive South that I should void my contract and stay in Michigan. I had the other viewpoint that if I didn't go now, I wouldn't go at all. There was a fear of the unknown in both situations. I stay in Michigan, who knew what it would hold. Would I find Mr. Right, get married, find a fabulous job and be happy? Would I stay in Michigan and live with my parents forever because I was working at a restaurant and substitute teaching? Or would I move to a LARGE city on my own and enjoy the job based solely on the 4-hour interview and tour of the school? I challenged the norm and the idea that a young girl couldn't or shouldn't move so far away and expect to be successful. I've been told numerous times that my situation is unique and outrageous - some people don't believe I was recruited and had the luck I did in obtaining my job, but it's true. Do I regret the choice I made in moving to Florida? No. But I do regret having the thought go through my mind that I was doing it to prove others that I could instead of proving to myself that I am capable of doing what's important to me.
I've pondered some risks that I'd love to put on "To Do" list, but I'm the type of person that if an item is on a list for too long, the list will be thrown out after some time and will be forgotten...
Some future risks I've considered and haven't necessarily put on the back burner:
1. adopting a child
2. freelance writing and/or editing
3. picking up and moving again
4. changing careers (not entirely...Education will still be a factor)
5. skydiving
6. touring Europe on my own
I'm sure there's more that I'll add as the times come. Until then...
Day 2 of All Good Things: I spent time listening to my mom express how happy she is about her new car. She is usually happy anyway, but today she was even happier. I could hear the smiles in her voice.
