May 10, 2010

A Magic 8-Ball State of Mind

Okay, so while my blog has been unusually quiet because I'm on hiatus, BIG changes are happening behind the scenes. In fact, I've switched tacks.

You know how you dream about being some place totally different than where you are right now? You know how you say, One of these days, when all the stars align, when the kids no longer need me, or when money falls from the sky, I'm going to do/go/be _______ (fill in the blank)? I'm going to reinvent myself and my life. I will finally do it, go there, be that . . . One of these days.

Followed by big sighs, slumps in your chair, and massive doses of reality and routine in the form of work, money, bills, kids, deadlines, whatever.

And then because the universe works in crazy wondrous ways, an opportunity comes along that answers the call your subconscious has been busily broadcasting across the galaxy—the opportunity that could bring you closer to your dream. It's a glimmer of realization that hits you, and your whole body stills to take measure of this tiny, hopeful spark. You stare at it, mull it over, toss around the possible pitfalls. You shake it like a Magic 8-ball, and the triangle that stares back at you reads, As I see it, yes. You do a double-take. Signs point to yes. Is this wishful thinking or just craziness? Outlook good. If I don't recognize opportunity for what it is, I can't accept it for what it is, and then will it be gone with one more shake of the 8-ball? That I will later regret? Most likely.

How many missed opportunities have there been in your life? Concentrate and ask again.

Yeah, that's the kind of thing I'm looking at RIGHT NOW. I've sent off the kids to Atlanta (boo-hoo big time!), my house is nearly empty, and I have a place to go across town. It's the safe thing to do but gets me no closer to living my dream. Outlook not so good. But a random rant to a beloved confidant has spurred something new and exciting—that hopeful spark. Yes, I'm moving toward the light. (Not that one.) Toward sunnier days. Now the safe thing doesn't feel like the right thing. So I'm about to take a calculated (repeatedly in my Excel spreadsheets) risk. Aahh, there's that troublesome little word: risk. If it's worth having, is it worth the risk?

If the stars continue to align, in three weeks, I'll be in a whole 'nother state. Mentally, emotionally, geographically. My life. In flux. On the cusp. It is decidedly so. Wish me luck.

What exactly is on the horizon for me? Better not tell you now.

But soon. You may rely on it.
.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck, hot stuff! The beauty of having a *reasonably* empty nest is the rebirth of the fearless explorer within! Go get 'em! Cheering madly for you!

Unknown said...

Sounds exciting! I have my fingers crossed for you that it all works out!

Casey Freeland said...

Well Mystery, whatever it is, I hope it goes well. :)
Casey

rxBambi said...

I have no idea what you are doing or where you are going, but I hope the risk is small and the rewards are great. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

keeping my fingers crossed for you. :)

Kristina P. said...

Good luck, my friend! This is when the Ask The Hoff app comes in handy.

ellen abbott said...

Oooo. How exciting! How many people actually do that? Make a sudden radical change after they have basically fulfilled the purpose of their current incarnation? Good for you. Only one life might as well get the most out of it. do it, do it.

Anonymous said...

yeah go for it and live it to the fullest every second you get?

you ever heard of a place called chills?

Pat said...

Ooh! Sounds mysterious and exciting! Good luck in whatever you choose and keep us posted!

Gaelyn said...

Good luck to you as you follow a dream.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Wow, that's exciting. May all the stars align exactly as needed!

mac said...

Wow!

I am really curious. I hope it works out.
Please, let us know !

:-)

Irish Gumbo said...

Wishing you all the best, and strength, and courage and just plain good vibes.

Peace,
IG

CiCi said...

Change can bring about things that would otherwise be hidden and missed. Good for you. You sound excited. You sound ready. Hugs to you.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Sting says "God rewards the risk takers." Go for it with gusto and give it everything you've got. We'll be here when you're ready.

Boozy Tooth said...

Ooooooh! Goosebumps!

I can hardly wait to hear where you are going to turn up and what you're going to be doing. I'm thrilled for you and am sending massive good juju your way. It's not exactly Magic-8 Ball, but mighty powerful anyway.

XO

Keep us posted!

Unknown said...

Sooooo exciting! carpe diem! viva le vida! Woo hoo!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Okay... keep the secret if you must. All I can say is it better be a good story when you finally decide to tell us.

DI

Rusty said...

Ah yes - I have missed some, had some slip away, ignored others, grasped a few. New life chapters can be worrysome, and-or exciting. It's all part of being alive. We will wait - perhaps not with patience - to see where you go, but wishing you All The Best, no matter what! ATB!

Anonymous said...

Good luck!!! Wishing you happiness!

Kissy Lovestuff said...

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

-mark twain

foxy said...

DUDE.

What's going on here????

Do tell...

Matt Conlon said...

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

One might argue that staying safe is also a risk, one that prevents opportunity for something better.

Anonymous said...

As as it isn't in a State run facility...especially one that only allows you to write with crayons...you should be alright!

cheatymoon said...

Like jumping off a cliff! Can't wait to read more...:-) Good luck.

Michelle Wells Grant said...

Wow.
You know I've always believed you could have your dream. I'm sending you every ounce of positive energy I've got.

Jocelyn said...

What I like best about this whole shaking of your personal 8 ball is this: you're open and willing and ready for the next thing...not settling and resting and decaying.

Time for the future!

Anne Marie Price said...

Uggh the suspense!

JennyMac said...

Sending positive thoughts for great things ahead.

Michel said...

Obviously, I've been without internet and the ability to comment for a while!!! However, I am guessing this is the situation that made you lose your cable!? Gasp... Nobody should have to watch tv with the commercials. We've come so much farther now.

Best of luck to you. Move to Virginia...we can go get a drink(s). Come on! All the cool kids are doing it....

lisahgolden said...

Oooh! I can't wait to hear the news. May it all turn out well.

Unknown said...

good things happen to good people....you are in for something real good!
Can't wait for the revealing post!
~AM

Roshni said...

waiting to hear all! Best of luck!!

blognut said...

Risk is good - as long as it's not me taking the risk - then risk is bad.

Good luck!!

Carma Sez said...

I'm gonna hold ya to it. Since I will not be moving any time soon, I shall live vicariously through your journey :-)

The Mayor said...

Way to build everyone's sense of anticipation. Good luck on your endeavor.

Madame DeFarge said...

Waiting with baited breath and an overwhelming sense of curiosity too. Hope all is well with you.

Deech said...

May the stars favor you and the wind be at your back!

Best of Luck to you!

Tgoette said...

From one poker player to another, sometimes you just have to go all in and hope for the best. Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

May the sun shine, all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true!
~Irish Blessing~

injayensworld said...

How exciting. I can hardly wait to hear all about it.

midlifeslices said...

wow wow wow, that's a giant leap of faith and I'm so happy for you!

Alexandra said...

I hope it all works out for you, and please let us know!!

I love reinventions of selves.

Romeo Das said...

Really exciting ! All I can do is wish you good luck :)

http://romeo-das.blogspot.com/

Hilary said...

That was what finally spurred me to start my weaving studio 5 years ago....I remembered all those opportunities I had passed up my whole life....and I said, this time, is for me.
Good luck.

Nancy said...

I am so excited for you! Yes, I say, take the risk. We just did something rather risky ourselves. After mulling, and worrying, and calculating - we're taking the risk. After all - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Girl Tornado said...

Read your last few posts to get a little caught up... wow, sounds soooo exciting. Fingers are crossed for you... and I'll be back to find out what life holds in store for you!! Best of luck to you. :-)

♥ Braja said...

I just went rogue.

No really...

middlesister said...

just found out what a "Lurker" is. Sorry for not commenting before. Love you blog. Can't wait until you return from wherever

Madame DeFarge said...

Hope to see you back again soon.

Suzy said...

*And then because the universe works in crazy wondrous ways, an opportunity comes along that answers the call your subconscious has been busily broadcasting across the galaxy—the opportunity that could bring you closer to your dream.*

This is always how life works. Concentrate on what you want, identify the wish, the need, and then let go!

creative kerfuffle said...

i love this post and love the excitement and...dare i say fear? it stirs. i am excited for you (and a tad bit jealous!) : ) people keep telling me this does actually happen to people--that whole when one door closes a window opens or something, but i've never actually seen it in action. kudos to you for following your dream. you ROCK!

Vodka and Ground Beef said...

I have been feeling the exact same way! I need to take some sort of risk, but I don't know what. I hope yours worked out.