Risk and a Modern Cinderella Story
The Holidays are nearing their end and it will be time to look forward to a fresh New Year! It’s that time when we all take stock of what has occurred, what no longer serves us and what we want to grow in the coming year. It all sounds so easy doesn’t it? But in reality there is one very necessary ingredient that one must be willing to add to the formula to make it all happen. This was illustrated to me this season when I attended a party to say goodbye to a good friend and wish her well on the adventure she has chosen to embark on.
I have spoken of her before. She has always been a special person who dances to the beat of her own drum and whatever “dance” she is dancing, her passion is palpable and the consequent good results seem effortless. To know her is to love her.
Over the past few years she has experienced a great deal of change in her life; some by circumstance and most by design. Indeed, what she has endured would sideline many. To be brief, a sudden and unexpected health issue that nearly killed her and took her short term memory and livelihood and a relationship that ended suddenly. But instead of giving in she continued with her passion for life, Tango Dancing, and looking forward.
The Cinderella Part
There came an opportunity for two lengthy visits to Argentina to submerge in the culture and most importantly, Dance the Tango to her heart’s content. Of course she grabbed it. It was on one of these visits that she met the special someone. Although their physical time together was brief that magical “thing” that is so unexplainable; a knowing, an intuition that this is right grew after her return. Now she glows and seems to be in a joyous, private and impenetrable place.
Her handsome prince has asked her to join him in Argentina and for her hand in marriage. In fact, he has come to take her to the home he has prepared for them. She is selling her home here, an incredible unique place filled with interesting treasures collected and created over the years that so clearly speak to who she is. She seems delighted to spread her possessions among her many friends first and then the rest will be sold off. There is no sign of regret. She is taking only what she needs for her new life in a small number of suitcases and an even smaller amount that will be shipped. She will enjoy smaller accommodations in the city; a liberating walk/live lifestyle without the burdens of excessive belongings. There is no sign of hesitance; she radiates a calm self assured peace and joy that is in a word… enviable.
The Risk
Her friends are many and each with their own version of well intentioned concern. Shouldn’t she rent her home for a while to see how this turns out? Shouldn’t she go and get to know him better before she takes such irreversible actions? What if she needs help? She will be so far away from all of us who love her.
I spent a day with her a while back and discovered that her thinking is not as impetuous as it might seem. Of course she is aware that this might not be a happy ever after but she is not going to focus on it. She has weighed the advantages and disadvantages of her decision and has come to what is right for her. There are, after all, opportunities that come with living in and exploring a culture she loves whether the relationship lasts or not. Bottom line, she could stay “safe” and shackled to “things’” and a life she has outgrown or risk, thrive and shape a life that is more of who she is now.
Now I’m not suggesting you and nor am I ready or in a position to wipe the slate clean and start over. We are all different and unique. Although my friend has always danced to the beat of her own drum, even she admits this is a drastic albeit exciting move. But it does clearly illustrate to me that in order to discover, change and grow we must be willing to set aside our fears and risk. For it is in this risk, whether large or small, that growth and the opportunity to live a life of consequence, a life without regrets can occur. It is what makes life rich, interesting and keeps us alive and thriving!
Congratulations my friend! I wish you joy and happiness in your new life!
“And if not now, when?”
– TALMUD
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TO YOUR DREAMS
Time Saving Tips for the busy Holidays
I don’t know about you but the magical Holiday is approaching faster than a sled down an icy hill and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Of course we all had the best of intentions but where did the time go?
HOLIDAY STRESS
The reality is we are adding enough extra duties into our schedule to keep a full time employee busy. With that said, I’ll get right to the point. Here are 10 great ways to save some time AND relieve some stress.
- Lay out what you are going to wear the night before and have whatever you need to take with you organized and by the door. The simple act of having one less decision to make in the morning will relieve stress and get you out the door quick with a clear mind.
- Through the Holidays get up 20 minutes earlier than you normally do. We all have a lot of extra errands and things on our minds right now. It is much easier to be efficient when we feel prepared and not rushed.
- Speaking of extra errands, there is no better time to keep your to do list up to date. Write EVERYTHING down. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you see tasks crossed off your list. With a written list you will be more likely to use your time wisely and sneak an extra errand in when you find yourself near the location of one of your chores.
- Prioritize your list. Keep the things you must get done at the top of the list and leave the items that are not imperative at the bottom.
- This is the time to keep your meals easy to prepare! Consider keeping some prepared deli foods in the fridge for emergencies. If you do cook, it is a great idea to double your recipes so you will have prepared food ready to heat and serve on those particularly rushed days.
- Wear your most comfortable shoes and clothes. You will have more energy and will more likely feel like doing the extra chores on your list!
- It’s not too late to shop online for some or all of your gifts. The best part… you can do it in your pajamas and gift wrapping is often included or offered for a very minimal fee!
- This is no time to play the Wonder Woman role. ASK FOR HELP! Divvy up some of the duties you can’t get to.
- When you find yourself stressed to the max take a 30 minute time out; go for a brief walk, read a few pages from your favorite book or just find a quiet place to sit and relax. When you are stressed your mind is cluttered and it becomes hard to focus.
- Lastly, if you really find yourself overwhelmed consider contacting a personal assistant concierge service. I did a quick search on the internet and found several that offer help from the simplest to the largest of chores and duties. Now doesn’t that sound tempting?
Remember, you are human and your best IS ENOUGH. Keep a positive attitude and find a way to enjoy this season. I hope you spend it surrounded by those you love and are filled with the gratitude of all that you have and all that you are.
Deborah Hayes, CTA Life Coach
Empowering women to live a life of consequence, a life without regrets that is your own unique version of the life you love. About Deborah
deborah@womenintransitiononline.com
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