Shift happens

I’ve been stuck in limbo, waiting for something—anything—to happen that would move the needle toward realizing the B&B dream and moving out of the Bay Area. Things had only been looking bleaker in the last couple of weeks. There was no word from the B&B consultant and then an email last week explaining that he was bowing out because he was too busy to help "nice folks like me" right now. The stock market has been in a tumble, eroding my nest egg for the B&B. And then there were perky Facebook posts from the innkeepers of a new B&B in the area we’re interested in. It seemed my dream was fading fast and belonged to someone else. 

I was feeling sad, frustrated, and desperate. 

One day about a week ago, a thought came to me: What if it’s not the what but the where that’s important?

Hmm … I gave this some more thought. Todd and I often talk wistfully about that much longed for “someday” when we can leave the Bay Area with its high cost of living and increasing congestion of people and cars. We loved central Oregon; it feels like home to us. I’m often mooning over the posts of Bend and the surrounding area that I see on Facebook. There is so much abundant natural beauty with lots of color (one of the characteristics for my perfect place). And when I look at B&B sale listings in other states such as Virginia or Maine, my reaction is always “meh.” The properties and geography just don’t speak to me. 

Then it hit me like a lightning bolt, if lightning bolts were like the slowly dawning light of a new day. We need to be where we want to be and then the other things—the right things—will fall into place. 

With this shift came a profound sense of peace and freedom. Suddenly I am open to and excited by all the possibilities this move opens up. If not the B&B, then perhaps another opportunity—one I have yet to imagine—that will allow me to do what I love. I shared my revelation with Todd and posed the question, “What if we just move? No job, no B&B. Just because it’s where we want to be?” Not surprisingly, he was open to it. (One of the many reasons why I love him.) 

And as often happens, the Universe sent me a message via my friend Kristi to reinforce this shift in perspective and to confirm that I am on the right track. She had just pulled this card out of her Crazy Sexy Love Notes deck the morning I mentioned our new plan to her:

Great things are born from those brave enough to fly--those who are willing to risk failure. Your dreams require action, and you're ready to make a move. Remember you have nothing to lose. Even if you flop, you'll receive valuable insight. So get off your butt and take a leap. Go for it!

Shift happens. Embrace it!