After 5 weeks in Spain and a further three weeks in the US, I (K) have finally landed in reality. But what a nice break it proved to be!
Early-on during our days in the UK, I focused very much on being homesick within my posts. But, the form that homesickness takes changes over time. At first, for me, I missed the frequency of visits with family. As time has passed, I now miss the depth of time spent. An extended visit this May, my longest uninterrupted period with my family since December 1999, was just the right medicine–though I’m sure the symptoms will recur.
My family bonds through working together. During my stay, I fed cows, petted (and fed) donkeys, climbed fences, helped to build fences, dug ditches and picked up rocks. But I also played games, went for ice cream, planted flowers, visited with the neighbors and extended family and just generally relaxed. I can’t think of a better bit of quality time with my family. And for this time, I’m very thankful.
It’s clear that my family bonds through hardwork, but it’s also good for my spirit to spend so much soaking up the sun (though perhaps a bit tougher on my skin 
). I now feel renewed and clear of mind.
This new calm has allowed me the courage and clarity of mind to take on a number of new challenges:
- Starting my own company: acting as a marketing advisor for start-ups
- Running my first (sprint) triathlon: Stay tuned for the race results on 5 Sept (keep in mind that I’ll never be the fastest )
- Running my second half marathon: The Royal Parks in London this October
So, while I’ve returned to ‘reality’…it’s in a new form. For now, I’m free from the ‘butts in chairs’ corporate world. I’m in the midst of completely reprogramming my daily routine after 10 years in the professional world. I’m finding that this transition has not and will not be easy as it’s such an incredible break from my sense of ‘normalcy’. But, looking ahead 6 months and 12 months, I like what I see. I like the ‘vision’ of myself that I may create if I’m tenacious and find a bit of luck along the way. Now, for the hard work…
Any prayers will be gladly accepted
Hi K! Congratulations on becoming self-employed! I am sending prayers and good thoughts your way (not that you’ll need either). John became self-employed in January and is loving it. I continue to toil away in the ‘butts in chairs’ corporate world (someone has to be responsible and make sure we have health insurance). Enjoy the adventure and freedom that comes with being your own boss – you’re going to be great at this!
Miss ya, girl!
It’s been a while since I visited the blog and I had some catching up to do!
Wow! Congratulations on the big entrepeneurial decision! I’m certain it will be a smashing success.
Thanks, Nancy. I hope to be. It’s a rollercoaster with a mammoth learning curve, but I’m enjoying the ‘ride’
Thank you for the encouragement, Julie. I’m sure you’ll understand through John’s experiences that there are good and bad days. Here’s hoping that at the end of 6 months there will have been more good than bad
Miss you, too…