JOURNEY: The Beginning

So.

Why JOURNEY?

Last year, when I chose the word POSSIBILITY as my "one little word," it was because there was some sort of . . . pull . . . deep inside me for . . . 

something ELSE
something DIFFERENT
something MORE

I thought, then, that I needed to consider new possibilities for my life.  And, at the time, I thought I needed to add something (a new project, new creative ventures, more this, more that).  I never thought about what I might leave behind.  

What I discovered over the course of my year of POSSIBILITY was quite shocking to me!  As the year rolled on, I slowly began to realize that in order to explore/find/discover new possibilities, I first needed to make room for them.  I understand now (because hindsight always makes you wiser) that adding something "new" . . . without considering what was "already there" . . . would have been a horrible mistake, and wouldn't actually help me at all.

(Ah.  The power of one little word.)

So my year of POSSIBILITY . . . became a year of creating space!  I started with my closet.  Most unexpected, but so satisfying.  (And still ongoing, truth be told.  Paring down happens in stages. . . as I realize how lightly I really can pack!)  It moved on to the garden, where I did a lot more digging-up than planting-in last year.  It moved into my head - in a very big way - where I started thinking very hard about commitments and priorities and passions.

And that's when it really hit me.

What I discovered was this:  My time (and my heart) were beging consumed by my job -- a job I'd actually been "tricked" into accepting (can you say "bait-and-switch"?), didn't ever want, and was holding onto for some weird sense of obligation.  My original search for new possibilities, I now understand, was actually a search for my own heart.  Because I felt so empty and drained from the demands of a job I didn't want to have in the first place.

So I cleared space.

I quit.

Today is my first "official" day without that particular job in my life.

Now, my JOURNEY really begins.  I've cleared space -- and now I'm heading out for uncharted territory.

I'm not sure where I'm going, but I know I'm on my way!

Comments

[Patty]

And I know you will sail through your journey with lots of success and happiness!

[claudia]

It seems that you've already completed the first part of your journey, and this year will bring the next part. I love the picture/map mash-up.

[Bonny]

You're probably not hanging out with Julio down by the schoolyard, but I thought of this song right away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Cfrl7hMoQ
Looking forward to reading about your journey this year!
P.S. Thank you for choosing my word for me! (More later when I put the finishing touch on my words.)

[Carole]

I know this was a difficult decision for you but I also know you made the absolute right one by quitting. I'm jealous! But I can't wait to see what's in store for you on this part of your journey.

[Jo]

Kym, this is one ofthe most inspiring posts I've read in a long time. So often, we duck our own truths amd clutter our lives with possessions or activity that doesn't feed our souls. You have inspired me to let go-- you are a great example!

[Kathy]

OMG -- the power of one word! Congratulations on moving forward!

[Barbara S]

Wow! How exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you.

[Vicki]

Fabulous!! Bon voyage!

[margene]

Cute photo mass-up! Your journey is going to take you to a great discovery. I can't wait to see where you go and what you find!

[Mary]

I hope this is the opening page of this year's OLW journal...it's awesome!! congratulations on the new path - it may be uncharted, but you've got all the right gear in your pack to find the way (...and maybe get lost for just a bit :-) Happy 2015!!

[Marilyn]

Now you have a blank page, jobwise...I hope that if you are planning on another job you find one that fulfills you instead of drains you. May the job story you write be a happy one! :)

[Cheryl S.]

Wow - good for you! Out with the old, and in with the new. Best of luck on your new journey.