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Friday, September 16, 2011

Risky? You Betcha!



I woke up this morning with a charged expectancy…the promise of a new beginning! I’m a little nervous, having spent the last five years with certain employment. A regular paycheck is not to be undervalued in this economy. But, when the trade off becomes too much to bear, then it’s time to take the leap and reach for something more.

I’ve spent the last three of these five years living away from home much like a soldier in the Army. This has provided me with some valuable space for reflection, creativity (I wrote Cosette’s Tribe!) and appreciation for my family. Having stepped away from my regular life I’ve seen from a distance what that life looks like, and I miss it. I miss my husband’s steady companionship and my little dog, who after three years of me being gone still greets me at the door with squeals and twirls, thinking that I’m home to stay. She’s going to very happy.


It’s the ordinary things that pad my life with meaning and it’s the routine of living side by side with my family that I crave. Existing away from these simple pleasures has made them sparkle with an enticing newness.

I have some plans for myself; some new stuff to do. Sure, I still have to make money, and I have a plan for that too, but I also have a novel to get published and another to complete. I have some new friends to make, and exciting places to go. Although my plan is a little sketchy right now, my heart is eager for this new beginning.

These days there’s been a shift in our economy…and the old ways of making a living. Gone are the days when companies provide excellent benefit packages, long-term employment, and stock incentives. Americans are finding that they must provide for themselves a security package. This package includes faith in our abilities and gifts, the boldness to strike out and pursue a dream, and the stamina to see the thing through.

So…it’s closing time. I’m packing up my belongings and saying my goodbyes. The sun has set on this chapter of my life and is rising in determined optimism on the next. Is it risky? You betcha! But the risk of missing out on that dream is far more frightening than the risk of failure. I can always get a job in my field but I may never have another chance at making my dreams come true.

“And the day came when the risk it took to stay tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin







20 comments:

JANU said...

All the very best, may all your dreams come true.

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Janu!

Christine said...

What an exciting time for you! I admire your ability to take a risk and pursue your dreams. Many, if not most, people would never even make the attempt.

Karen Wojcik Berner said...

Way to go, Leah! I wish you much luck in your next chapter of life. May it bring you great joy.

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Christine, life calls and I MUST answer. I feel so free;)

Leah Griffith said...

Karen, I am so ready for a new chapter. It will take me a while to find my rhythm, but I believe I have my head in the right place for the adventure. Thanks for your support;)

Jayne said...

I love that Anais Nin quote. Leah! You are so brave. I'm excited for you... it's scary stepping out on your own, but it's a wonderful thing for the family and the pursuit of your dreams.

I remember when I left the office job--almost 5 years ago now--how freeing that was. Can't say I've been as productive as I'd hoped, but I've spent a heck of a lot more times with my kids than I would have had I stayed in that unhappy environment.

Your mind and spirit will be singing their praise for your bold steps. Worth every risk. ;)

Alfandi said...

well..bad economy worldwide anyway..

Leah Griffith said...

Jayne, I am really going to try to focus on what it important and not waste a lot of time spinning and popping over nonsense. I want to accomplish some good stuff and enjoy my life...is that too much to ask for? I think not;)
Thanks for your inspiring words. I'm heading over to the Frolic. I hear there's a man there that I need to meet. *grin

Leah Griffith said...

Alfandi, it is scary how things seem to be falling apart. Oh well...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Leah, I hope you get everythinf you want!

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Kris...me too!

Lynn Schneider said...

I really liked this! Maybe because I've recently done the exact same thing. Aging parents, a new book to write, and besides we just don't know what's next for us down that road. What a nice quote, loved it. Great post.

Leah Griffith said...

Lynn that's great! We will have to encourage each other. I know that it will take me a little while to find my schedule, but I'm going to try and relax...let life show me what needs doing. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. I'll be keeping an optimistic eye on you.
Leah

Cheryl P. said...

Good for you, Leah. I wish the very best to you. I am also transitioning out of a job (as a real estate agent, I just have to) but haven't found my path yet. I love that you are doing it. Finding balance in life between making a living and having a life is difficult. My best wishes for you to find the balance.

Debbie Maxwell Allen said...

I applaud your bravery, and look forward to watching you make your goals and dreams come true!

~Debbie

Leah Griffith said...

Cheryl, I totally understand how you feel. I kept waiting and waiting but nothing changed. Then one day I decided to change and put in my two weeks notice.
Funny thing is that I got a call from my boss yesterday telling me that she was closing office at the end of October, so I would have been out of a job anyway! See...I got to make the choice for myself instead of getting pushed out. Life is amazing.
Best of luck with your transition, I know great things are waiting for you Cheryl;)

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Debbie! Now to get to work on those goals;)

Ms. Faustus said...

Oh thank God for thoughts such as that of Anais Nin that you quoted... :) Between grad school and various free/free-lancing jobs, I haven't had a steady schedule for the past five years. It's a beautiful mess of financial instability and falling into reverie at inopportune times, but I will try to keep it up for as long as I can because that's the only way I will have time for *me*.

I congratulate and admire you for your decision, and look forward to reading about where your path is taking you. It's bound to be inspiring :) Remember, "always be gutsy"!

Leah Griffith said...

Chris...free/free-lancing jobs;) I so get that. This summer I was paid for my writing for the first time. I copied the check and plan on framing it.
Thanks for your words of encouragement. It seems I am in the best of company!

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