For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I’ve been experiencing some unique opportunities in my life. These opportunities are challenging me to surrender and trust during times of uncertainty. And recently uncertainty really ramped up….oi!
My husband unexpectedly lost his job in December. During the past 8 weeks, he’s been really soul searching. (I’m so inspired by his ability to be calm and focused.) In that soul searching, he decided that looking for another job in another company was out. Instead, he came to the conclusion that it’s time for him to create a financial consulting business. He’s spend many years working in loan workout, turn-around consulting and financial management. He is well positioned to start his own business.
As I look back on the past several years, I am amazed at all the choices we’ve made which provided the means to seize this opportunity. In 2000, we made a conscious choice to simplify and move into a smaller home with a smaller mortgage. This process really forced us to choose what’s important to keep as we lost a sizable amount of space. (Not to mention all the walk in closets!) Since then, we’ve also made a conscious choice to pay down debt. Over the years, we’ve simplified gift buying, entertainment, vacations, etc. And the truth is we’ve never felt the changes in a negative way. Even now with our bare bones budget, life still feels abundant.
I think one of the reasons we feel abundant is we’ve paid attention to cultivating what is important in life. We paid attention to our values and incorporated behaviors that supported our needs. We’ve created relationships with family and friends that are fulfilling and supportive. (most of the time!) And we’ve paid attention and acted on the nudges to simply our lives. At the time, there weren’t obvious reasons why we chose to simply. We just felt the nudges and acted on them. I’m so glad we did! All the changes we’ve made in the past several years have positioned us to be well prepared for my husband’s job loss.
As for the uncertainty about everything, well that’s my newest opportunity for growth….yikes. Stay tuned!
4 responses so far ↓
Ruth Toledo Altschuler // February 1, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Catherine,
Congratulations for your writing, for the depth, simplicity and openness of what you share.
I love it when you say: “we’ve paid attention to cultivating what is important in life”.
In many ways, I feel we are all at a transition, whether we consciously know it or not. Many of us have been gradually preparing for needed changes, and there is so much more to come. With your blog, you are a vocal example of how we can navigate these times following our inner wisdom, and amidst uncertainty, trusting and sensing what is right.
And valuing what is essential.
Warmest hugs,
Ruth
catherinehilker // February 1, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Thanks Ruth, your words are like a warm hug. …the closest thing we have right now to the real thing. xo
Kimberly // June 14, 2009 at 8:42 pm
once again…thought provoking! Maybe by acting on those ‘nudges’ i’ll be more like the flexible reed that adjusts and doesn’t break when the strong wind blows!
Ken // June 14, 2009 at 8:43 pm
sometimes it just LOOKS like you’re holding up the world (or a stanley cup) and other times you really are! glad to see you’re ready for change. :-)
peace