Being pulled in a new direction....

Many have asked how I've been able to quit my job, travel and otherwise explore the opportunities life has to offer.   Most assume I'm trying to "find myself".   But that's not it - I'm pretty sure I always know where to find myself, I'm generally always with me......    I don't have any specific answer for this - I'm grateful that I have this chance, the ability to take some time, to stop and look around, not just at destinations far away, but also places that are so close yet I've never taken the moment to go.

I did plan financially, of course, but there was something more to it.  There was a feeling that started to hit me some time ago, kind of like I was being pulled in a different direction than the one I was going.   That's not meant to sound hokey, it really was that everything seemed to be pushing me down a different path.   Kind of like, when you're walking against a crazy headwind, it's near impossible to push through it, almost like you're not meant to be going that way that day.   So as the signs and the push back appeared to get stronger, I knew the timing was right to take a leap of faith.

The thing is, I'm not yet sure where that leap is leading me.   But somehow, I feel rather content with that, which is very surprising.   I'm kind of just going with the flow.  See what shows up, peaks my interest, or reinvigorates a new passion and then follow that to wherever it may lead.   A different way to life, perhaps - but I'm going to go with it for a while because I already feel excited, rejuvenated and thrilled about what this great world has to offer!

How about you?   Have you ever felt pulled in a different direction?  And did you act on that feeling?

Making friends with Winter

I am Canadian, and have lived here my whole life - but please don't take that to mean that I love winter.  

Yes, I absolutely enjoy certain aspects of it - the glow of the holiday lights on the white background; the sound of my shoes crunching through the snow on a quiet morning run; sipping a cup of tea while watching the flakes softly fall outside my window; not to mention the multitude of cool winter sports available - but what I don't enjoy, is the extreme cold.  

Generally colder than most on the warmest days of the year, I usually have to wear a sweater when people are in tank tops or socks when others are in sandals.  So when the temperature dips below freezing and Mother Nature compounds that with a windchill........the cold gets into my bones and stays there, uncomfortably.......for months.

So every winter I attempt to make friends with the weather - bundle myself up, a minimum of two of everything (*does that make me a clothing ark?), and venture outside for a run, a hike or anything else active.   Because that keeps the chill a bit at bay, moving around.   And if you see me jumping around at random, waving my arms or moving my fingers like I'm playing the piano, don't be alarmed - it's a digit-saving device.   A way to make sure I come home with all fingers and toes intact.  

No, winter is not my favourite season - but I do live in her world, so each year I try my best to make friends with her - and hope she won't bite back.  

Glued to the Television

I knew I loved television, but seriously, I did not know how much I watched until I went away.   Or more so, until I came back and then tried to play catch-up on missed episodes.   I actually thought I had planned better and that it was more repeats than originals, so less time commitment.    

Nope, I literally had dozens of hours of television I needed (yes NEEDED) to watch from Vampire Diaries, to The Good Wife, Revenge, The New Girl, Modern Family, The Office...the list goes on and on.   And that doesn't count the lifestyle shows I like to watch on HGTV, Food Network, DIY....oh, and then there's Netflix which has Breaking Bad, Freaks and Geeks, Damages....

And I thought maybe then, this was time to start cutting the list of what I watch, but I haven't been able to weed it down yet.  I literally can't find a show I even think about quitting.   It would feel a bit like cheating, leaving them in their hour of need, without a sounding board I think I provide, where they can vent their problems each week.   They are my friends after all, aren't they?  

Perhaps I should try as I plan to go away again for another period of time.   And that will lead to the inevitable catch-up again.   So another chance for me to reduce my viewing.   

Oh, but with The Following set to premiere in just a few short weeks -  the Kevin Williamson created series, starring Kevin Bacon, with a killer premise?!?!   I can't miss that!   

Hello, my name is Sharon, and I'm addicted to great television.  

This year.....

....more fun, less fear.


I read this a little while ago and it really sat with me, especially during some difficult decisions I made in 2012, in order to make 2013 the best it could possibly be!

We often get wrapped up in what others might think, perceive or feel when it comes to our own decisions in life.   We stop before we even start - just because we "believe" someone else might have an issue with it.....we don't know, we only think we know.   And I've been just as guilty as anyone else - probably more so, in fact, because somehow I tend to harbour a fair bit of guilt when it comes to others, and I'm not even catholic.

But this year, I'm embracing fun!  And "F" fear....(sorry Mum - it's an important word usage here).   Fear will still exist in the adventures, new experiences and the choices and chances that come up - but we can choose to look fear in the face, feel it and push through it anyway!   We can't control what others will think, only what we do.   And I know from experience, family and true friends will support and love you through all the things you decide - even if it wouldn't be the right thing for them.   And those that don't, perhaps they weren't meant to be lifelong friends in the end.  

I was never one who made a lot of New Year's resolutions - I believe you can make change at any moment in your life.   But I also understand the renewal Jan 1st can bring - and for all of you who are kind enough to read my ramblings (truly grateful, seriously, I love you all) - I wish you so much more fun this year, whatever that means for you!  

Toddler me having fun wrapping myself in a bathmat - have tried to recreate this in adulthood, but haven't been able to locate a bathmat (and sales associate with a sense of humour) to accommodate my 5'8" frame.....still working on that.