Choice-Chance-Change

Preface: Last weekend while I was in Atlanta, I was given a reminder-- a “gentle nudge” you might call it-- that our blog was way overdue for a posting. Thank you for the poke, we’re back on it~;-)

 “You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.”

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been a collector of uplifting quotes as well as a devoted reader of inspirational books. The above quote was posted by a Facebook friend this past March and even though the adage wasn’t foreign to me, the words struck me in a manner they hadn’t before. 

For twenty years I worked in Corporate America, with 16 of those years at the same company. While I was grateful for my bi-monthly paycheck, medical benefits and growing pension, I was unfulfilled nearly nine hours of every day. Although I had managed to write 4.5 books while working full-time, I felt confined and restricted throughout my days, and limited to writing only in the evenings and weekends while still filling my role as a Mom and Partner. I was frustrated, angry and often sad that I didn’t have the freedom to explore my creativity on a full-time basis.

As spoiled and childish as it may sound, on occasion, maybe a few times a year I would cry before work or after work. That happened the day I read the above quote. Brandy, who had graciously listened to my whining day after day, decided we needed to put an end to my pouting and frustration. We had contemplated leaving Milwaukee for quite some time; those who know me were aware I had no desire to endure Midwest winters for much longer. Whenever we’d talk about moving, we got so excited about the new venture! But, within a day or two we’d determine the risk too great to leave our jobs, part from the children, and leave the security we had in Milwaukee.  

In mid-March (after that last crying episode) we spent a weekend in a Chicago hotel room and brainstormed our plan; we realized that if we didn’t act, and act quickly, we’d find yet another excuse to remain in Milwaukee, fearful of the unknown. That weekend we finalized our choice to take a chance because if we didn’t, our lives would never change.  While many people (including us) thought we’d relocate and settle in Atlanta, we opted for the west coast: California! On June 2^nd, two and half months after our decision, we hit the road to L.A.

I’d be lying if said the transition has been easy. In fact, on a couple of occasions we questioned if we made the right choice. We haven’t yet settled into our own place. At times we are frozen with sticker shock. I’ve been unable to figure out how to structure my days now that I work for myself all day, every day.  Brandy wants us to have everything we desire right now; unfortunately that’s not possible. 

These frustrations, however, are minimal. They’re trivial compared to the overwhelming blessings we’ve experienced. We’ve confirmed two amazing and beautiful friends in our lives. Brandy immediately secured a new job, which she started only three weeks after we arrived. We legally married on our anniversary in July. School began for Brandy on July 22^nd and she’s now 3 classes from graduation.  The EXchange, my fourth book was released at the end of June. I have a novella, Sugar on the Side (part of Carl Weber’s Full Figured series) set for release in October, and a contract to write another novella is on the way.  Above all, we have each other. Regardless of the city or household in which we live, at the end of every day we’re together, exactly where we’re meant to be.

We do not yet know if L.A. will become our permanent residence; time and experience will tell. With that said, I must add that we certainly have no intention to live a vagabond lifestyle. But, fortunately we now understand that we’re not bound to any job, city, or state. As long as we have each other and faith in the above, our lives are ours to live however and wherever we choose. J

©Nikki Rashan September 2013