One of my favorite songs is Willy Nelson’s, On the Road Again. Over the years it has become a metaphor for the realization that it is time to shake life up.
“I can’t wait to get on the road again … Goin’ places that I’ve never been … Seein’ things that I may never see again … I can’t wait to get on the road again.”
I’ve been playing that song a lot lately.
You may assume this is simply a bit of restlessness brought on by the long months of pandemic restrictions, but I have a history of periodically shaking things up.
There was the move to Maui right out of college, pursuing a career in hotel sales and marketing for which I had no experience of qualifications, succeeding in that and taking it to the next level on an international scale.
From there I pulled a major U-Turn and took over marketing for a regional aquarium, working with Hawaiian cultural advisors, learning the language, and dancing the hula, and sharing the Aloha Spirit with visitors.
Then I began coaching and sharing my passion for psychological resilience, which led to my introduction to the world of blogging.
The latest shake-up came a couple of years ago when, after more than two decades living in the Islands, I packed up a few of my favorite things and moved me and my dog, Lucy, to Oregon.
My feet are feeling itchy again …
Sometimes We Need to Step Back to Move Forward
In this busy world of ours it has become second nature to look for ways to fill in every empty moment of our days with the busyness of living.
When was the last time you unplugged from everything and simply gave yourself a little time to think? To ask yourself if you are truly where you want to be, doing what you want to do.
Very often, especially as we begin to mature, we stay in situations simply because (for better or worse) it’s comfortably familiar, and we’ve already invested so much time and effort, why rock the boat now?
Sometimes we so effectively paint ourselves into a box of limiting beliefs about what we are capable of that we can’t even imagine what change would look like.
And then there is the fear. Why take a flyer on something that may not even work out?
What would other people think of us?!
Ah, well I have quite a bit of experience in this area as well.
Other people will caution you to be sensible, tell you that you’re just going through a phase, and urge you not to do anything you’ll regret later.
Just to be clear, this isn’t necessarily bad advice because taking a step back to look at the big picture will help you achieve greater clarity both in terms of direction and how much time and energy you’re willing to put into whatever it is that you want to do.
But in the end, to be happy, to live a life that is true to who you are, you have to do what’s right for you.
Try asking yourself this one question.
If you keep doing what you are doing right now, where do you see yourself in 5 years? How about 10 years?
How do you feel about that?
When You Just Know It’s Time to Start Something New
Emotionally Resilient Living was officially launched on March 1, 2014.
I’ve learned so much and met so many terrific people over the years, it’s been an amazing journey.
From the beginning, blogging was simply a means of communication, it was never my intention nor desire to join the ranks of “A-List” bloggers.
My mission was to inspire readers to embrace the power of resilience to build strength and confidence and to accept the authority we have to create the quality and course of our own life journey.
What sustained and kept me going was the wonderful feedback I received from readers, especially my community of subscribers.
Each time someone shared with me that my advice inspired them not to quit, helped them through a difficult period, or motivated them to reach for a dream, it made all the hours (and hours!) of research and writing worthwhile.
But now it’s time to get moving and start something new.
So, it is with mixed feelings that I make it official …
Emotionally Resilient Living is being retired, and this is my final post.
The website will remain available until the end of July for anyone to be able to access the articles, but I don’t plan to renew the hosting agreement so it will officially disappear in August.
As far as what’s next for me – I will keep writing, just in different places and forms, I’m creating a new collection for the Resilient Living Store and painting again. Most of all, I want to experiment, try new things, and go to new places.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my articles and advice and hope that I’ve helped or encouraged you in some way.
Here’s to living and loving your resilient life!
Will you be the passenger or driver in your life journey?
About Marquita A. Herald
Marquita is an author, resilience coach, and founder of Emotionally Resilient Living. She’s also an unapologetic workaholic who loves red wine, rock n’ roll, road trips (and car dancing!), peanut butter cookies, and (especially) a dog named Lucy.
She’s saddened and frustrated by excuses and cruelty and believes authentic compassion is the most powerful force in the world.
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