Autumn Leaves Don’t Fall, They Fly
The fall has been stunning around here. The colors are changing, it’s getting cooler (still no snow as I was warned this might happen already - YAY!), and the leaves are starting to fall. Our transition to Northwoods living has been going well, but with any significant change, we’ve run into a couple of bumps with our move.
The kids are adapting pretty well, but it’s hard moving to a new area, making new friends, and adjusting to a temporary living situation until we make sure we can handle remote work and the winters before fully committing. There have been a couple of instances of unusual behavior, mainly in the form of telling tall tales, tears about fears, and threenage angst screaming - which I’m not sure if it’s the normalness of the age or a little bit of rebellion due to the move. We’re doing our best to be open yet communicative with them to work through all of this, and it seems it’s getting better day by day.
My husband is running his business remotely for the most part. Luckily, due to his excellent staff keeping the day-to-day business humming, he’s been able to focus on growth areas with minimal trips back to the office. But when he’s gone, it’s a bit hard on us all. As I told the kids last night, you’re so very lucky you have a Dad you miss and to know that he’ll be back soon - not everyone has that. However, I may be counting down the minutes for his return, even more than the kids!
For me, it’s been a bit tricky. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the ‘Great Resignation’; as I reflect on the past 6 months - I realize I was an early part of that movement. I no longer wanted to do the typical stressful corporate grind that demanded too much of my time and attention and took me away from my family when they needed me most. It’s crazy to think about that change, I indeed took the Road Not Taken (well, I guess it’s being taken more now with this shift in our society), and I’m proud of where I’m at. Hazel doesn’t want me to go back to my 9 to 5 and objects every time I talk about getting a full-time job. We have been walking home from the school bus daily, and I actually get to listen about her day instead of rushing to get back to work and throwing her on a tablet for entertainment. As they say, this time with our kids is so short, and to hear the confirmation from my kids that they want me around more, means the world to me.
Also, I’m used to going non-stop, working more than full-time - day and night - when I had time, I was spending it with our large modern family and circle of friends. Now that I have some time with the kids back in school, it’s a bit interesting to get used to, but I’m filling it to find myself again. I’m working up the courage to start my own business. After working in the comfort of benefits, corporate packages, and reliable income from large to mid-size companies for so long, it is a bit nerve-racking to go out on my own. I have the dreaded ‘What if’s’ in the back of my head - making me second guess myself on the daily…BUT I’m doing it even in the face of fear and making sure I have the flexibility to put my family first. Plus, trying to find ways to incorporate more nature and community into my life, blog, and business. I’m changing just like the autumn leaves, and though it’s scary to fall during this change - I’m hoping to fly into the next season of my career, keeping Oprah’s quote in mind every step of the way.
