Leaping Into Clarity

Let me tell you a little story. 


A few weeks ago I quit my job, declaring December 30th (tomorrow) my last day.  I don't have a job lined up (with the exception of a few little odd jobs that will keep me afloat for a bit).  I have been putting off pulling the plug for a while, trying to find another job to jump to so that I could be sure I'd be ok financially, but I couldn't ever find anything.  It finally got to the point where there was no doubt in my mind that it was time.  Time to quit.  So I did!


I have had a plethora of different reactions from people.  A lot (and I mean a lot) of people are super stressed out for my sake, worrying and sweating about whether I'll be able to find a job.  I've received countless lectures from well-meaning friends and coworkers about how important it is to have a steady job to support your family and yourself and save for retirement and on and on.  I've been called ungrateful for not valuing my job or the "security" it offers.  A few of my friends have been really excited, knowing I've needed to make the change for a while.  And me?  The moment I put in my notice I felt peace and excitement (two emotions which are, for me, strangely similar in feeling).  I am so ridiculously at ease about it all.


Two years ago I might have had some of the reactions that my friends had, but I've learned by now that if I follow my heart/soul/spirit/whatever-the-hell-you-want-to-call-it, I always get what I want.  It always works.  Always.  And I am SO much happier when I do.  That doesn't mean I won't have to live in my car.  That doesn't mean I'll suddenly win the lottery and be able to pay off my bills and retire.  But the answers (along with the job, the money, the new acquaintance who has just what you need, the housing situation, the new ideas...) always come around in perfect time. 


So here I go, leaping into another void, just like Indiana Jones! Sometimes you don't find the next step until you've taken the leap.  Sometimes clarity doesn't arrive until you jump.  And if you've ever been bungee jumping you know that feeling you get in your stomach when you jump (that excited/nervous "holy shit I just jumped off a 50 foot tower!" feeling). 

I've always wanted to be Indiana Jones!



So here's to leaping.  To taking the jump before you see the net.  To the grand adventure of following your heart.  Really, REALLY following it, even when it makes no rational sense.  I'm excited to have more time for me.  More time for the mountains.  More time for writing and reading and being. 

Sigh.  I can't handle it.  Life is just so damn good.