The start!

So this is it! From the cozy confines of Prince St. Cafe, I'm actually sticking my foot down the rabbit hole of the blogging world. The idea has collected dust in the back of my head for some time, so I thought it might feel a bit more historic and momentous than this. But nevertheless- here I go! And why now?

On December 10, my job of nearly six years in a professional HR position was eliminated (if you're tempted to feel pity right now, please don't. I feel nothing but optimisim at what the future holds. In the grand scheme of things, it was a much-needed push out of the nest, and I feel strongly that I will look back at it as a catalyst that propelled to pursure dormant dreams!). I had long labored under the illusion that HR is a recession proof profession, and the bursting of the bubble produced a display of emotion as varied in color and flavor as a jar of jelly beans. Thoughts ranging from 'was I not good enough?' to 'YES- I GET TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS AT HOME WITH MY FAMILY!' to 'what about health insurance?' immediately flooded my head.

In the days following my lay-off, it struck me that there were many dreams and desires over the last years of juggling a full time job, a part-time job and a young family that I wrote off under the 'I'll never have time for that' category. Looking back across the last six years I can see that my modus operandi has been HURRY. RUSH. ACCOMPLISH. Just GIT 'ER DONE. Focus. Cut the extras. Plan. Prioritize. My guitar hibernated in its case. Books sat on the shelf unheeded as they called my name. My journal was left orphaned underneath the inevitable stack of clothes next to my bed. Conversations with friends were cut short as I moved on to the next demand of life. And I scurried around them, not noticing their beckoning in the midst of the whirlwind.

But now? This is a new day. A new beginning. And as I shuffle through the mental list of things I'd never made time for, writing was perched near the top. So here I am! I'm writing!

And I can't help but ask: what are the things you've said you'll never have time for? Stop and think. What dreams, passions, interest are slinking unforgotten in your cellar? Take a moment to tiptoe down the creaky steps, fish in the air for the light cord, and give it a good yank. You may be surprised at the things that are illuminated.

For now, I'm going to give my guitar some fresh air.