Calm from Chaos

With an extra-long weekend handy, I got stuck in to sorting out a couple of aspects of my life, cleaning a few corners and finally getting around to taking up the too-long curtains I've been staring at for 8 years... 5 loads of washing later I'd also washed a whole pile more!

It's amazing what a little calm can do - a little peaceful space to sit and think and write and simply breathe. It helps when it has an awesome view and a comfortable chair, and an entire bookshelf of inspiring home magazines from all over the world handy. (It also helps that your son spends 8 hours on the PS2 and leaves you to your peace, quiet, view and magazines) I took time out to sit and think, and then write down some specific goals, as well as when they should be completed. None of the ones I've jotted down exceed 6 months down the line. They're close enough to actually achieve, and they're not difficult to do either. It's given me a sense of immense security knowing I'm headed toward where I want to be.

While sitting and thinking I decided that by (at least) this time next year (or sooner) I will no longer be working here. It's not that I don't like my "cushy" job, left to my own devices, living in an extremely safe environment and not having to travel to work. I love my view and I enjoy not having a boss breathing down my neck. It's just that such a comfy place tends to bog one down, and I'll have been here 10 years in January! Whether or not a move to Australia comes through, it's time for me to get on with my life and achieve some of my dreams. There are a few I can do here, but most require me to be elsewhere. (And many require more than a R1,000 increase in salary over 10 years...)

I'm still having a little trouble formulating exactly how I'll get there, but the calm places have allowed me to think it through and realize I CAN make it happen.

Today a few more steps were taken toward living. My car is in for a week-long look-see and service (and I will spend a lot on it if necessary, so I don't have to hope we make it to the shops instead of being confident that we'll make it both there and back). I'm looking a few months down the line to see if I can replace it, perhaps. I've started sorting out my garage and organizing the many things I need to sell or donate. My house is clean and the dishes are done - what a pleasure to come home to! I've completed a few large tasks that have been bugging me. I've worked through some urgent stuff.

It's little things like this that give me the courage to throw back my shoulders, look the world in the eye and pursue my dreams. I don't need the lotto (though it WOULD help a LOT! :) ), just the ongoing steps in the right direction. I'm no marathon runner, but I can walk. And I'll get there, eventually - less sweaty than if I'd run... :)

::update::
I neglected to mention that I'm considering studying again - in an area such as reflexology or colour therapy (which some of my conservative friends consider WAY too "new age"). I've always been interested in alternative and natural therapies.

At Tech my microbiology lecturer, biochemistry lecturer and I discussed starting a research facility to examine the natural plants of the Karroo region, their healing attributes and cultivation. It would have been great if it had actually gotten beyond talk.

I once considered becoming a naturopath. (I still think I'd like too, if life went on forever) I've always had a fascination for the powers of nature and plants, fresh air and touch, and yes - even the stuff you can't explain like magnetic and crystal powers to heal. I'd love to use my interest in all this one day. Perhaps even in a life-skills/coaching area, after appropriate training?

Watch this space! :)