It’s all about the journey
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Yeah, I know that sounds a little corny, but yesterday was my last day at work (I’ve given up my ‘day job’ and my old life).
It is the end of an era for me.
About a month ago I made the decision to leave the city and head back to the country.
After 12 years of inner city living and working for the government I think my creativity has taken enough of a battering.
Do you have a job that stifles creativity?
I’m off to the tropics in a few months to reunite with my muse and help rebuild my old house.
It wasn’t an easy decision – it probably took me all of a trillionth of a second to choose between my life here and my life there. Having said that, my life here has been wonderful – I had a great job and I loved the people I worked with. I told them yesterday that I would include their characters in a story one day and promised it wouldn’t be a horror or a love story – but there was no mention of comedy 😀
I don’t think I’ll regret this decision (and if I do – too bad). I’ve never been one to have regrets – however, this doesn’t mean I haven’t done some pretty dumb things in my life!
My mantra has always been – just move forward and enjoy the ride that life has to offer.
Do you have a personal life mantra? Are you a cautious person who plans everything – or do you just allow yourself be swept along on the journey of life?
Wish me luck on my new venture! I’ll also have more time for blogging (which may or may not be a good thing!)
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For those who are interested The Eleventh Question is still free on Smashwords and .99c on Amazon Kindle until Monday 5 November.
Dianne Gray author 
Great! I wish you success and happiness on your new journey. Hope to see lots of new writings here.
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Me too, John. Time to write more novels now 😀
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Good luck. Congrats. My life mantra: saving the world one person at a time. I tend to plan but can follow life where it takes me. Those are the moments where the best things have happened for me. Excited for you.
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Thank you, Gail! I like your mantra 😀
I’m like you – I plan, but let the river of life carry me along on this wonderful journey 😉
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Good luck with the big move, Dianne! My mantra is “You don’t lose it if you don’t let go.” It has kept me from saying and doing some things best NOT said and done, but sometimes . . . . . letting go is a good thing, especially when my adversary is myself. I believe you would not be taking such a big leap for the sake of time to be more creative if you were not wearing a parachute you believe will allow you to land on your feed. This creative writer in the “outback” people call Springfield, Illinois, USA look forward to your future posts. 🙂
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Well said! The ‘outback’ is a place I find far more encouraging for creativity. I reached a stage where I thought – ‘I really just want to enjoy the rest of my life’ and so – here I go!
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wonderful! you will have a ball and if you don’t nothing is set in stone. My hubby quit his job once, and we took off travelling. best thing we ever did 🙂
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I think people tend to think they need to cling to their jobs (which is fair enough because there are bills to pay!) but sometimes just taking that unworn path in the fork in the road can be a great thing to make you feel like you’re ‘living’ instead of just ‘existing’. 😀
Thanks so much for stopping by to comment 😉
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All the best Dianne!! I’m so excited for you and this new chapter of your journey. Getting back to your happy place will be so great. I can’t wait to read more blogs and more stories!! Enjoy this new beginning.
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Thank you so much, Susan. I need to find that muse and hug it heaps to it bring it back to life again!
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I’m giving you a small shout out in the post I’m currently writing. No names, but you’ll know it’s about you! I wish you all the best with your move. I’m sure your muse is anxiously awaiting your arrival – almost as much as you are eager to embrace it.
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My mantra: Leap and the net shall appear.
I admire your bravery in the choices you have made. You’ll be fine.
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Hahaha! I love it, Theo. That’s exactly what I’m going 😀
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You’re living the dream. Well done.
My mantra is: Get up off the floor. Now!
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LOL! You really make me laugh!
Thank you so much for stopping by 😀
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Good Luck. Do all the things you’ve want to do.>KB
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I’ll make sure I do (and a little more)! 😀
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A leap of faith is often all it takes to open up a whole new exciting world. Good luck to you Dianne. 🙂
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Thank you so much, my dear. I might even buy myself a camera! 😀
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Good for you, Dianne! Wishing you much creative success!
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Thanks, Britt. I’m looking forward to my ‘writing time’ being a whole lot bigger 😉
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Good luck and Congratulations! 🙂
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Thanks, Liam!
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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Hi Dianne. Congratulations on this new chapter (pun intended) in your life. 🙂
My life mantra, as I’ve mentioned here before, is “Do what’s best, not what’s easiest”. My only problem is that I don’t always do what’s best at the best time. I am such a cautious person who spends so long weighing out every eventuality and potential pitfall (disaster theory, I call it), it often feels like it takes me a trillion years to make decisions of this magnitude.
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Oh, I wish I’d thought of the new chapter pun, Janna – very clever! 😀
I remember you telling me this in the midst of me making this decision – and I really took notice. What I’m doing is certainly not the ‘easy path’ and there are still many pitfalls in this choice – but to rejuvenate my health, wellbeing and sanity I’m taking this risk. I spoke to someone about this a week ago and they said they’d stay in their job until they die (I thought that was pretty sad!)
Thank you for your wonderful advice and for dropping in to say hello 😉
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Dianne! How exciting for you and congrats on taking such a cool step towards something you love! You set a good example by the way, and just know, that I heed your words in my own way. And, I for one, am glad that you will have more time for blogging…more chance to connect! Wishing you nothing but all the very best! 🙂
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Thank you, Bonnie! I’m very flattered by your comment 😀
I think the change, the warmer climate and more time to write will help me grow as a person and learn to ‘live’ my life again, instead ‘existing’ 😉
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What a GREAT distinction between existing vs. living! I love that and happy you are headed in that direction!! 🙂
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Aha, it’s begun. Congratulations 😀 Your corner resembles mine except mine has no windows 😦 I think just in case I need it sooner rather than later, I should cut and paste your intro, with only a couple of edits I could make it my own… substitute “almost 10” for “12”, and “legal firm” for “government”. We’ve been petitioning any Universal Being we can think of to bring our exit date forward… highest good no harm be done. Words to live by: Living well is the best revenge, la dolce vita, and “…just leave the pieces on the floor and move the f%k on”…
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Hahahaha! I love it, Ella!
Please feel free to cut and paste, though I’m pretty sure when it happens you’ll be too excited to do much more than celebrate (which is what I did last night, btw – sore champagne head today!)
I’ll throw some petals into the wind for you to help petition your early exit from the ‘meat grinder’ of the legal firm and wish for you a happy existence to be free to do what you love 😉
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I already have my farewell email written, just in case 😉 There’s always a special magic to a petition conveyed from one who has been successful to another a la wedding bouquets, so thank you 🙂
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Congratulations, Dianne! This is great news. Have a wonderful, adventurous journey on your new lie path. It sounds like the right decision for you. Best of luck to you! My latest mantra is to “Be the river” and to try not to worry so much.
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Amy, I love the river analogy! I’ve always told my children to be the river and I think they are starting to get it as they grow older. I love being swept along on my life’s journey. I love the rapids and the flow, but lately I’ve felt like I’m stuck in a bit of a stagnant backwater – now I’m pushing off from the bank and heading in the right direction again – thank you so much for reminding me of this 😀
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That’s great, Dianne! I know all about that backwater…and being stuck. I’m really happy for you!
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That’s awesome, Dianne! November is much better than February! Good for you.
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Thank you, Rick! Once I set my mind on it I was in a totally different head-space and thought “why wait around?” 😉
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My mantra is “You get out of life what you put into it”, and taking up random opportunities as they’ve come my way has often led to exciting adventures. So, I guess you will get out of this relocation what you put into it! Best of luck 🙂
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I guess I’ll be putting my heart and soul into it – so I’m really hoping I come out the other end unscathed! Thank you so much for the good wishes 😀
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Wishing you adventure and happiness with your move 🙂
Dreaming derailed here and brought back to living each moment..
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Thank you so much, my darling – 😀
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I can’t wait to read all about it 🙂
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I have always gone by the seat of my pants, it makes life much more interesting. Good luck and I think you will do great!
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Thank you so much, Jackie. I love the saying ‘going by the seat of your pants’! I’m the same – I really believe things are ‘meant to be’ 😀
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Good luck to you…I’m sure your life will be much more fulfilled. Cultivate your words in a creative space.
My work place isn’t ‘creative’ either although I do have time to write a little! LOL
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Thank you so much, Mandy! I know my life will be more fulfilled and there will be a lot more space to enjoy the creativity! I’m really glad you have a job that allows a bit of writing to sneak in – its an added bonus 😀
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Congratulations – hope your next stage is filled with challenges, happiness and wonder. I had the decision made for me last year when I was packaged out of my company. My one-liner departing comment of ‘so this is how you treat the employees who consistently exceed expectations’ was tempered by the inner YAHOOOOOO resonating through my body. I knew it was the push beyond regular salary & benefits into the brave new world of self-employment that I needed. It’s been a bed of roses – smells wonderful but has had a few thorns. Work through them one at a time, love my photography business and still thank my former boss. 🙂
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I guess these things happen and when you look back you sometimes think it was ‘just meant to be’. I’m glad the decision was mine and I’m sure you would have been devastated (at first) when they decided to cut back on staff. But on the inside I can see how you would feel the YAHOOOOO!
I love the analogy of the bed of roses – just superb! 😀
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There is freedom in change. Good for you – Bravo!! My most positive thoughts for your journey are crossing the Big Water. I will wait for your updates on this adventure. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Sheila! Freedom is exactly the word I am thinking of now. I haven’t had this kind of freedom in a long time 😉
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You are my hero of the day, Dianne!!!! You rock, girlfriend!
I haven’t thought of a mantra, per se…but maybe “Get up and Keep Going -Never Give up!!”
Can’t wait to hear of your adventures!!
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I haven’t forgotten the award nomination! That should be part of my post on the 10th. 🙂
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Thank you, Denise! I love being a hero 😀
I think your mantra is fantastic 😉
I hope my adventures are fun and I’m certainly going to share them here!
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My husband and I are mostly planners, but sometimes we jump on an opportunity like we did with him taking a new job seven years ago. We picked up and moved to an area where we really didn’t know anyone—until we got here and realized some old graduate school friends had gotten here first. 🙂 The ability to write full time is a fantasy of mine that I would love to see come true some day….
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It’s been my fantasy for years to write full-time. I think just working towards it and wishing a lot has made my dream come true. I’m still a bit blown away by my decision, but I’m sure I get used to it very quickly!
It must have been such a nice surprise for you when you got to the new place and realised you weren’t alone! Fantastic 😀
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Good luck.
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Thank you so much 😉
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Best luck to you! I was thinking about a mantra today and pondered the following: live in such a way to enable food on the table, joy in the heart, and sleep at the end of day. It’s a work in progress: I need to work in something about scotch and coffee…
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Love it! If we could all live like that it would be a wonderful world 😉 Now – onto the scotch and coffee…
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How exciting and how brave! Good luck to you, Dianne. Can’t wait to see all of your new adventures as you blog you way into your *new* home. My mantra, which I happily share with you – onward and upward! 🙂
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I’m onward and upward at the moment (moving north) so I love your mantra!
The *new* home should be lovely! 😀
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Good luck to you! Change isn’t easy but often times necessary, and I’m sure you won’t regret it! And hey, more blogging time is always a good thing. 🙂 Best of luck!
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We could all do with more blogging time! (lol) 🙂
I think change will be good for me to get that ‘stale’ feeling out of my head and ‘fresh’ back in 😀
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Beautiful! Looks like I’m not alone in this journey! Here’s wishing you all the best, everything will turn out well. Good luck!!
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Thank you so much! 😀
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Congratulations! You are doing exactly what I dream of doing! I’m one of those people who plan, plan some more and maybe even plan some more. There are bills to pay so I use my off time to exercise my creativity… Makes for a very busy life. Many blessings to you!
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Thank you, Sherry! I’ve been dreaming of doing this for a long time, now 😉 It just so happens that the circumstances changed and something came up and then it all came together! I’m very happy about it 😀
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Good luck! I’m glad you made that decision; sounds like the right one for you. I can’t wait to read more about your new adventure!
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Thank you, Ruth. I love a challenge! 😉
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Happy life living! I wish you all the best on your adventure. Blessings! 🙂
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Thank you so much. I think I’m going to enjoy this journey 😉
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This sounds sooooooooooo exciting!
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It is, Julie! I’m feeling pretty good (and relaxed) at the moment. No more work projects or meetings – that’s enough to make anyone happy! 😀
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Yeeha!
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I support your very courageous decision. I would like to walk away from law practice full time and write, but that is not yet possible. But I am, too, going down a new path .And I said to a friend only yesterday, it is all about the journey. I’ll look forward to sharing yours. And I wish you the very, very best of luck. Much love and support to you!
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Thank you so much, Deborah. I guess this would never have happened if I didn’t have a lovely (almost) place to live and enjoy. If I didn’t have to farm to return to I would probably be working until the day I drop (and I don’t want that) lol!
One day you’ll walk away and when that day is close, you’ll know it’s time 😉
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All will be a success… I have done this so often and have had a regret or two.. and often sat and said “I wonder if I hadn’t where would we now be..?”.. but each and every leap of faith has been worth it… even those that were not so successful… life’s little journeys are all learning curves, ones we need to take… at my age I chuck up everything to pursue a new adventure, to have a computer program I developed encoded for sale to others… if it works I’m OK… if it doesn’t I’m going to be a poor man for the rest of my life unless I find another spark somewhere…. I’m now beyond employable age so it will have to be something I think up myself…
My first technical book is now complete and has been published… it needs to sell and a good few books have to be purchased before I make anything… I have two incomplete books on my computer, on which I work when not testing program modules… if they ever get published well good for me..if not they have been a source of enjoyment…. so good luck on the journey that lies ahead of you, I’m sure it will be a success….
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Thank you so much. I’m really touched by your sentiment! People have asked me if I’m going to travel the world and I say no. I know I don’t need to go to Africa because I live those dreams vicariously through you and your beautiful photos 🙂
Best of luck with the computer program. I sincerely hope it does well for you. And remember – if you ever write your life story – I’m first in line 😉
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Best of luck, Dianne. I’m so excited for you. (And possibly a little bit jealous.)
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Thank you for being excited for me, Jo! I’d be a little jealous too if it wasn’t me 😀
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Sounds like a great adventure awaits you.
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I’m really hoping it is, Char! Thank you so much for stopping by 😀
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I am sure you are making an excellent decision Di. This is the old place you have photos up of? Do they have the internet?? 🙂 Even though you can write a novel amongst the humdrum & bussle of life and work, imagine what thoughts will come to you now!
I envy you to have this time to do this.
I don’t have a mantra , I stumble along, pick myself up if I fall and try to carry on in the hope that no one is laughing.
I wish you every success 🙂 xx
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Hey, my dear – thank you so very much for the best wishes.
Yes – this is the old place I’m talking about and they actually have better internet access there than I have here in the city (weird, I know!)
Your image of falling and picking yourself up again is a wonderful one (I feel that way a lot of the time as well). It reminds me of a Michael Leunig cartoon 😀
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I know exactly how you feel.
Can’t comment on if it’s the right choice or not – I will say that given the chance to make it work I would do the same and likely will eventually.
I wish you all the absolute best and hope that this is everything you are hoping for and more.
As regards a personal mantra… well not really, mostly tend to agree with a lot of what you said at the end and am a combination of cautious and a bit nutty and impetuous, depends on the situation I suppose.
That said, I’ve always love these thoughts a lot and their ideas (or my interpretation thereof) have been a fairly big part of helping me find an outlook on life I am happy with:
Yesterday is dead, tomorrow’s not here yet. all I have is today and I’m going to be happy in it. (Groucho Marx)
The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. (Rita Mae Brown)
Id rather have a mind opened by wonder than closed by belief. (Gary Spence)
You see things and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and I say, ‘Why not? (George Bernard Shaw)
We’re all in the gutters but some of us are looking at the stars. (Oscar Wilde)
Cheers and once again, all my very best!
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These are absolutely fantastic – I love them all (although I must admit that Groucho Marx and Oscar Wilde are two of my all time heroes!)
Thank you so much for the kind thoughts. I can be a bit bit nutty and impetuous too sometimes – but I’m hoping this time it all works out 😀
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Cheers to that.
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Very best of luck Dianne, though I doubt you’ll need luck. I made my ‘break for the border’ a few years back but timed it so badly – hindsight is wonderful.
Oh, I recommend The Eleventh Question to those that like a bit of mysticism and who don’t like Rottweilers.
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Oh – I hope things are working out much better for you now, Roy 😀
Thank you so much for telling people about TEQ – I hope they like it! 😉
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Have fun and enjoy life – it’s too short not to. I think my motto has been “you have nothing to lose, so why not”. I wanted out from my surroundings, had a good education behind me and a commercial course, so let’s go. Other countries seemed to draw me, so at the age of 20 I had found a job in another country (moved to Switzerland from London) and after two years of work decided to change again, but just moved over to another city in Switzerland. Met Mr. Swiss, 2 sons later I am now here after 46 years. Making my life in Switzerland was not always a piece of cake, but I survived. Just trying things where I had nothing to lose. Cooked in a childrens day care unit for 2 years (to earn enough money) and then eventually found a job as an export clerk where english was basically needed – I was lucky. Learnt fluent German on the way (am now bilingual with Swiss/High German), French, Italian and Russian (at evening classes – had nothing to lose again). Languages my hobby, discovered photography and writing on the way. Life can really be fun, so don’t just sit back and take it as it comes. you can do it if you want to (sounds like President Obama sometimes). Next week I have my first lesson in Tai Chi – up to now only been doing it from a CD. Again why not, although I do have senior problems with my joints sometimes, so decided to take the “cure” in my own hands. I have signed up with a sort of peremanent course. You never know what is around the corner so congratulations on your choice to do want you want to do and not what you have to do.
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WOW – congratulations to you! What a life. I hope you’re writing your autobiography because I’ll be first in line at the bookstore to buy it. This is wonderful stuff! 😀
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‘Have no regrets’ is certainly a primary goal of mine, if not a mantra. I love change though and my epitaph will probably read: ‘more of the same is not good enough’.
Wish you joy and creativity in your ‘change’ Dianne. May you become the supreme novelist you are/can be/will be…
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Thank you so much, Richard! You are truly an inspiration. I love ‘have no regrets’ 😉 I totally agree with you on ‘change’ and don’t understand why it frightens some people. I love change – it keeps me ‘alive’ instead of simply ‘existing’. 😀
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Good luck, Diane! My mantra is ‘It’s better to regret things you’ve done than to regret things you haven’t done’ so I can only agree with your decision. Your muse is probably waiting impatiently for you.
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Hahaha! Yes – I can see her now, sitting on that hill tapping her fingernails on her knee, waiting, waiting 😉
Thanks so much for your best wishes. I’m really hoping it all goes okay and I absolutely love your mantra 😀
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Wow – good luck! I wish i was as brave as you, but unfortunately i’m only 25, a single father and have bills to pay. Hopefully if my writing ever takes off i can live my dream … until that day comes though *sigh*
You have a wonderful outlook on life, very positive and extremely addictive. Put a smile on my face to what started off as a *I woke up on the wrong side of the bed* day.
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Oh – I hope you’re okay, Dan. I hate that ‘I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today’ feeling. We all get it at some stage (as long as it doesn’t happen too often!)
Thanks so much for your best wishes. It’s a huge leap of faith I’m taking, so I’m hoping there is a net somewhere to catch me! 😀
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Every time I learn more about you, Dianne, I am sure we are kindred spirits. I nearly killed my creative spirit when I took a six-year walk through the financial industry and became an adviser. I never worked so hard for so little in all of my life. After I finally gave up, I slept for a month to restore my soul. I’ve been at home with my husband “semi-retired” for three years–have written five novels and have two more in the works. I’ve never felt so alive. I truly hope you reap the same benefits from walking away from a job that wasn’t the right “fit.” Best of luck!
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Thank you, Barbara! I know a job is important to pay the bills, but at what spiritual price? I really didn’t want to see myself sitting at that same desk in another 10 years thinking ‘where’s my life gone?’ I’m so glad it was the right decision for you -and I really think it’s the right decision for me 😉
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You’ve asked for it, so here it goes: Best of luck to you! I hope this change will do you lots of good!
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Thank you so much, Christina! I hope so too 😀
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I have left 2 jobs in my life. One to stay home with my kids, and that was huge because I left 10 years working for Kodak. The other job I left was part time so that I could continue to pick up my kids from school. After 4 years they wanted me to be full time and I refused. Out of that came my own business! So all my decisions were well worth it!! I’ve had my own graphic design studio now for 6 years. It’s grown every year, and I’m still picking up my last child from high school. You sound confident in your decision, you’ll do just fine.
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Thanks for dropping by, Kim 😀 I think it’s great that you are able to run your own business and all the while have been there for your kids! What a fabulous mum you are!
Thanks also for the best wishes! 😀
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Congratulations! I’ve nominated you to take part in the WordPress Survey 2012!
http://thelifeofathinker.wordpress.com/2012/10/14/the-wordpress-survey-2012/
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Thanks again, Liam! 😀 Sorry I haven’t had the time to do this yet 😦
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You’re welcome! Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to nag. 😦
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Good luck on your new journey, Dianne! You made a wonderful decision. My mantra is “To begin, begin.” Enjoy your fresh start!
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Thank you, Miwako. I love your mantra – very funny and cool indeed! 😉
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I live by the seat of my pants, too. The only direction I take seriously is from my gut, and even when it seems improbable, sometimes you just have to do a complete Uturn in life. Myself and fiancee are doing just this in Europe early next year, going to the country and getting away, and I’m leaving my job in about a month to get prepared for it. No job, no plan.. just know.. like you.. that this type of life is stifling my creative outlets right now. I wish you the best of luck and I can feel in your writing what a wonderful experience you look forward to. Cheers to following your heart!
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my name should only have two s’s haha.
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I noticed that! LOL 😉
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Thanks, Jessica! A person after my own heart! 😀
I really believe in following gut instincts – that feeling is there for a reason. You are very brave and I’m sure Europe will be magnificent for you! Let me know how you go – I’ll be watching your blog for updates 😉
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WooHoo!
Congratulations honey!!!! 🙂
Xx
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Thank you so much! I’m really looking forward to this )
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What a momentous day!! Many congrats and best wishes for this new adventure. Looking forward to keeping up with all the wondrous future days. 🙂
(And as for a personal mantra; one day at a time…)
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I love your personal mantra, Anna! Thank you so much for the congrats – it means a lot to me 😉
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sounds like an amazing opportunity to grow. keep us posted.
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Will do! I always love change and this is a big one!
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I’m a person who likes to plan, yet I’m always swept away from that plan. I’m learning to go with the flow, but it’s difficult. Good luck!!!
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Thank you, Matt! I’m a go with the flow person most of the time and some people in my family think that’s a bit crazy – but I’ve survived until now 😉
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Woo hoo! That is awesome Best of luck to you in this new adventure! 🙂
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Thank you!
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PS – I can’t wait to hear all about it on your blog 🙂
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Congratulations on the change! I hope you enjoy your country life. I admire you being able to make the decision so quickly and act upon it.
I’m way too cautious to make such a drastic change. Here’s how my thought process goes: I didn’t choose to live here. I came with my parents when I was too young to live on my own. I’d rather live______ (fill in the blank). I can’t live ____ because my family lives here, we don’t know anyone there, I already have a decent job here, and I don’t want to spend vacations visiting here. Then I think of my parents getting older. I don’t want to move too far away…oh, and airfare for a family of four to come visit can be quite expensive. I think it’s best we stay here for now.
(Sigh). Maybe one day I’ll throw caution to the wind 🙂
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Oh, Janna, your thought process is very similar to mine! I think my decision came when we went on our road trip and I saw how run down our poor old house was:( We moved to the place we are now to give the kids a better education. Now they have all finished school and university and for some reason we’re still here! My siblings will be further away once I leave, but they love going north for holidays – so I kind of think they can just come up and visit us and have a free holiday 🙂 It will be a huge change, but I really think I need it 😀
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I hope you enjoy your new journey. Congrats.
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Thank you so much, Dennis 🙂
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I believe change is exciting. It gets all the life-juices flowing again. Good luck with your venture.
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Thank you! I’m sure it will be the best move ever 😉
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Wow, good for you! Change is so exciting, I love it. I thrive on it. My childhood was spent upping sticks so many times that I went to 13 different schools by the time I was 15! I was always flying by the seat of my pants but now I’m a parent I feel a little more grounded. I still don’t like routine and would be a constant traveller in a heartbeat 🙂 Good luck with the adventure!!
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Thanks, Virginia!
I moved a couple of times when I was a kid but only went to four different schools. It’s really hard to make new friend with this much moving, but I can’t imagine going to 13 different schools – that must have been quite unsettling! I’m not necessarily a ‘routines’ person as well (I don’t think – I’ll soon find out!). 😀
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Best of luck, Dianne! Sorry I couldn’t check into your post earlier, these damn engineering wxams just keep getting the better of you! Anywatys, BEST OF LUCK!
P.S: Long time since you wrote on my blog! Drop by sometime! 😀
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Thanks for coming by 😉 I kept looking at your blog and you haven’t posted anything new for ages so I’ve been waiting…..
Best of luck with your exams and thank you so much for the well wishes 😀
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I gave up my “day job” about a decade ago & have never looked back. It may be an unreliable income stream, but its much happier and fruitful 🙂
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Thanks, Dawn – I love these kind of comments! 😀
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I do wish you luck. It took me twice as many years as it did you to come to my senses, even though I thought I was doing some good within the maze of government bureaucracy. i went and taught english as a second language to newcomers to canada, within this richly multi-cultured mosaic i call home. i have more time to write now, which is always something i’ve wanted to do, although being a fatcat hockey star would have been nirvana. Tomorrow is the next day of your life, too.
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Well said! Teaching ESL would be really interesting – but more time to write is always a bonus 😉
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Wow… how I would love to live in the country! Good for you and best wishes for your move. (And as for more time for blogging: that is surely a good thing. We love reading what you have to say!) 😀
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AW – this is such a lovely comment!!! Thank you, Tarina 😀
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Your post reminded me of that song ‘Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches’ by Pot USA. Country living can be quite nice. You notice the seasons more, the wildlife, the breezes … lovely.
Okay, I have a few mantras, but for today how about this one: don’t think about what you can’t do, think about what you can do. 🙂
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Great song, Justin! I’ll probably sing it all day now 😉
I love your mantra! 😀
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Congratulations and blessings – how exciting! Your muse can’t wait…I can feel it:-) Hmmmm I have several life mantras that come in and out of use. One is ‘give thanks’ another is ‘What really matters?’ and another is, ‘this isn’t a performance this is for real – make it count’.
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Thank you for the well wishes and blessings 😀
I love all your mantras (the performance one is fabulous)
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Good for you Congratulations! 🙂 Thank you for checking in during the Hurricane… your kind wishes were appreciated!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Giving away a full time job is so liberating. To be able to plan your life and do what you want when you want is an amazing way to live. My mantra has always been ” it is not the destination but the journey that is important, live each day one moment at a time…”
I look forward to those extra blog posts…
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AW – that’s so lovely! I like the journey not the destination as well.
Thank you for dropping by – I actually do feel very liberated! 😉
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How exciting for you! I left my official corporate grind day job about eight years ago. Looked back a few times early on, but haven’t looked back since. Wishing you the best of luck!
My mantra for the most part is “Life is short, so why waste time doing what you don’t want to do or spending time with anyone who doesn’t make you feel good?”
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Thank you so much! I guess you know exactly how I’m feeling at the moment because you’ve been there 😉
I so agree with your mantra – particularly now 😀
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You rock, Dianne! Don’t ever regret a decision like that. Best of luck.
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Thank you so much, Mike! 😉
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I repeat, “you are my hero.” Congrats.
I love your mantra–sounds like surfing or a carnival. Either way, sounds like fun.
My mantra today is “There will never be more perfect moment than this: Right here, right now.”
I think this applies to you at this very moment.
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AW – thank you Kozo, what a lovely sentiment 😀
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Love the perfect moment mantra.
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Oh awesome – the tropics and muse renewal sounds great! Getting away from the city sounds like a good move for you. You seem pleased. 😀
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I am pleased, Daphne! I can’t wait to back to ‘the hill’, ‘the muse’ and the country life 😀
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Good luck! How brave and wonderful. 😉
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Thank you so much! 😀
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That’s a big step but I bet you won’t regret it. Best of luck to you!
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Thank you so much 😉
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Good luck and more power to you! I am typically a cautious person who plans everything I can. But as I have gotten older and watched my kids grow and change right before my flipping eyes, I see the beauty of the journey and all it has to offer. I’m more willing, lately, to be swept along. That isn’t to say I’m done with the planning, but I am more flexible.
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That’s great. I think was we get older we look at what we can do to enjoy our lives. The kids grow up and don’t need as much ‘mothering’ anymore and I think it’s time to say – ‘okay, me time now’ 😀
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Hooray for you! Giving up the day job is so amazing. Gave up the official bit of mine about seven years ago and have never regretted it. I still do some painting and making felt for craft shows and the odd exhibition, but I don’t have regular hours and I do as I please! Which means more time to do the things I want to do, like writing.
Yes, it is a big step, but I am sure you won’t regret it. We should work in order that we may live, not the other way around.
Good Luck!
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I love this Pat – we should work in order that we may live, not the other way around – there are a few people I know who should take this advice! 😀
You are very talented – a painter, a writer, a craft guru. I’m so glad you dropped in to say hello and leave a comment. Thank you! 😀
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You’re too kind. And sometimes I don’t get around as much as I should. Even though there’s no regular day job, the day still fills up!
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OH YEAH!!! Rock on! Good for you!!! Tropics sounds perfect…thanks for making me smile and laugh – when you wrote, “it took me a trillionth of a second to choose…” I know that feeling and if only more people would listen to that voice, what a better place this world would be. So excited to learn and read more about your ‘new’ life, though it’s not really a new life is it? It’s just life, only better! YEAH!!
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Thank you, Jenn! I’m enjoying this new life already. Every day this week seems like Sunday!
Thank you for being so excited and supportive as well. You are wonderful 😉
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Beware the country! I moved from Seattle to a small town in Scotland, and I’ve regretted it ever since. Live music, art, theatre, all the stuff I took for granted, is too many miles away to enjoy without an 8 hour journey. Good luck, though, I hope it works out for you.
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This is an interesting point and really got me thinking. I’ve lived there before 😉 Our friends who live down the road have a studio and play live music, my girlfriend is a (semi-famous) artist who is constantly taking me to exhibitions and my MIL needs me there so she can be taken to the theatre every week.
I realised when I read your comment that this is a part of my life I’ve actually missed while living and working in the city because I’ve never had time to do this and don’t know many artistic people here. WOW – I feel so good about this. Thank you! 😀
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You’ll be OK then. I really miss the cultural stuff in Seattle.
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Oh Dianne! Congratulations! I am sooo happy for you from the bottom of my heart! It’s like you’re being let out of prison (though you did have nice windows!). What really amazes me is that you’ve written so many books and good ones all while working! When I worked I had nothing left over at the end of the day. Oh I predict wonderful things for you!
It’s funny because since I’ve been writing my blog I’ve adopted your same motto only mine is: Just going forward. And that’s now become my motto in life. No matter what happens. I’ll just keep going forward. I find a lot of comfort in that.
Anyway congratulations Dianne on the first day of the rest of your life! 😀
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Thank you so much, Linda! It has been wonderful already. I’m sitting here writing and reading (and cleaning so I can move – that’s the downside)…
Moving forward is good, I think we become a bit stale when we get used to things and do things because we feel like we ‘have to’.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for the congrats! 😀
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You are so right. It is easy to become stale. It’s always good to mix it up! And what a great way you have decided to do that! 😀
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Awesome my friend! I know you will bloom like the flower you are in the country. Indeed, life is too short for us not to do…what we were meant to do!
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So true! I’d love to bloom like a flower – what a beautiful way to put it! 😀
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We did the same . . . 4 years ago. We haven’t regretted it for a single minute! Enjoy the transition.
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Thank you so much, Nancy! I’m enjoying it already – every say is now like the weekend to me! 😀
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Congratulations on the big step, Dianne! You certainly do deserve it after 12 years. I wouldn’t tell my coworkers that I’d include them in my stories though, haha.
I tend to allow life to sweep me along with it. There’s no sure way of knowing what the future has in store, so it’s better to deal with things as they come instead of having many plans fail!
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So true, Zen. I love being swept along in that lovely river of life. Who knows what will happen to us tomorrow 😉
Thank you so much for the congrats 😀
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Congrats Dianne! Best of luck.
http://annblantonwriter.wordpress.com/
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Thank you, Ann. So nice to see you here 😀
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Good luck! I am envious. It sounds like a great new start. 🙂
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I’m sure it will be – thank you so much! 😀
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Congratulations, Dianne! You made the right choice! I did the same couple of years ago (amazingly, also after 12y in service ;)) never looked back!
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What a coincidence! Wow! 😀
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It looked like there was much to do at the country house, Dianne? You have a “handy” husband and maybe a helper or two (or is that your role)? Good luck with it. I’m sure you’ll have fun along the way.
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Thank you, Jo. I love to help, but because I’m a bit clumsy I’m ‘not allowed’ to most of the time. If anyone is going to fall off a ladder or through a window it will be me…;)
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Aah- I’m very familiar with that scenario. Mishap is my middle name.
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LOL! And I try so hard to not to be clumsy! 😀
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I wish you the best of everything life has to offer, Diane 🙂
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That is such a lovely thing to say, Maggie. Thank you so much 🙂
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A momentous act touched by the soul! Wishing you only the best…
Billy Ray
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Thank you so much, Billy Ray 🙂
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You’re welcome… Now, get back to the ‘old barracks!’ Peace be with you and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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Dianne,
Personal mantra? Well, not exactly, though I am always saying, “just keep moving forward.”
But I had a boss, some 30 years ago who taught me three rules to live by and they have been my touchstone more than anything else.
Be Specific,
Plan Ahead,
Don’t Assume.
Be assured that #’s 1 and 3 have gotten me into unbelievable trouble because others don’t choose to be either specific, or follow through on what they have promised, meaning that my refusal to assume means I had a plan in place accounting for their negligence… but that’s another story.
Cheers,
Peter
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I agree with your old boss. I think assumption is the one that gets me into trouble 😉
It sounds like you’ve been in some very interesting situations, Peter. Thank you so much for coming by and visiting my blog today 😀
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Just saw this post! Well done, and all the best in your new journey!
My personal mantra? That’s a tough one. Don’t know… sigh… Now you’ve got me thinking
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Thanks for sharing this Dianne! I admire your decision to follow your heart. I think it’s the reason why so many people are miserable. Myself included, at times. There’s no worse feeling than having to suppress a creative itch or talent. To me, it’s the same as being dead. That’s what life is about to me. It’s about utilizing a talent that we were born with — whatever that talent is — and finding a way to use it to our advantage.
Anybody can crunch numbers or push a broom — but not everyone can sketch like DaVinci, paint like Picasso, or shoot hoops like Jordan. What would the world be like if people like if there were never a DaVinci, Picasso, or Michael Jordan? It would be a flat, dark, and uninspiring world.
Follow the heart. That’s my motto to live by. Rock on! \M/
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Thank you my dear! I felt ‘dead’ for about 12 years when I sold my soul to the government. The day I walked out of the place was like a jail break and now I’m free to fully pursue my passion of writing, rebuild my old house and enjoy the countryside! 😀
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