Finding My Niche

Henry David Thoreau said this. 

Well, this is my last official week as a resident of Dallas, TX. While it's been pretty nerve-racking this last couple of weeks, I am totally excited about the move.  Being jobless, not so much. In all of my 40+ years of living, I am doing something I've never done. I am literally quitting my job and moving back to my hometown with not so much as a potential place of employment in sight.

The old reliable, follow the rules, "does-everything-right" me is scared out of her mind. This new "just-wing-it," have faith and "take-a-chance-for-once" person I have become has a slew of ideas of how to make this the opportunity to do something she's always wanted to do. Get my degree. Become a full-time blogger (it scares me to declare myself one, but ok).  Write that urban, romance, coming-of-age, historical fiction novel I've been dreaming about since I discovered the fanstastical world of books. Start another small business.

The bottom line is, I need to come from under the cloud of self-doubt and finally admit that I deserve to do whatever it is I strive to do. I kill my dreams before I even get a chance to place action behind them.

I recently read a post on a blog I quietly stalk, Allthemanylayers.com, that really resonated with me. It forced me to step back and take a long, hard look at how I self-sabotage any idea I am initially excited about. And don't get me started on the whole procrastination issue.

So... I have decided to no longer come up with excuses why something won't work, take the initiative to do something I want to do and STICK TO IT!

Focus Friday

Love this saying I found. Why wait?

What's the Deal?

I am finding myself increasingly perturbed with folks' reactions to my family and I moving back to New Orleans from Dallas.

Now, I don't expect everyone to cartwheel around the room or high-five me every time I mention it, but could I at least get a "wish you the best" or "I'm happy for you?" It appears everyone's first reaction is "why?!"  It's like Hurricane Katrina happened 9 days ago instead of 9 years ago. Yes, New Orleans still needs some improvement (and a Genghis Grill), but it ain't exactly some war torn country where folks are fighting for rations everyday. There are people working, going to school and loving life just as good or if not better than the rest of the world.

So with that being said, the next time somebody gives me that "aw poor you" look or feels the need to remind me why every other city in this U.S of A is better than New Orleans, for them I say this....





9 more days and counting.

#NewOrleans #504 #lovemycity

Shantel

Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

2014 has been quite a year so far.

I managed to do two things I've been putting off for about nine years now, releasing myself from chemical slavery (chopped off the relaxer) and finally make the decision to return home.

No matter how hard I tried to evict the feeling of moving back to New Orleans out of my brain, it will gnaw at me like a hyena on its prey..especially during the holidays, Mardi Gras season, Lenten season (especially when I need some money beans form the St. Joseph's altar), Jazz Fest time, French Quarter Fest time, Essence Fest time, start of crawfish season, hurricane season, football season... I'm sure you get the gist of it. All the time.

Am I nervous? Yes. Do I have a plan of action in place? Somewhat. Does the fact that New Orleans still has its crime issues, public education issues and all around "get it together" issues make me doubt whether this is the time to move my school age children back?  A little bit. Does the tingling feeling I get whenever I think about moving back home override any doubt or nervousness I feel? Hell to the yeah.

10 days and counting.. leggo!

Sunday Inspiration

source

12 days until the big move back home. Am I nervous? Yes. Will I regret it? No.

Shantel