“Rachel, you’ve inspired me. My husband and I are literally talking about how we need to stop talking about it and start making real steps toward it.”
This is what my friend shared with me last night. It’s been a conversation I’ve had with many of my friends lately.
Apparently, the story of my husband quitting his job and us buying a fifth wheel motorhome to live and travel in for a while before landing in the Idaho area is sparking a hint of desire in others as well. Perhaps a bit of envy as well?
I looked across the table at my friend while glasses tinkled behind us. Smirking at her response, I said “I’m happy to help you figure it out.”
“Oh, would you?” she exclaimed.
We brainstormed and dreamed for the next two hours, figuring out online business possibilities to enable her to make some positive changes to her life and family. To pursue some of the dreams she’s always had on her heart to pursue. To make some radical shifts in her life to fuel a more passionate, purpose-filled, and peaceful way of life. I may have tried to convince her to come to Idaho with me as well (hehe).
My rapidly changing world is only 3 more weeks away. Although I’m terribly sad at leaving friends, I’m also incredibly hopeful and excited for what’s to come. Things continue to shift and change (instead of starting the traveling process in September, my husband will now be attending a spiritual solitude time for 3 weeks up in Washington (state) during the month of September while the kids and I stay with my parents until he comes back. Which means it won’t be until October we will be on the road. Yes, lots of shifts and changes.) Even with all the shifts and changes, we are still moving towards what feels like freedom and fulfillment. It’s the right decision for us…
Perhaps you are considering creating changes in your life too? Is something stirring in you to make a change but you’re afraid to pursue it?
There are three things I’ve been learning recently about all this change that I want to inspire and encourage you with as well:
Everything is Workoutable.
I shared this in my previous post, but it needs restating. So many people live in fear of the negative “What if’s” that they don’t move forward towards positive change. I need you to know that your life is not meant to be so wrapped up in the American Dream. That there’s more to life than: working in a job you hate just because it pays well, living in an area that stretches you financially which stresses you out, or living in complacency. Even if things don’t go the way you hope or plan, it’s always workoutable. There’s always another option to consider.
Be Flexible.
When you start pursuing changes to your life, you need to be flexible when the unexpected arises. Also, be open to the changes and be flexible to shifting when needed. We didn’t know that my husband was going to attend a solitude retreat time for 3 weeks of September until a month into this process of him quitting his job and us moving. Originally, we were going to start living on the road in a fifth wheel trailer the first week of September, but now it looks like it will be October after my husband has his retreat time. Basically, we don’t have a lot of concrete plans at this time except for my husband’s retreat and then for the month of October checking out Boise, Idaho area. After that, plans get a bit shaky. Which I’m learning to be okay with (sometimes difficult for this Type A planner).
Take Time To Process.
This is different than planning. Processing is taking in the truths of God’s Word into your heart and mind so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the lack of stability in your life during the changes. During this time, it’s easy to let the lies and questions creep in that say things like, “What are you doing?”, or “What if you don’t make enough money?” Combat it with these key verses:
- “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10)
I’m holding onto Scripture more than ever at this time because it is my firm foundation, especially when everything around me feels a bit wonky and up-in-the-air.
As I hugged my friend goodbye, I could see a sparkle in her eyes again. A letting go of fear and embracing the possibilities ahead. A knowing that all she has to do is decide in her mind that she can and will do it. That God will enable her. That He will be with her. That maybe He’s the One beckoning her. That change is possible, and the dream is doable and there are options to the present tensions she’s facing. The present tensions we all face. We simply need to take that first step in faith, believing that He will guide us every step of the way.
