I am still not entirely comfortable with social media as a lifestyle. Although, I have come to regard it as funny that the extroverts seem to think I have joined their tribe, even though I'd be much more comfortable being a keynote speaker for the never-to-be-arranged hermit conference. Since I recharge alone, I don't naturally want to talk through all the little vagaries of life, even when I enjoy reading about other's experiences. I, myself, figure no one is interested in my goings-on - until I can thoroughly digest, ruminate, and arrive at a place of understanding. I tend to like to write about life's themes, from my personal vantage point, rather than blather on about me, but I am on the move and there is no question this is part of my journey, so written about it must be.
I am entirely comfortable saying that social media is an adult playground. I think putting on your 6 year-old playground glasses and running around with the other kids who like to swing and then slide, while always avoiding the monkey bars, just like you do, is the only way to understand the power of the global reach we have at our fingertips.
We can return squeals of laughter to our daily life and friendship our way into all sorts of grand opportunities.
Lately, I haven't had the ability to type as much, but I have kept on reading. I am astounded by the uniquely precious people around the globe who I just randomly get to bump into. I am buoyed daily by my interactions with a network of people who I love, trust, and can rely on. I think anyone can build this type of network, but it takes an investment of time, and more importantly heart.
I never would have turned to social media if life hadn't thrown me a series of events that still defy adjectivization.
But today is not about what went awry, it is about what went bafflingly well.
I am leaping across the continent on four tires and a gut sense that my healing will be by the ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean.
Now, seeing as I have been living in Seattle since late 2010, my mind kept churning itself into cement over the practicalities of finding and renting a place on the Pacific. It was an endless loop of dependencies, HOWS?, and contingencies. But my gut and heart kept whispering that I needed to live and breathe and walk in the ocean air everyday. They cared not about the gyrations of my mind that said – it is not possible, with our current givens.
The moral of this social media story is that I only had to put this inchoate yearning into words a few times – and I literally mean I spoke about my gut's desire to 3 people - and it happened. The opportunity lived right in my core network.
So, on May 1st, I set off on a drive across the continent. My destination is Marblehead, Massachusetts – where I shall spend the next phase of my life rooming with Cyndi wilkins's MIL. Yes, it is a bit like “Grace and Frankie” and Yes – I will play the part of Lily Tomlin – especially if there is a Yam Man in the deal.
~~~
A large part of the sweetness of this move is I get to participate in a few Micro #NLVs:
I'll be meeting up with Sarah Elkins in Helena
Mary Zinn in Madison, WI
Lisa Gallagher in Erie, PA
and breakfasting with Joyce Bowen Brand Ambassador @ beBee sometime in May
Plus, this summer will surely involve meeting Susan Rooks and Laura Mikolaitis among others as I get acclimated to the New England environs..
Finally, I have to extend my heart-felt gratitude to Cyndi wilkins, Deb Lange & Shawn Quinlivan, C.Ht. This power-trio have assisted me in a multitude of ways both personally and professionally. They are exemplars of the sorts of wise and kindhearted professionals that everyone needs in their corners.
We will all inevitably take a serious fall in our process of leaping into the delightful chaos of life. Feel the hurt, chose to heal, and listen for what might arrive next. ~Deb
Reach out, get help, and keep flowing toward what your heart and gut whispers to you in the quiet moments of peaceful presence you can learn to cultivate via mindfulness meditation and embodied wisdom. It worked wonders for me and I know you can find your own best path simply by seeking your own internal counsel. And then ask your network to assist in the planning stages!
~~~
So I ask of my network, a few things:
> Does anybody actually live in South Dakota?
> If I haven't realized you live in the environs of I-90 or perhaps one of its tributaries, send me a message to see if we might have a chance to meet the first week of May.
> Especially for those in the SE Pennsylvania environs - Does anyone know Saskia Foley the CEO of Radius Toothbrushes or someone who knows her?
And most importantly....
