the dreamer finally gets her time

I decided that 2011 is going to be the year that I live a little more fearlessly. And I don't mean that in an Evil Kenevil kind of way. I'm not out to jump off a bridge with nothing but a bungee to keep me from splattering all over the concrete below. By fearless I mean, I'm going to finally muster the courage to heed the creative rumblings that have been percolating in my heart. I'm going to muffle my inner-naysayer and listen much more closely to my inner-optimist, the dreamer that's been lurking patiently inside me. This means finally ditching the 9-to-5 gig (though the past several years, it's been more of an every-waking-hour-subsist-on-caffeine kind of gig). Most importantly however, this means finally and very actively pursuing my passions -- pastry making, travel, spending quality time with little Miss Mia, entrepreneurship and writing this blog.

And so this past Monday, I resigned. While I've certainly resigned from other places before, this time was different. I resigned without having another full-time gig lined up. It was scary, exhilirating, nerve-wracking and liberating all at the same time. While I certainly worry about what this means for us financially (and trust me, I know it's going to be a HUGE lifestyle adjustment), somehow I'm confident that the benefits will outweigh the costs.

So first thing on my all of a sudden stress-less to-do list? Thailand! See, you knew I was going to tie in the above photo collage sooner or later. No more worrying about production timelines and strategy deadlines means I have an open schedule. I can take three weeks to wander southeast Asia. Or at the very least, go island hopping in the country with the cuisine I consider one of my favorites. Of course, right now I'm merely researching vacation package options on the internet; but in the process, I'm really coming to the realization that I really DO have all this free time now! I CAN explore Thailand! And I CAN volunteer to assist in Mia's field trips. And yes, I CAN sign up for that pastry program at the nearby culinary school. I can finally listen to those creative yearnings. I'm quite literally giddy with anticipation...