It’s not a huge deal. People do it all the time. My parents did it, why not me? For a long time now, I have wanted to live abroad. I had these dreams of my son who will complete secondary education in 2012, doing so in a St Lucia high school. We did have a wonderful holiday there and we totally fell in love with the island. The dream was never realised, but the longing to fulfil on it has not waned.
I touched on this in the #Trust30 Travel prompt on Sunday, where I mentioned Australia as a strong contender. When I first read this DTBB prompt I thought, “Oh that shouldn’t be too difficult.” I thought, “there are no obstacles, only plans.” Rational thought, equals ego driven. #Fail.
As soon as I noticed this, the truth began to rise up. The obstacles that always come up when I think about living abroad. The very same things that have stopped me in the past no doubt. It’s like a radio left on in my head. What if I lose my flat? What if the renter won’t move out when it’s time for me to come back. What if I can’t find a renter? What if they don’t pay the rent? What do people do with their furniture when they move abroad? What will I do with my car - if I sell it, I won’t have anything to drive when I come back.
Then there’s the anxiety over family and friends. I’ll feel bad leaving them, how will I say goodbye. Will they miss me? Will I miss them? Will they be annoyed with me? And on…
Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. These constructs are the objects of my anxiety. But, its like being trapped in some other person’s story. Nothing of this is real, or exists outside of MY thoughts. In reality I have barely begun to enquire into any practical solutions towards living abroad, let alone have I spoken candidly with my loved ones.
I know I am rambling because I am working this through as I write.
The obstacles I have to overcome are not practical, the trusty GROW model can take care of this. Integrity in keeping my word and doing what I said I would do, when I said I would do it, plus a buddy to hold me to account. That’s not the issue.
The obstacle in the way of reaching my goal (if I allow it) is, being attached in an unhealthy way. The inability to let go, is what could jeopardise my dream. It means opening up to the possibility of having to confront unfavourable feelings. Change can be upsetting. However, the possibility of exciting fun, new experiences and adventure comes right along with it. I seems well worth the risk!
Exciting..
Thank you for taking a minute to read my response to the day 7 prompt:
Dare to be bold by Matt Cheuvront
Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.
A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work
The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.
Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.
Namaste!
