Choose AND! 

I have been looking forward to 2017 for a while now. I was accepted into a progam called Remote Year which was my sign from the universe that my life was heading in the right direction. I have always dreamed of working internationally. I was chosen out of more than 325,000 for a spot within the 2017 program. It was the push I needed to hit the eject button of my life and just go for it. 

I immediately started planning my own version because I loved my solo travels. I also knew it would likely be more cost effective. My goal is to land in a job that fills my cup. Meets my wildest expectations. Something that pushes us forward as a global society – true impact. I was worried to get locked in for a year when that wasn’t my true intention. I mean, yes, I do want to travel the world – but I want it to be purposeful and flexible too. 

Long story short – I have elected to do my own version. Leaving February 2017. Tampa to London. 

As fate would have it – I met the man of my dreams in November. I had already made this decision to blow up my world as I knew it. Letting go of the good to go for the great as they say. 

A friend of mine reached out to me over the summer saying that her husbands good friend was moving down. She asked if she could pass along my contact information – I use to work for the Chamber. This isn’t unusual for me. I said of course. Fast toward to our first meeting. We had a lovely lunch filled with great conversation. I ended up being late to my next engagement because our time together was so effortless. I met my friends and literally said, “I think I may have just been on a date!”  Mind you – I was dumbfounded. I don’t date. Not successfully anyway. Generally within 5 minutes I realize he isn’t the one. We have a nice meal or drink and we move on. This was different. I was intrigued. 

Of course! Of course I meet this amazing man months before I plan to depart the U.S. for a whole year! 

This is where the #chooseAND comes into play. My friend Tara and I had our tarot cards read when she was visiting over Thanksgiving. I was told that in 2017 I would have to make a choice – career or love. It would be two completely separate paths – one leading towards marriage. The other wouldn’t. It felt like my life summary – given to me by a stranger. I felt that I had been exposed. My fear being presented verbally. I had been on one date with this man – but I knew it had to be him. I know – that sounds ridiculous. Believe me. It’s out of character for me to even think a second date was possible but this was different. Anyway. Our relationship has been progressing quickly and the number of days until my departure become less and less. The idea of the OR is overwhelming to say the least. 

Therefore in 2017, my manta will be #chooseAND. 

A lot of thoughts given to what does having it all mean to me … and not being limited by fear or doubt that it’s possible. Who knows. Maybe in the end it’s not possible and something will have to go – but I’m going to go for it. 

This also means focusing on the day to day – not thinking too far because that’s when I feel a loss of breathe. Fear of making a devastating life choice. 

I have some homework to do but excited for all possibilities in 2017! 

I will be fearless. I will go for it all!