When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

posted 28th July 2010    Written by: Heather Rae    CATEGORY: Heather Rae, Season 2, What I've Learned

Six months ago, I started a new journey.  I walked away from my job and made a pact with myself – I would write my novel, start traveling and develop as an artist.  And then I decided to share that journey with you.

That’s been the best part in some ways, sharing this experience with other people who totally get it.  Which is also probably the reason I put off writing this post for so long.  What can I say?  I’m having a little separation anxiety.

Actually, I’ve been having a lot of separation anxiety lately.  Two weeks ago, I uprooted myself from Pasadena to start a new life in the Seattle area.  I arrived in the Pacific Northwest after a freaking long yet somehow amazing road trip, and the reality of leaving my friends behind hit me.  Then I realized I’d also moved incredibly far from my family in Las Vegas.  Everyone is so far away.

These days, I remind myself of this: when one chapter ends, another begins.

So, long story short, this is my last official Stratejoy post.  Personally, the fact that six months have passed since this all began, well, I can’t believe it.  Can you? I seriously had to look at the calendar and count the months to be sure.  (Not even kidding about that.)  I left my job six months ago.  I started writing for Stratejoy six months ago.  I set out to work on myself and my dreams, yep, six months ago.

Looking back at where I started, I think I’ve done pretty well.  It has, by no means, been a perfect journey.  But I made an absolutely amazing start.  And for me, for where I am right now in this moment, it actually is perfect.  Because what I’ve realized is this — where I am at any moment in time, that’s exactly where I should be.

I finished the first draft of my novel.  I haven’t started traveling yet (unless you count a three-day, six state road trip through the western U.S. and moving out of state), but I am making plans to take an international trip before the year is out.  Writing a novel sort of took over my life, leaving my art on the back burner.  I did, however, join a group for mixed-media collage artists, and I can’t wait to meet the group in August.  I went rock climbing and hiking and spent more time outdoors.  And I found a great language institute where I’ll sign up for French classes in the fall.

All in all, not a bad ride.  And it’s only just begun.  That’s the beauty in all of this.  The years may be short, but the days are long.  And I plan to pack as much life into each day as I possibly can.

I invite you to continue following my journey — the likely maddening experience of revising a novel, the joy of meeting new friends, the sadness of missing old ones, the love, the wins, the fails and my attempt to break all the rules.  Send me an email.  Leave me a comment.  Tweet me.  (And I may just resort to begging Molly to let me guest post on occasion.)  Also, if you’re ever in the Seattle area (maybe you already are), I’d love to meet you!

Here’s how to find me:

My Blog — In Search of Squid

Twitter — @insearchofsquid

There’s a song lyric that I love.  “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

And so, I’m signing off.  I’m thinking of it as a new beginning. A new beginning for the next group of sure-to-be-amazing Stratejoy bloggers.  And a new beginning for me, as I embark on this next chapter.

[Note from the Editor:  Okay, Heather Rae, I'm totally crying over here.  When I think back to your journey, the immense of amount of bravery, ups and downs, and grace in the face of some BIG changes- I get all choked up.  You're the epitome of a gutsy girl and I'm incredibly grateful that you shared it all with us.  Thank you from all of us.  Seriously, sunshine-  You are INSPIRING.  I can't wait to say I knew you when...

And I'm ridiculously excited for our long, long lunch next Monday.  To thank you in person, to give you a great big hug, to welcome you to this next part of your journey here in Seattle.  I wish you all the best in the world- adventures, love, learning, and success served up exactly as you'd like it.  I'm thrilled that we're going to be fast friends here in the Northwest.  Can't you just feel it?  :)    Love x 30,  Molly]

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Comments (16)

16 Responses to “When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins”

  • malou Says:
    July 28th, 2010 at 8:41 am

    Great Job! It really takes a lot of courage to do what you had mustered to do. I guess the key to it is to look at the prize at the end of the journey … What comes to my mind right now is that the only way that you can spread love and happiness to other people, is to first love yourself and find happiness within oneself. You've gone a long way, Heather! (amongst many other women out there) Kudos! Continue to inspire other people. Thanks, Molly! for the seed and the Stratejoy! I'm a follower, but have not taken that one big step yet! … Following through keeps me standing despite the blows and push. I know I will get to that step …. one day! Goodluck, Heather! and Many Thanks, Molly! – the force, not just behind Stratejoy, but of many women!

  • Juliana Says:
    July 28th, 2010 at 8:46 am

    Congratulations on six months of getting to know yourself and pushing your boundaries!! Good luck in all of your future pursuits, I'm sure we'll be following along elsewhere. :)

  • Kate Says:
    July 28th, 2010 at 8:51 am

    Heather – you are such an inspiration! I admire the guts it took you to leave your job and follow your passion of writing a novel and traveling. I've been following your journey on here and it's been wonderful to "know" you and see how much you've grown over the last six years. You're amazing and I hope you continue finding your inner happiness!

    Also? My cousin lives in Seattle — next time I'm out there, I'd love to MEET you for a coffee date! ;-)

    xoxo

  • Katie [blogs] Says:
    July 28th, 2010 at 5:29 pm

    You know my anti emotional self is avoiding these posts like the plague because I don't want to believe it's real. It's been so great blogging beside you, and I'm with Molly when I say that I can't wait when I can say "I knew Heather Rae When….."

    Your journey has been awesome, and will continue to be. You're sitting pretty in my Reader, ready to read about your new adventures. Although Seattle might not be where I end up at this point, I still WILL make it out there to meet you, do lunch, laughs, and pedicures.

    Best of luck, friend!

  • Romantic Comedee Says:
    July 28th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Your journey is completely inspiring. I would love to get my hands on that novel of yours. Actually, I'm pretty damn, good editor if you need some help! I won't say goodbye…as I have joined your blog feed and am following you on twitter now. Keep sending joy into the world.

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    Thank you, Malou. Hearing your support and enthusiasm means the world to me!!

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    It's been a fascinating six months, and I'm so glad I had people like you to share them with, Juliana. Thank you! :)

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Absolutely – I would LOVE to meet you for a coffee date the next time you're out here!! It's been so awesome sharing this journey with you and getting to know you through comments. I can't believe the six months is up! Thank you, thank you for your support!! XO

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 5:40 am

    Katie, you're amazing! Ditto, it's been an awesome experience blogging beside you, and I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other and follow each other's journeys through the process. I couldn't have picked a better blog-mate myself!! I would love, love, love the chance to meet you in person — I hope you do make it out to Seattle for a visit!!

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Molly, your editor's note almost made me cry! You are amazing, girl — seriously. THANK YOU for the chance to post on Stratejoy and share this whole journey with the Tribe. You inspire me!! And I, too, can't wait for that *long* lunch on Monday. It'll be sooo great finally meeting you in person. And, absolutely, we'll become fast friends over here! Yep, I can feel it… :)

  • Heather Rae Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Thank you! I'm so glad this is not goodbye – as I have loved every moment of this experience. People like you inspire me to keep writing and keep working toward my dreams. And I may just have to take you up on that offer for editing help! Your enthusiasm is awesome!! xoxo

  • Star* Morris Says:
    July 30th, 2010 at 11:34 am

    Awesome Girl! I've loved your posts… And Welcome to Seattle…
    I myself left California 16 years ago to live here in Seattle. My parents thought I'd be back in a year. But I just can't leave, I love it here…
    Your new journey begins in a creative, beautiful and inspiring corner of the universe.
    Explore! Live, Love! Laugh! Congrats! Hugs!

  • Molly_Hoyne Says:
    July 30th, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    The countdown to Monday is on. Yay!

    And you're ever so welcome. For realzies.

  • Heather Rae Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you, Star! It certainly is beautiful in this little corner of the world, and I've been having so much fun exploring as much as I can! I'm definitely on a whole new adventure up here. :) Here's to all the living, laughing and loving that's to come!! :)

  • Emily Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Hi Heather,

    I'm coming to this whole thing fairly late and haven't read any of your other posts, but just reading this and reading your bio made me realize: that I wish I could be you when I grow up.

    For now, I'm starting medical school (and possibly getting an MPH or MBA) and I guess there's no point of saying that I'm going to ditch everything and go travel and write and see the world just yet. But, let me say, it's just amazing knowing that someone else has done it and that that door will always be open for me.

    Thank you.
    Emily Lu
    @a_singledrop

  • Heather Rae Says:
    August 4th, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    Hi Emily – Thanks so much for your note! Absolutely – the door is always open for you, in whatever you choose to do. How exciting that you're starting medical school! The one thing I've realized is that, with few exceptions, I'm the only person that can close a door on anything in my life. The possibilities are endless. So if you go to medical school and love it and have a great life and then one day decide to ditch it all for something completely different, that's perfect. And if you never decide to do something different, that's perfect too! Best wishes as you start your first year!!

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