Universal Love and Committing to Joy

posted 22nd September 2011    Written by: Dusti    CATEGORY: Dusti, Family, Job/Career/Work, Season 5

The universe is trying to tell me something. I’m convinced.

After a summer of stressing over getting someone to rent to me, I applied to a random Craigslist housing ad. I found a nice two bedroom within my budget. It was a little further out than I wanted, but there was no application fee – which *fingers crossed* meant no credit/rental check.

It’s like the universe wrapped its arms around me and gave me a hug. She rented based on character, not background. And she was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met! You just don’t meet people like that anymore.

Then came the cherry on top - the best writing gig EVER lands in my inbox. Cue me dancing a jig! I can’t give details yet, but it’s with a company I would sell my left boob to work with long term.

A place to live and steady income. Did I just achieve some stability? Why, yes, I think I did. Count this as me exiting fight or flight mode. Unless I’m crazy, that should mean I make better decisions for a while.

At the end of this five months, I’ll be ready to pop. As in, the brand new baby boy will be making his arrival like a soda can exploding in the freezer. I’m so excited for him, but I’m afraid for me. My doctor said I have a high likelihood of getting extreme PPD again.

Last time, it destroyed my life. This time, I have a much better support network. I have a wonderful doula, and I’m not in a relationship with someone I can’t stand – progress, right? (In fact, he makes me quite happy. And makes trips out when I get cravings. Yep – he’s a keeper.)

The next several months are going to be jam-packed full of goodness. But, it’s also just jam-packed – you know, crappy airline style where the seats are too close together kind of packed. I’m not crazy enough to hope for balance, but I am dreaming of joy. Even when things go bonkers, I want to feel the deep joy of knowing I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be doing what I’m meant to be doing. To commit to joy, I’m making three goals for my time here at Stratejoy.

My three goals for the next five months are:

To prepare as much as I can for the new baby. Mentally, this means making sure I have a network of wonderful women to connect with. I think Stratejoy is going to help with that a TON. Physically, it means yoga and setting up the nursery. (Because you KNOW it’s fun.)

To write my manifesto. Because I can’t write it until I understand all of the in’s and out’s of what I think. This is me committing to self exploration in away I haven’t before.

To open as many doorways as I can for my writing career. This means getting coaching, applying to grad school, working with amazing clients, and doing whatever I can to propel my writing to the next level.

It’s a good thing I like challenges, because this one is going to be one tough mother.

 

Bookmark and Share
Comments (17)

17 Responses to “Universal Love and Committing to Joy”

  • KristenCF Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 8:25 am

    Dusti you are so fabulous for taking all of this head on. Just the thought of moving, raising one child and prepping for a new one, plus all the writing adventures you have, would definitely make me want to go sit in a corner for awhile. You are such a rocking mama for attacking it all with purpose and desiciveness– you know what you want and you're not going to accept anything less. I love that!

    And big excitement for the new writing opp– can't wait to hear more about it. Big fan of your stuff :)

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Aw, thank you, Kristen! I spent most of August sitting in a corner, honestly, so this is me getting back to normal. I'm a fighter! ;)

  • Steve Marquez Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Exciting (and challenging) times ahead Dusti! I can feel your excitement in the post. I love the way you're recognising the Universe looking after you – it does – everything always is, and always will be OK. I think you have a tremendous career ahead of you as a writer and am looking forward to following your journey in that respect. I've said it before and I'll say it again – you are an inspiration!

    Steve

  • superawesomeashley Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 9:40 am

    It definitely seems like you have some amazing things happening in your life over the next few months! We will try to best that network for you!

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    Thanks, Steve. :) Yeah, Danielle LaPorte helped convince me the universe has got my back.

    But people like you inspire me.

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    Thanks Ashley! You guys are awesome.

  • Ash Says:
    September 23rd, 2011 at 8:26 am

    Amazing and exciting things happening! Would you share your manifesto when you're done? I'd be so interested (and pumped!) to read it!

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 23rd, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    You bet I will! :)

  • laurenne_s Says:
    September 23rd, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    GIRL!!!!!! Nice! You're already on a roll! Oh my lord. Please tell me what stability feels like! So excited for you. Is that your daughter?! Adorable.

  • Holli Says:
    September 23rd, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    Super exciting. Everything. It is truly awesome to see and feel things align just when you're feeling at your lowest…all we need is a little hope.

    Yep, you're a fighter. I gotta say boys are amazing. Each pregnancy is as unique as the being growing inside. Enjoy!

    Thank you for sharing your story.

  • Elyse Says:
    September 24th, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Rental applications are ALWAYS hard. When we were applying for our current apartment, we were listed as high risk and had to beg, provide reference letters and all kinds of crazy hoops to get it. We did, but man, I thought renting was supposed to be easier than buying a house. :-)

    Finding stability, even if it is just a little, ALWAYS takes a load off my shoulders. I

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 24th, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Nope, just a cute pic I found. Baby pics of my daughter coming next week! :) (Ooh, teaser!)

    And lol, we'll see if the stability lasts. I'm queen of living in uncertain times.

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 24th, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    It's true! I haven't thrown up once this time! YAYAH! :p TMI, anyone? Thanks Holli!

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 24th, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    Here here. Yeah, with the eviction, it's basically impossible. If we don't end up buying after this one, I'm hiring a VA to do it, lol.

  • Caroline McGraw Says:
    September 27th, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    :) So happy for you, my dear! You've taught me so much just by your example; because of you, I feel more confident in facing uncertainty/instability. Here's to your new opportunities & commitment to joy!

  • Dusti Arab Says:
    September 27th, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Aww… I'm going to cry! Like good cry, though. :)

  • Kat Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    I'm with Laurenne – I want to hear all about stability because I'm not going to have much of that over the next five months! I cannot WAIT to see some baby photos – and to read your manifesto! xx

Leave a Reply

name*


email* (will not be published)


website


comments