Can your quest survive a sudden, strong wind?
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Greetings!
 While I love the idea of serendipity, I realize that I have leaned more toward the planned path approach to my own quest, kind of like setting a destination and aiming toward it like a dowsing branch seeks out water. Except, when it comes to questing it's that single-minded approach to HOW one will reach your destination which can derail a quest.
That's what almost happened to Quest Maker Deborah Hardy, as you will discover, when a life-altering experience stopped her in her tracks. She had to decide if she would "stay there and die or move on and live."
As I thought about Deborah's situation I recalled Aesop's fable about the reeds and an oak tree debating which was stronger. A sudden, strong wind settled the matter. The flexible reeds leaned into the wind and survived, while the mighty oak resisted, only to be torn up by its roots.
Like the reeds, Deborah was flexible and resilient. In retrospect, she realized that the sudden, strong wind that gusted across her path encouraged her to change how she fulfills her dream.
Methinks I need to become more like the reeds and Deborah!
PS. Deborah's favorite flowers are yellow chrysanthemums.(Photo: © takeha)
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Meet Quest Maker Deborah Hardy
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 You may recall that last month, I caught up with six Quest Makers from the first year of this newsletter. Two days later, I received this e-mail:
"I discovered your Next Quest site sometime last year. . . .I continue to receive your emails with your inspirations and Journal Sparkers. I thank God for you and people like you who are sensitive enough to recognize how difficult it is sometimes to work through life's transitions, to press past your fears and insecurities, and pursue your dreams or even create new dreams. . . ."
Deborah Hardy's email stayed with me for days. I came to see that there is as much value in sharing the stories of women who are just at the beginning of their quest as sharing those of women who have fulfilled their quests.What I love about Deborah's story is her persistence and ability to keep her eye on her quest, as well as for making a conscious choice to in her own words to: "press past a life-altering experience and basically re-create Deborah with a new direction, new interests, and new connections. Now, I'm glad to say I am on my way. Still got a long way to go - but I'm meeting new people and learning new things."
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November Journal Sparker
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With its questions and exercises, a Journal Sparker aims to spark reflection or inspire you to take the next step on your journey to where you want to be.
The bend in the road is not the end of the road. . .unless you refuse to take the turn.
-Author Unknown
(Photo: © DTL)
In this month's Journal Sparker, you'll find some an exercise and a resource to help you stretch your mental flexibility muscles.
We've created a cover sheet if you'd like to begin a Journal Sparker binder.
Download the Journal Sparker Cover
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| Do you know a Quest Maker, a woman who has realized her dream?
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Do you know a woman in her 40s or beyond who declared "now it's my
time," and realized her dream? Perhaps she's a friend, a family member, an
acquaintance. Perhaps it's you! If she or you would like to considered for an upcoming Quest Maker column in the Chronicles, please send me an email with a brief description and the best way to reach her.
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| Need an idea spark to ignite your own quest?
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Have you decided that now it's your time to claim your own realm and undertake your own voyage of discovery? Except you're not exactly sure how (or even where) to start?You may need an Idea Sparker to help you figure it out. That's where I can help. Learn more about me at Your Next Quest. Take the next step with a free 15-minute consultation with me. We'll talk about where you are now and where you want to be and how I can help you get there. Start your journey now by sending me an email or by calling me at 781.583.7185.Together, we can start you on the journey to where you want to be!
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