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Greetings!
My most popular newsletter to date, judging by the number of people who sent me email messages after reading it, was the story I wrote entitled, "Working in the field you love when you can't get a job in your field."
In that story I told how my husband pursued his academic and musical interests as an independent scholar as he had not secured a tenure track position in a university. He would get up early in the morning, prior to going to his administrative job, to read, write and practice his music. He developed a rich and satisfying life.
Fast forward two years and guess what? The dream job appeared out of nowhere; he applied for it, and got it! We will be moving to Lafayette, Louisiana in June.
You may be asking the same question that my father asked me, "What about you, Sue?" I am excited, a bit apprehensive about all of the changes in our lives, and pleased to be able to support Mark in his new endeavor. And, I will continue my coaching and consulting practice both in Louisiana and with my California and other clients from around the country.
When Mark forwarded me the job announcement my first reaction was, "Wow, what a perfect fit." Then I thought about what it would be like to live in Lafayette, Louisiana. We had visited Louisiana in October, when Mark presented his book at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge. We had a wonderful trip, staying with friends in New Orleans for a couple of nights, then a night in Breaux Bridge (close to Lafayette), and two nights in Baton Rouge. I was struck on that visit with how friendly everyone was. So when the job opening presented itself to Mark in December, I had positive associations with Louisiana.
I work as a life and career coach and in that role I help my clients to pursue their dreams. How could I not support Mark in his dream? At the same time, I was aware that I needed to take care of myself and ensure that I could pursue my career and my happiness. I began to watch my thoughts and emotions as things progressed. When Mark was invited to have a Skype interview, I knew that the possibility of moving to Louisiana was now more of a reality. I was happy for him.
Then I had two days of mourning. I felt much like I did after my mom died. I cried. I felt tired and sad. I watched what was happening and let myself be. I thought about the things that I would miss in my life here in the San Francisco Bay Area: my friends and neighbors, my beautiful home and garden, all of the contacts and relationships that I have built in my work life. I have a good life and I am happy.
Then two days later I was back to normal. I realized that happiness is an inner state of being. We can build a new life in Louisiana while maintaining our friendships in California and around the country. Will we miss California at times? I am sure that we will. And, we can and will come back to visit. We have found a beautiful home in Louisiana, with a guest room, and I am sure our friends and family will come to visit us too and enjoy the amazing culture of southern Louisiana.
On our two recent trips to Louisiana, we have been amazed at the kindness of strangers and new friends and colleagues alike. Southern hospitality is alive and well in Lafayette. Now that is a quality that I look forward to learning more about and adopting.
One never knows where life's twists and turns will take us. We are ready for the new adventure.
What adventures do you have in store? I hope that you will share them with me.
With love,
Sue Schleifer
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Louisiana Journal
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Sue and Mark enjoying crawfish in Louisiana  |
Our new Louisiana friends, Len and Debbie, took us to a crawfish boil on our most recent trip to Louisiana. Debbie took the photo to the left after we had finished eating a few pounds of the tasty critters.
Cajuns are wonderful storytellers. One of the people we met told us a
story that ended with this quote: "A setback is just a setup for a
comeback."
One of our new friends got her boots shined while we
had coffee in Breaux Bridge. The shoe shine man guessed that she was a
Gemini. When she asked how he knew, he said, "You don't walk shy."
These are just a few of the observations and experiences that I am thinking about. Travel and moving to a new place always open me up to new ways of thinking and living my life. I am looking forward to sharing more observations with you from this new journey.
To see photos from our recent trips to Louisiana, check out the Oak Communications blog.
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Coaching with Sue
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Have you been thinking about working with a coach?
Perhaps you are tired of feeling stressed and overwhelmed and want to feel a sense of clarity and energy.
Do you yearn to bring your creative side back into your life and not sure how to proceed?
Maybe you would like support in making a change or moving forward in your life to feel happier and more at peace.
I would love to talk with you about how I can be your partner in moving forward with your life. Call me for a complimentary half hour telephone coaching consultation.
Coaching is extremely effective via telephone. Let's talk.
Sue Schleifer
www.Oak-Communications.com
Sue@Oak-Communications.com
510.316.3319
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