My husband and I have been talking a lot about what’s next. With our eldest entering his third year of college and our “baby” about to graduate high school in just one short year, we’ve been contemplating all sorts of scenarios. Of course, there are so many factors that go into the next chapter but rather than complicate and blur the vision with details, I asked him a few simple questions….
When you close your eyes, what is your ideal spot? What is the view? What are you wearing? What are you doing in that moment?
Haha my first thought was, “He’s going to say a golf course” – but that’s not at all what happened. Turns out we had the same vision, only slightly different versions of it. For me, it’s sitting on a deck in an Adirondack chair with a view of the ocean, a sunset, and a glass of wine, cocooned in a cashmere sweater, knowing my family is on its way to visit. For him, cooking for the family with a view of the ocean. Where that deck or kitchen is, we don’t know but what I do know is that whatever the next chapter is, we are aligned and I found a huge comfort in that.
For my family, it’s never been about the one place or the one house our kids grew up in. I grew up living all around the world and loved it. Home is where we are and so the idea of starting a next chapter somewhere new is exciting for all of us. Our jobs, our families and other huge factors are all part of that equation but knowing my partner in this crazy thing called life is along for the ride is not something I take for granted. My dad’s life was cut short so I guess you’d say I’m in a hurry to concoct a dream plan. Dare I say, an empty nester plan? (if you call living with three dogs “empty nesting” lol.)
So many times, I’m asked for work “Who is your ideal client?” so it was fun to flip that question and ask myself, “What is your ideal next chapter?” The beauty of life is that, while I “dream plan,” I find myself fully immersed in the present despite always thinking about what’s next. I guess I’m a multi-dreamer/tasker in that way (I think I envisioned my entire five year business plan in the middle of a spin class). Watching my now high school senior spread his wings and already college son conquer the real world is a privilege that has no borders. And just like I’m happy when they are happy, I know they’re happy when we’re happy so why not plan for happiness forever (if we’re lucky). It’s not so much about making any of this happen immediately because thankfully I have time and health on my side and so many fun things this year ahead. It’s more about, what’s it going to take to make that vision a reality? I love a good goal, and I’m excited to share our plan with you guys. And oh what a plan this will be. 🫶🏻
Here’s your permission to dream a little bigger than you would normally allow yourself. XO
