Ambassador of Aloha, Manager of Fun

We are days away from leaving California, but a very real concern of mine for this move to be successful is that I find employment in Kauai that will provide sufficient income for us to live. The tourism and hospitality industry is a natural fit for me, given my resume, experience and personality. That being said, I cannot aggressively pursue employment in Kauai until I am actually there, as no employer is willing to commit a job to an individual who has not established that they reside on the island.

So I have my resume posted with Starwood, one of the largest employers on the island, and they occasionally send me job listings that appear to be a fit with my qualifications. They have three properties on the island, all with different guest profiles. I have received several listings, such as Guest Services Manager, Events Coordinator, and other jobs that I feel that I absolutely would pursue if available when I arrive. I have received two others, however, that have brought a smile to my face, and an ease to my worries. The first position is for an 'Ambassador of Aloha.' My guess is that this is close to a concierge type position, however, the job title carries so much positive energy and love that it is absolutely a job that I want...just for the job title...

it makes me want to want to have business cards with my name and job title to pass out to everyone on the island and an e-mail signature that I would send to everyone I knew...just so they could see my signature.

The other job listing that I have recently received is one for 'Manager of Fun.' Really, is there an explanation necessary? That basically describes my life...managing fun:) There is an ease that comes from knowing that I am going to a place where that is a need that an employer is willing to pay for. I have not yet applied for either of these positions, but rest assured, I will certainly be looking for something along these lines when I do finally get there. Clearly Starwood has a sense of who I am, and I have not yet even arrived. Can't wait to see where I finally land...

A Heart that Hurts is a Heart that Beats

'A Heart that Hurts is a Heart that Beats'- Bono

Not so much a U2 fan, but this is a good lyric nonetheless. My heart is hurting . We are on the two week countdown of our departure, and I have days left to prepare, but more importantly, days left to connect and reconnect and say my 'goodbye for now' to all those who are near and dear to me. Though I am embarking on an adventure that I anticipate will create new life opportunity and possibility, I am saying 'goodbye for now' to family, friends and relationships that are based on me being present in this life and existence. I cannot predict what will happen to these relationships after I leave...

My heart hurts on so many different levels, from leaving my family and my children and knowing that seeing them will involve major travel and planning, to leaving my friendships, not knowing what kinds of bonds I will be forming and creating in my new life. I am leaving relationships that are new and old, renewed and rekindled, and those that have needed some dusting off...but in all of this, it has made me ponder the relationships of my life, and has made me evaluate the ones that have had an impact...it is not often that we face ourselves with such an unusual task and evaluation process, but in doing so, I do feel the connections and heartbeat of all whom have mattered to me.

There is a sadness, but also a calm in knowing that all connections of the heart are bound by the heart, and remain there always. And in such a process, with such deep emotion, is it not this that makes our heart beat? To know, recognize and acknowledge our heartfelt connections with people? My heart is hurting, yes, but it is not broken...it is beating strong, for I am feeling my connections, and I feel alive.

The Power of Intention

The definition of intention is 'an aim that guides action.' But this year I have seen the true power of intention. We started this journey at the beginning of the year over a casual conversation. The conversation centered around the quality of our life and if we were really living the life that we wanted and were destined to live. We had always talked about moving to the Hawaiian Islands, but there were far too many reasons that prevented such a drastic move.

With children no longer at home, one of the primary obstacles had been removed. We began discussing the possibility of making such a huge life change, and what would be the steps in order to get there....steps A-Z....and there literally have been that many steps and tasks and details that have had to be worked out in order for us to be here today, with 3 weeks left before we leave California behind.

The greatest decision, however, was not in deciding how to deal with our finances or whether to take our furniture or sell our cars, but rather the first decision, the original decision and commitment to simply deciding, rather intending, to make this move. That single intention, and our commitment to that intention, has driven most all of our actions this year. We have made choices, big and small, based on our intention to move to Kauai, and all those choices have brought us to this point, almost entirely ready, at step 'Y', in the progression towards our end goal. The power of our intention has taken on a life and a force of its own, and the forward motion cannot be stopped at this point even if we were to change our minds.

Thank you, Ardith, for this quote:)
“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know, and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”
Patrick Overton

The Fear Factor

Fear is an interesting emotion, yet one of our most powerful motivators. Fear of success, fear of failure, fear of happiness, of sadness, of pleasure and of pain. Fear so often forges the path of our life and ultimately determines our destiny. We do not like to be afraid, it is uncomfortable, yet so often, only through our fear can we get to our desired result.

And with less than four weeks of life left at status quo, I am starting to feel afraid...afraid of what is to come, fear of the unknown. Though I know what I hope of my life to come, I am unsure how it will all play out. In less than four weeks, all of my possessions will be in a 5x10 storage unit, 2 suitcases, or in my car. I will be leaving the Bay Area, my home of over 40 years, my family, good jobs, all that I know to be secure. Will I be looking for security again? I am unsure at this point. I believe that what I am looking for is an opportunity to be alive, free, and the ability to live my life with purpose and meaning.
We do not have a home yet in Kauai, we do not know where on the island we will reside, nor do I have any indication how I will be earning a living. I suppose that it is natural under these circumstances to be afraid, but as I have taught my children....if you are afraid, and if the task before you seems reasonable, just take a deep breath, acknowledge your fear, and do it anyway.

And so I will be moving forward, with fear acknowledged, and see where this adventure takes me.