New Priority #1 (aka adventure crusher – jk Gracie (sort of))
Since I moved to California, a lot has happened. Aside from the whole transition associated with leaving the big city to move to the burbs – I bought a house (see below), for the first time in years had family close by to spend time with, got a puppy (see above), did 2 major house renovations and joined a tennis team. It’s all good stuff but every now and then I stop, look back and realize my life took a total 180 the second I left New York. Yes, I moved to California for a lot of reasons but it was never my intention to lose any part of my old self, especially my sense of adventure.
New Priorities #1, 2, and 3 (totally worth it all)
Last week, while planning a last-minute trip into San Francisco, I got that gut wrenching feeling of all I’ve been missing since settling here in California. Spontaneity, adventure and city air/excitement were just a few of the things I longed for. I used to travel almost every week, mostly for work but also for pleasure. Although exhausting, I loved being on the road – seeing new places, meeting new people, enjoying the perks of being a loyal airline and hotel guest. Now I spend most days at home working and taking care of a puppy, hit up the same restaurants weekly and play tennis on the weekends.
Although there is some comfort and pleasure in this laid-back way of life, I’ve realized lately that the more I get stuck in these new habits, the more angst I feel when thinking about doing new things. Now that’s a scary thought! I’m way too young to hold back for fear of taking chances!!!
So after my trip into the city where I walked around aimlessly, wore 4 outfits in less than 24 hours (5 if you include my pjs), ate a late dinner and stayed at a nice hotel, I vowed to keep on challenging myself with new adventures. In fact, I started the next day! For months, I’ve been saying I was going to take my dog to Dillon Beach on Bodega Bay (about 2 hours away) but this irrational anxiety has been holding me back. So Saturday, the day after I returned from the city, I packed her up and off we went to the beach. Next I’m going to plan that trip to NYC that I’ve been meaning to take for about 6 months now.
It’s funny how one can find happiness yet still be missing out on things they find fulfilling. I imagine this is how many people feel when they have children or get a great new job. You sort of have to lose yourself in that new amazingness before you look up one day and realize the things you want to reclaim from your old life.
And the money/time pit (I could go either way on home ownership)
Maybe its age, maybe it’s just timing but my life these days is consumed by completely different priorities. As with all things in life, balance is key, so while I am happier than I’ve ever been living here in the suburbs of California, I’m also going to pursue that little adventure bug I’ve been feeling lately and try to bring a little bit of the old into my new, happy life.
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