The most asked question as we prep to move to Scotland is the one that will keep you from pursuing your most desired life. Plus- this just in- scroll down to learn the decision from the UK on my visa!
I can't believe you'll be out of country when we arrive! Let me know when you're home so we can have a big, in-person catch up (and maybe go back to the place we found all the chanterelles!).
I love this! I had a friend who used to say, "It's all relative!"
As I move my business office <again>, I try to remind people that change is ok, good even! I am a leaper and feel the heaviness of others saying, "You're moving again?!"
"Yep! It will be great!"
Though a move across continents must be a bit harrowing, smooth sails to you!
Yay for the visa news!!! And the comments you heard from other people are the same we heard leading up to our big moves (first from MI to CA and then a decade later from CA to Japan). I also learned the questions are more about the other people’s fears and sadness than anything else. And a little bit of shock right, the others not really believing that it’s actually possible to do something so crazy 🤪. We have been in Japan for 6 years now and I continue to get questions about when will I “come home” or move back to the US.
I love what you said about spending the energy thinking about how to embrace whatever happens rather than spending the same amount of energy worrying. Such a great reminder and reframe.
I hadn't thought of it that way-- that people are shocked that it's actually possible to shake up your life in such a grand way. And it is grand, isn't it? Being able to reimagine your life.
I was in Japan for the first time this spring. Have to admit, I'm a little jealous!
There's so much truth is what you say here: "What if we stop trying to control our experiences before we have them? What if we say yes to big, crazy life changes even if they will (likely) not be perfect?"
Yes!
I think of when we are young and adults ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
(As if there can only be one answer to that question : )
We'd usually answer with some grandiose idea of what our future might hold...like, to be a doctor, astronaut, professional athlete, or movie star...and the adult would respond with something like, "Good for you!" They don't ask, "What if it doesn't work out?"
As children we are encouraged to follow our dreams. So why then, when we become adults, does this same mindset become laden with the expectation of perfectly, calculated outcomes?
When I think of all the big moves and career changes I've made over the many decades of my life, there was never a guarantee of "happily ever after." And yet, in spite of major challenges the adventure of experiencing something, someplace, someone new, my life was enriched in countless ways that made me happy.
Stepping into the great unknown, taking a risk when you'll never know for sure what lies ahead can be a bit scary, and yet it holds a special kind of magic. I like to believe we can live many lives in one lifetime. It's the process of evolution in real time.
Maia, I wish you all the best as you continue to evolve in magical ways!
I so love this...as someone who flew by the seat of her pants for many moons, and moving to far flung cities (within the US) with very little cash and zero plans, I have no regrets and a colorful past. There was and is fear. I just tucked it under my arm and brought it with me. Had many wonderful experiences, and am looking forward to our next, which will be international as well. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. May it light a fire under those pondering "Can I?", "Will I?" Yes and Yes!
So glad your Visa came thru! Time for new adventures & a new home. You always seem to land on your ‘feet’ & 7 books is an amazing achievement - & loved your memoir along with the other clever books Herbiary, Crystallary& Bestiary & card decks etc.!!! Safe travels - it’s fun that you are ‘bringing’ us along! By the way, sometimes I just go to movies without reading too many reviews, especially some of the old ones that are at BMFI in Philly and for Restaurants, why not try it? I love an adventure without having to travel too far for it.
By the way, I attended the Botanic Wise conference this weekend and it was fabulous. Didn’t you teach there a couple times?? 💜💜🌈🌈
I did teach there! It's a lovely, lovely conference. And I just got an email that Charis, who started the conference, has a book club going which sounds like fun.
Love this! Guess you are already in process! Whew
Thank you Maria :). Probably around the Bristol area… husband from that region… best of luck with the move …. Xxo
Congrats on getting your visa!! Can't wait to see you.
I can't believe you'll be out of country when we arrive! Let me know when you're home so we can have a big, in-person catch up (and maybe go back to the place we found all the chanterelles!).
So exciting!
🩷
Excited for you both!
🙏🩷
Why set yourself up for failure when you can use the same energy to set yourself up for success?
I will be saying this to everyone of my clients this week ❤️
Let me know what kind of reaction you get!
I love this! I had a friend who used to say, "It's all relative!"
As I move my business office <again>, I try to remind people that change is ok, good even! I am a leaper and feel the heaviness of others saying, "You're moving again?!"
"Yep! It will be great!"
Though a move across continents must be a bit harrowing, smooth sails to you!
I'm a leaper too... and luckily Andrew is ace at logistics because moving continents is intensely complex.
Yay for the visa news!!! And the comments you heard from other people are the same we heard leading up to our big moves (first from MI to CA and then a decade later from CA to Japan). I also learned the questions are more about the other people’s fears and sadness than anything else. And a little bit of shock right, the others not really believing that it’s actually possible to do something so crazy 🤪. We have been in Japan for 6 years now and I continue to get questions about when will I “come home” or move back to the US.
I love what you said about spending the energy thinking about how to embrace whatever happens rather than spending the same amount of energy worrying. Such a great reminder and reframe.
I hadn't thought of it that way-- that people are shocked that it's actually possible to shake up your life in such a grand way. And it is grand, isn't it? Being able to reimagine your life.
I was in Japan for the first time this spring. Have to admit, I'm a little jealous!
it truly is all happening in whatever shape it comes - it is coming - and then the arriving and beginning and steps ... into the new woahhhhhh so cool
yeeeeesssss!
I am over the moon for you guys and look forward to reading about your new chapter.
thanks for following along!
Very excited for you both. Glad everything is falling into place.
thank you!
There's so much truth is what you say here: "What if we stop trying to control our experiences before we have them? What if we say yes to big, crazy life changes even if they will (likely) not be perfect?"
Yes!
I think of when we are young and adults ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
(As if there can only be one answer to that question : )
We'd usually answer with some grandiose idea of what our future might hold...like, to be a doctor, astronaut, professional athlete, or movie star...and the adult would respond with something like, "Good for you!" They don't ask, "What if it doesn't work out?"
As children we are encouraged to follow our dreams. So why then, when we become adults, does this same mindset become laden with the expectation of perfectly, calculated outcomes?
When I think of all the big moves and career changes I've made over the many decades of my life, there was never a guarantee of "happily ever after." And yet, in spite of major challenges the adventure of experiencing something, someplace, someone new, my life was enriched in countless ways that made me happy.
Stepping into the great unknown, taking a risk when you'll never know for sure what lies ahead can be a bit scary, and yet it holds a special kind of magic. I like to believe we can live many lives in one lifetime. It's the process of evolution in real time.
Maia, I wish you all the best as you continue to evolve in magical ways!
You are so right: we NEVER ask kids "what if it doesn't work" out but we constantly burden adults with that question!
Good luck wonderful journeys!I am curious why Maia decided to leave the US?
Blessings ❤
I suspect there will be a future post about why we are moving to Scotland!
I so love this...as someone who flew by the seat of her pants for many moons, and moving to far flung cities (within the US) with very little cash and zero plans, I have no regrets and a colorful past. There was and is fear. I just tucked it under my arm and brought it with me. Had many wonderful experiences, and am looking forward to our next, which will be international as well. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. May it light a fire under those pondering "Can I?", "Will I?" Yes and Yes!
Love this image: "There was and is fear. I just tucked it under my arm and brought it with me."
And that really is why I write: to inspire others to pursue their dreams and view their lives through a different lens.
So glad your Visa came thru! Time for new adventures & a new home. You always seem to land on your ‘feet’ & 7 books is an amazing achievement - & loved your memoir along with the other clever books Herbiary, Crystallary& Bestiary & card decks etc.!!! Safe travels - it’s fun that you are ‘bringing’ us along! By the way, sometimes I just go to movies without reading too many reviews, especially some of the old ones that are at BMFI in Philly and for Restaurants, why not try it? I love an adventure without having to travel too far for it.
By the way, I attended the Botanic Wise conference this weekend and it was fabulous. Didn’t you teach there a couple times?? 💜💜🌈🌈
I did teach there! It's a lovely, lovely conference. And I just got an email that Charis, who started the conference, has a book club going which sounds like fun.
I fucking love this for you guys, travel safely and enjoy the bumps✨💕
Come visit!! There is a guest room with your name on it and we can hang out with Heather.