Finding Your Inner Compass
For a little while now my inner compass has been spinning wildly this way and that.
It seems as though there are a million things to get done each day and I am experiencing them all as if in some slow motion movie scene. I make almost as many promises to myself, my husband, our children, family, friends, readers, and sometimes even strangers I meet by chance. There goes the compass again, what was I going to do, who did I let down, what on earth am I doing and why?
How do you keep a dream alive for an extended time?
When the excitement of the first thought and shared plans wears off, when it looks like your goal is drifting just out of reach, how do you keep it alive?
Especially when sharing our dreams of Italy in such a public domain, not only here at the blog but in everyday life to family and friends, mums and teachers at the kids school.
Almost everyday I have someone say “Are you still here, when are you going?”
I can’t say, I just know that we are!
Don’t listen to that Inner Voice
It is very easy to fall into your own thoughts. to listen to that little voice that tells you it’s never going to happen and little by little the huge dream gets smaller.
If everything you do is focused on that final goal no matter how small the step taken, it continues to get closer.
Currently we are working on the house to have it ready to put back on the market. We are also renovating a block of units we recently bought which will one day be a very comfortable nest egg. Sam has reduced his hours at work to speed the process up, everything we are doing is to achieve our goal of living in Italy.
There is no diversion, occasional blue moments yes, but always back to the goal.
Do you have a dream you are working towards, why is it important to you?
Oh I so hear you! And I so feel you!! We are in the same boat….we are here! Its like ground hogs day – we know that we will be travelling. Its a matter of when!
All the best with your block of units, and your house. At least you have that behind you to keep you going towards your goal of being in Italy. One day all of our dreams will come true!
Cheers
Lisa
Lisa I know you totally understand, Ground Hog day perfectly sums life up at the moment. The world keeps calling us and we have to say “soon”
we will all be on the road again soon and this time will be somehow beneficial. ciao love lisa x
I hear you Lisa… so many things to do each day and I always worry that I’ve forgotten someone or something. Just keep your eye on the goal… you’ll get there. xox
Misha I write notes to remind me and then forget where I put them, I spend so long trying to put in systems to keep me on track that I often don’t get anywhere. Luckily hubby is mega organized and keeps reminding me, and reminding me, and reminding me! When we get on that plane I think I will back flip down the aisle with joy! ciao lisa x
Lisa – it seems that 2012 has started for us with the brakes on – lets find the accelerator soon!!
Ciao Ingrid x
Yes Ingrid I think I need to drive like an Italian, full out and with passion!
grazie for reminding me of this, love lisa x
We also have a goal we are working towards…..not in a foreign country (would be nice, but we’re aiming for Stateside) but in another state. We are preparing to sell our home and move to Western Massachsetts where we have found this grand old house – used to be a one room schoolhouse back in the early 1800’s and thru the years it has morphed into the home that sits on top of ‘the hill’ today. It was someone’s home for years; the owers moved to assisted living, then sadly both have since passed away. The descendents own the home. They don’t want it and it sits…..waiting. For us. We are waiting for IT too.
It will become our ‘event’ location. The Blandford House. With beautiful colonial gardens, terraces, patios,, a kitchen garden…and inside – there will be high teas, luncheons, receptions, birthday parties, reunions, showers, with local art being displayed on its common area walls.
Once we are in “The Blandford House” we invite one and all to share our little bit of heaven with us…..
Jeanette you are making me want to take a side trip to the States to see The Blandford House! It sounds amazing and full of history and love. I imagine the house and gardens and yes it sounds like heaven, I’d love to hear more and see some images if you have a chance. ciao lisa
We bought our place in Italy 9 years ago. I am here now and it is freezing!!!!! I love the cold, but there is a bitter wind coming all the way from Siberia making things very unpleasant. Not to worry, I can lean against the heater under the window and watch what is going on in the piazza. I alternate this with sitting on the couch embroidering curtains for the new house.
Wow Debra nine years ago, when will you go to the new house?
ciao lisa
PS hope you are a bit warmer now, sitting on the heater is the best spot in the house x
Cara Lisa
If you only knew just how much I understand what you are going through. You suffer because you feel an urgency and the self-doubt comes creeping in when really all you want to do is BE there. I know with every ounce of my being that you will achieve your goal, because it is so completely and utterly clear to you what you want. As frustrating as it is, don’t give up. You are right…each step you take gets you that much closer. Hugs. Toni
Toni you are so right, there is that self doubt but we are both resolved and always step back and refocus from time to time! Just those words
BE There have me take a deep breath and smile…. thanks for that hug! ciao lisa x
My only dream is to travel, which currently I only manage twice a year. Last year a month in Coolum and a month in Vietnam. When my husband retires we hope to do more. It is frustrating waiting but my blog keeps me in the loop. I understand your frustration. At least your renovating keeps you busy!
Jan travel is just in our blood, the frustration comes along with the gift of the world. I am so immersed in Italy each day with my blog which helps I’m sure. We would love to see Vietnam, one day! How wonderful will it be when your husband retires and you can head off….ciao lisa x
I hear so much quiet but absolutely resolute determination in your words, Lisa. I just know you’ll look back on these difficult moments one day and enjoy your prize in Italy all the more. You’re an inspiration to the people at school, the shopkeepers, the parents of your children’s classmates more than you know. They are lucky to have you around. My dream of a bigger life in Italy doesn’t mean big house, big circle of friends, a bigger wardrobe!!;-) It’s about returning to the place where I’m surrounded and nurtured by a culture, a way of thinking and living and eating that I love. It’s important because everything else is a compromise. I also know it’s a dream that I couldn’t quash even if I wanted to. It’s bigger than me! So I’ve got no choice – like you – but to keep taking a small step everyday and keep dreaming. Un abbraccio forte, Jx
Janine you go straight to the heart of the matter, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! I know what you mean about dreams not needing to be “Big”….we crave a simple life well lived! I can’t wait to share the culture of my Italian family with our children. A dream that is bigger than both of us, what more could we ask for! Time to take some leaps instead of tiny steps I think. ciao bella lisa x
I hear you Lisa. It is not easy sometimes to keep focused sometimes on our dreams. You know you will move to Italy, and that is all that matters. Great post 🙂
thanks for that Cathy,
I imagine the joy being able to finally meet up with all my Italian friends, big celebrations will be in order! ciao lisa x