Ok,…guess what? Big scary shift happening over here! My husband and I are moving to Taiwan in a few months (for his job). We only just picked up our lives and moved across the US a year and a half ago. Now we are moving to another country! Crazy, right?
I am super excited, scared, sad, overwhelmed, stressed out, and a bit exhausted too. Every feel like this? Ever feel like everything is spinning way to fast?
I bet you have.
When big, big shifts are happening in your life this tends to be how you feel, right?
Right now it feels like I’m on a merry go round and can’t get off. But I’ve noticed that once I stop fighting and just accept the craziness…I’m am able to actually enjoy the twists and turns on this crazy ride.
At first I said “No way. Not happening. Not gonna do it.” …when my husband 1st brought up the idea of moving to Taiwan. Then, as I let the idea dance around in my consciousness for a few days I realized it could be like a stepping stone on the path to our retirement plan. Our plan (for retirement) is to totally downsize and live in an airstream for a few years. We will explore the US and Canada…stopping in mountain bike hot-spots (for the hubby), yoga and spiritual centers for me and hot springs for the both of us. This is the opportunity for us to let go of all that stuff that we really don’t need or love anymore.
We are truly getting into a minimalist mindset. We are donating a ton of stuff. Right before we leave we’ll have an estate sale. We plan to move with only the very essentials. It’s been pretty traumatic for me to donate my hundreds and hundreds of beloved books. My hubby still thinks I have way too many now that I’m down to only 75. Granted I probably do need to let go of a few more before we compile the final ‘pile-o-stuff’ to be shipped/mailed.
The other big thing that shifted me from “No way…not gonna happen.” to “Hum. Okay. Maybe I can do this.” is that I felt more excited than scared. That is always a big indicator for me when I’m not sure if I should do something (that requires a big, big life-shift.). If it scares me a little but excites me more than it scares me, then I know it’s something worth choosing. It also means I would probably regret it if I did NOT do it.
Plus I love the Eastern culture, philosophy, Eastern Medicine and the food! And, those of you who know me, you know I love, love, love to drink tea. So how could I NOT say “Yes!” to this big adventure? Sure I am still scared. I mean, we are going to be living in the middle of a big, busy city (Taichung. Not the biggest city there but still big by my standards) and surrounded by a different culture with everyone speaking Mandarin. And we will be living there for 3 to 6 years! Yikes!
On the exciting side… We will be able to fulfill our dream of exploring that side of the world. We will be able to easily travel to Japan, Thailand, Bali, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia. just to name a few.
I am really embracing the truth of the saying:“Mindset is everything.” I am staying focused on what I’m excited about in all of this. Keeping my mindset focused on what I am choosing – simplicity, travel and new adventures - keeps me in the excitement instead of the fear.
But…I’ve saved the sad part for last. It’s the reason we both have almost pulled the plug on this crazy move many times.…We will NOT be able to bring our darling kitty with us. She has been with us since she was a tiny kitten and we love love love her. She is sometimes crazy (due to hormonal issues) but very beautiful and very smart. She even ‘talks’ to us when we talk to her. We are reaching out to local friends and friends of friends who might be a good fit for her. Please send good wishes our way because this is our biggest concern in all of this.
Me and our darling kitty
In closing I’ll just say that if you’ve ever felt like I am feeling – super excited, scared, sad, overwhelmed and stressed out all at the same time, it’s totally normal, okay? Just keep reminding yourself that it is actually a blessing to have the chance to take a leap into the big, scary unknown. Trust that you are supported…’cause you are. Don’t forget to reach out for support – friends, family, etc. Keep doing simple things that ground you, like deep breathing, walks in nature, talks with friends, etc. Remember, you are supported and it will all work out. The universe/divine/(whatever you choose to call it) has your back. 
Hugs, ~Rena, Intuitive Life Strategist
Hi Rena, I was just thinking about you and your wonderful Women’s Yoga retreat in Manzanita OR. It was so long ago, before you moved to the beach. I am so excited for you and your husband and your next adventure. I so wanted to do another Yoga retreat at the beach with you and wanted to bring my sister. Your retreat was one of the best things that I did for myself, and need to do more of that for me! My life has been crazy, as I was laid off from my job at Hewlett-Packard in 2008. I went to culinary school for 2 years and graduated with a 4.0 and Honor Roll. Jobs did not pan out for my culinary, and I am now back at HP as a contractor (3 yrs. now). I am still working at the bar on Sundays, so with working 6 days a week, I don’t have or make a lot of time for myself! I am so sorry that you have to give up your kitty. We just adopted a new kitty in Dec. as our other fur baby was taken by a coyote. We really miss our Rocky kitty, but have found a new companion in Bobby “The Wonder Cat”! I know how hard it is to give up your fur baby! Your move to Taiwan sounds like a great adventure and more learning of the Eastern culture and sounds like a great opportunity to continue in your spiritual journey. Please keep in touch and let me know when that Estate sale is!
Much love, Diane
Diane!!! I am so grateful to hear from you and so glad the retreat had such a positive impact for you. I loved hosting those retreats for years. After I moved to the beach I started hosting day-long retreats. I would have loved to have you and your sister come to one.
Wow! You have accomplished so much since I last saw you. Congratulations on graduating with a 4.0 and on the Honor Roll! Well done! But working so much must make it challenging to make me-time for yourself. Try this: take 5-10 minutes a day to just slow down and think of something that makes you smile. It works wonders.
Thank you for your kind and supportive words about my adventure and my fur-baby. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Rocky kitty. That is so sad. But I am so happy you have found a new companion – Bobby the Wonder Cat! I love that!!
Please keep in touch with me through email and if you are on Facebook please find me there too. K?
Big hugs and lots of love, ~Rena
Sounds exciting and you have the right attitude. Every time I’ve faced a big change like you are now it’s worked out for the better, I’m convinced. Just approach it openly and with expectation, like you are. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Aww, Carl! It’s so great to hear from you. Thank you for your kind, supportive words. That really means a lot. And, I look forward to sharing more about it all.
Warm wishes for the New Year!
~Rena
Rena:
I am so excited for you and your husband. From what I have come to know of you over the years; this has been something for which you have been preparing. I think that might be another reason why there are so many emotions going on at one time. I hear,see,and feel you being perfectly comfortable in a short time and grateful that you both made the decision. I believe this new life will Bless you both in many ways.
Love and Warm Hugs, Mel
Beautiful Mel!!!
Thank you so much. I love love love your kind, supportive words. They truly put my heart at ease. Thank you. <3
Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated. I am sending you tons of love and light!
Big gratitude-hugs to you,
~Rena
Hello again! I just realized there’s more than one Renee commenting here so I wanted to add my last name to let you know who was writing to you. I just wrote above about Kirk’s cousin and all that. Take care!
Oh my gosh!!! I’m SO excited for you! What an adventure. At the end of our lives what we have are our experiences and wow are you building up a few of those! Kirk (my husband) has a cousin whose family is spending 3 years in Tokyo. They’ve been there a year now. They’re having a great time! They’ve soaked up the local culture, cuisine, holidays, beautiful outdoor activities, etc. We’ve all lived it through them on Facebook. So please bless us all with interesting posts when you’re able! I can’t even imagine what awesome things you’ll encounter. And my heart is breaking for you about your kitty. Please know if you can’t find a home for her there, she’s welcome here. You know how much I love kitties. I currently have 2. I usually adopt mine from rescue shelters as I believe in giving cats who’ve had rough lives a wonderful, loving home. We adopted Juan 2.5 years ago. He’s exactly like Tiger. Big, laid back and orange! And my other kitty is Mosby. At 18.5 years old and only 5 lbs, she’s tiny and old. 12 years ago this month we had her shipped across the country from Sherry’s house to mine. There are services that do that. We don’t know how much longer Mosby will live but we will dote on her and love her to pieces as long as we can. She’s a talker too. Boy is she ever a talker! Anyway, I’m really excited for you and look forward to hearing all about your adventures! Sending hugs.
Oh. My. Goodness Renee!!! Thank you for your second comment (adding your last name) I am so exited just to read a reply/comment from you, beautiful, dear friend! Wow! Thank you for your sweet offering to take our darling kitty if we can’t place her. I will be posting about her in a couple days on FB so look for that. K? It melts my heart just to know that you would be willing to take her. Thank you!! I would love her to go to a friend.
And, thank you for your supportive words and sharing about your cousin who is living in Tokyo. That makes me feel more excited!
Thank you. My heart feels so full! Sending big love and lots of gratitude and hugs.
Wow, congratulations. I am very excited for you. We want to move to Italy. I’m glad you’re excited. I’m sorry about your beloved cat, but know the right parents will present. I’m sending you my love, my hugs and my hope for success. Happy birthday my friend! You are pure love.
Renee Furlow recently posted..Beauty in the Breakdown
Renee, thank you for your kind wishes for our darling kitty! And, your beautiful wishes for me warm my heart. Goodness! Thank you so much. You too are pure love, Renee! I am so grateful for our connection. Sending you love, hugs and blessings of success for the New Year. Keep holding your dream of moving to Italy in your heart and I bet it will come true.
How exciting! Looking forward to hearing about your new Eastern adventures! Maybe Conn was just the stepping stone to lead you to this new part of the world. I have friends who have visited Taiwan (for both vacation and family) and loved it. It’s s beautiful island with nice weather, beaches, mountains, and hot springs!
Hi Anna! It’s so nice to hear from you. Your positive words about Taiwan make me even more excited to get there! Thank you for that.
I also love your thoughts about CT being a ‘stepping stone to lead me to this new part of the world.’ My hubby and I were just talking about that and how we never could have made such a big, dramatic move to a city like Taiwan from our cozy, quite town of Manzanita, OR. So I think you are exactly right! Sending you gratitude and good wishes for the New Year!
Warmly, ~Rena