Daring to leap - the start

I've been in healthcare for 20 years. Longer if you count veterinary healthcare. And after the Covid pandemic, with its emotional roller coaster of events, I've been searching for my next adventure. In healthcare, you learn quickly how precarious and brief life can be. And while you may not know me yet, I'm not one to become stagnant. I always seem to get restless after a few years.

You see, I love learning. I love having adventures. I think what I loved the most about healthcare is that it was constantly changing and evolving. No two days were the same. But I needed a change. I've been praying for a while now and exploring different possibilities. And after years of reflection, exploring, laying groundwork, establishing relationships, prayer and paying my dues, everything I've been working toward has suddenly manifested in an amazing confluence of events.

The end result is that I was offered the opportunity to join a company that I have admired for years, but which would involve moving to the other side of the United States from my family and friends. The position involves a lot of travel - which meant giving up my dogs. Honestly, that was hard - but a decision that was ultimately best for the dogs. (And they got the most amazing new homes!) So, I took the leap! I've sold my house and car. And I'm moving to Idaho in the Northwest part of America - a place I've never been.

The reactions to my decisions were varied. Overall, most were supportive. Some were surprised and stunned. Some were shocked and questioning me. Some still do not understand. At 58 years old, when most people are settled in a house, with a family; entrenched in a community and a job; involved with grandchildren, etc. - I have chosen a more radical path. Perhaps it is easier for me because I don't have a spouse or children. I have tried settling down more than once. I wanted so much to have the things we're supposed to want in life: marriage, children, a home. But at 58, I've finally come to realize and embrace that I am a sort of gypsy at heart. I love travel and adventures and exploring. I love traditions and home and family too. But I value experiences over things. I have no use for regrets. When I do feel regret, I am impatient with myself over it.

Currently, I am staying with one of my awesome nieces while I negotiate training and travel for a new job, finalize selling my house and searching for a place to lay my head in Boise, Idaho - without having ever been there. My furniture and belongings now fit into a 16 sq ft pod - which is stored in NC and waiting to ship to my new address. I'm living out of two suitcases packed with clothes to cover a variety of temperatures. Next week, I travel to Cleveland, Ohio for training. Stay tuned....