Life is such a crazy adventure. Just when you think you've got all your ducks in a row...all of a sudden everything gets turned upside down. There you are, sailing along on that calm sea...and BAM! a big ol' wave comes out of nowhere. Thank goodness for life vests!
I've never really considered living outside the USA. Even when I was in Italy, as much as I adored being there I couldn't imagine living anywhere but the states. It's that whole distance thing. What with family and close friends, I just never thought I could live across the ocean. But then, something came up and is forcing me to reconsider. What WOULD it be like to live in another country? Would the benefits outweigh the distance? Would it be worth the trouble? And, most importantly, one must consider how often something like this actually arises. I mean, how many times have YOU been offered to work in a foreign country? Lots to think about, indeed.
I've been weighing all this for some time now, and given the fact that I love Italy as much as I do, it's really not been an easy decision. It's so far away from my family! Even though most Italians speak fairly good English (at least in the big cities, that is), there's still the language thing. Being Italian, and having spoken it as a child, I'm sure it won't be all that difficult to learn. Even when I was there (for a mere 2 weeks), by the time I left I was speaking almost entirely in their language. So, that part isn't such a big deal as the DISTANCE. It's a very long flight from here to there...and the whole flying thing is such a pain in the butt too. So, am I resisting because it's not really what I want? Or is it because it's such a huge change. I mean...this is one hell of an opportunity, right?
I suppose the whole reason I'm compelled to even attempt this little piece is so I can get some clarity in my own head. Writing seems to do that for me. When things are all jumbled, if I write it out they seem less so. And the bottom line is this: opportunity is knocking BIG TIME. Do I answer the door or do I let it slide? I think we tend to avoid such big changes, especially as we get a bit older. It seems to be such a natural thing for humans to avoid change. Even if the change is going to be for a higher good, we still tend to shy away from it. I can't help but wonder why I would do such a thing (avoid the change and disregard the opportunity) when I know in my heart that things like this don't just 'happen'. It's no coincidence that I'm being offered this opportunity right now. And I'm not blind to the timing part either. So...what's the problem?
Okay...here's the deal. I have critters. And I have family. And I love them all. Sure, I can take the critters with me, but not my family. So the real issue here is whether or not I have the courage to live 'across the pond' for the next 3 years and perhaps miss them terribly. The words from my favorite Tom Robbins book ring in my head:
Real courage is about stretching conciousness and rethinking thoughts and suffering change Real courage is risking one's cliches.
Whether or not I have that kind of courage remains to be seen. But, if it turns out I do, then maybe you'll be reading my future missives in Italian! Are you up for that?
Camille Olivia Strate is a writer and critter keeper who lives in the foothills of Southern California. Her greatest passion is helping people care for their critters. Teaching folks the language of animals so the can 'hear' what they need is among her greatest achievements. A new non-profit called The RAJA Project is about to launch, offering financial assistance to elderly citizens who might otherwise be unable to pay for their pets' Veterinary needs. Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
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» left by Anonymous (78 days 3 hours ago.)
Did you do it or not??? My situation is similar...mid life...no one to hold me back...So I'm looking to you for inspiration~! GiGi
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