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The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. ~ Mark Twain
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| Buon Viaggio Blog |
The theme this month is
Ideas Everywhere.
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THE ACCIDENTAL FEMALE NOMAD
|  Years ago I read a book by Terry Cole-Whittaker called What You Think of Me is None of My Business. What I remember most is her story about people coming to her during difficult times and saying, "My life is falling apart." Her response to that was, "It may be falling together."
I've thought about those words frequently during the past two and a half months which have been some of the most difficult of my life. You may have noticed my silence. While I haven't been hiding out, my time and attention has been consumed with what I thought was going to be a simple relocation from Las Vegas to Valencia, CA. It's an understatement to say that nothing about this move has been simple.
On August 31, everything I own except for a small suitcase full of clothes and my laptop went into a POD, then into a warehouse. I expected to be reunited with my belongings on September 8. When my new World Headquarters proved woefully inadequate, the search began. I had no idea that it would last so long.
As I began looking at options, making offers on condos, and scouting several potential new hometowns, I examined my feelings about home and what it means to me. I realized that working from home alters how I feel about it-and what I need from the place where I live.
For the first half of my life, a home was somewhere to return to after a day spent in school or at work. That all changed on the day that I set up the card table in my family room and opened my first little business. At the time, I went to great lengths to conceal the fact that I worked from home. Who would take me seriously if they saw my unimpressive office?
At the time, there were no resources talking about being self-employed and working from home. Of course, I knew writers and some artists turned a spare bedroom into a studio, but I had no idea what other forms of enterprise could thrive in a domestic setting.
The exception to the conventional business startup information was Supergirls, the book that gave me the notion that I could be self-employed. They had started out working from home, but moved into "real" offices as soon as their business began to grow.
At the time, I assumed I would do the same and eventually set up shop in a rented space where I could have proper meetings and create exciting events. At the time, I had no idea how much I would come to love working from home.
So here I am decades later, a homeless homebased entrepreneur. Most difficult of all has been having no access to my possessions.
As a result, it's been impossible to work. I've missed a publishing deadline with Winning Ways newsletter and, of course, have heard from subscribers who assumed their latest issue got lost in the mail.
In the midst of this anxiety, all sorts of wonderful things began to emerge. After weeks of searching, I've found a lovely condo with treetop views. It's close to my dream of living in a genuine treehouse. I'll be moving in mid-December and be back to work soon after.
So there will be much to celebrate when Thanksgiving rolls around next week. I am both humbled and grateful to all the support I've received during this challenging time. My family has been extraordinarily hospitable and patient. And friends have sent much-needed words of support. Thank you so much for not letting me forget that I still have much to do --and it matters. |
| WONDERFUL WORLD HEADQUARTERS |
Judy Heminsley, who blogs at Work From Home Wisdom, from Bath, UK, posted a wonderful gallery of home worker's workspaces. I admit I got a little envious --and even more eager to be settled -- when I saw pictures of the smiling homebased entrepreneurs that Judy shared. Work From Home Wisdom |
| STUFF A STOCKING WITH WISE WORDS |
 No matter where we live or what language we speak, we're inundated with words. Language conveys useful information, opinions, directions, feelings -and enormous amounts of trivia.
Once in a while, we may come across words that do much more. Whether these rare sentences offer a fresh insight, give us encouragement or stretch our thinking, these bits of wisdom can make a profound and lasting difference in our lives. I've been collecting wise words for years and have gathered some of my favorites in a new little book called Seminar in a Sentence. You'll find insights about the creative spirit, getting inspired, the problem with problems, taking risks, beginnings, the entrepreneurial spirit-and more. While you won't find any worn-out platitudes here, you may discover the right words at the right time on these pages. Some of them could become a new mantra; others can enlighten. Order your copy today for $10.99 and shipping is free until December 15th. If you'd like to share Seminar in a Sentence with someone else, you can take advantage of the discounted price of 2 copies for just $18. Seminar in a Sentence |
Order 1 Copy
$10.99
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Order 2 Copies
$18
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| MORE WISE WORDS TO INVESTIGATE |
Small business is finally getting a special day of its own on November 27th with the first ever Small Business Saturday. Wonder what all the fuss is about? Then read Steve Strauss's Top 5 Reasons to Participate in Small Business Saturday. Sadly, too many wonderful dreams die an early death. Whether you're living your dreams or not, take a look at this thoughtful piece from Peter Shankman: What's Your Dream? What's Your Dream |
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Buona fortuna,
Barbara Winter
P.S. On occasion, I may receive a commission or compensation when you participate or purchase a product or service I recommend. That being said, I strive to always offer useful content and resources in each issue of Joyfully Jobless News.
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