Everyone who’s ever mustered the courage to swim upstream or
go against the grain, know that paving yourself a trail that serves your
happiness and your joy isn’t easy.
It’s anything but. It’s
scary as hell. It’s lonely. And it feels like the Universe is
pinching every nerve in your body.
I don’t remember a time that I was so broke – but had this
trust that everything was going to be ok.
This too was part of the lesson, I knew that. Do I throw in the towel, when I can see the emergence of
that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? Or do I chose to ignore the voices, the self doubt and the
nearly empty checking account …close my eyes and just run in the direction of
the light?
I have to remind myself nearly every day, that the path I’ve
chosen is what my heart wants and what will truly bring me the joy I’ve
searched for until now. I remind
myself, that my dreams are more important to my life’s happiness than a big fat
paycheck right now. I’m making my
way – in any way possible. Jay-Z
said he’s a hustla… and damnit, so am I.
Three months ago, I bit the bullet and listed my spare room
on AirBnb to get some extra money, you know… while I continue to trudge against
the flow of traffic. Please keep
in mind, this spare room is something I’m proud of – it’s a place where my
friends can crash if, hypothetically speaking… too much wine is consumed. It’s a place where my friends and
family from out-of-town and, most likely, out-of-state can have a space of
their own – in this space I’ve come to love so much. Since January, this space has been a space where people whom
I’ve never met, drop their things, and become a part of my space, my story and
my heart.
Their reasons for coming to Phoenix very as much as their
ages, backgrounds, interests and hometowns…and countries. But each of them has left a mark on my
heart. With them I have hiked,
watched live-music, shared meals and wines while we shared our lives. They’ve left me well wishing notes with
a coffee, knowing I’d be up late and studying for an exam. They’ve balanced my chakras and walked
my dog. They’ve snuggled with my
cat, while I was away. They’ve met
my friends and they’ve met my neighbors.
They’ve left me a crystal, which helps to balance you in “times of transformation.”
They’ve left me notes, wine and chocolate.
With every thread in my being, I know that each of them has
chosen my guest room, in this adorable house, in this charming neighborhood
with both a cat and dog as permanent residents because our paths were meant to
cross. And our stories meant to be
shared for those moments and beyond.
My heart is more full because of the time each of them has shared with me. The walls of my house and the space between share that joy and love. I know there will come a time when I don’t financially need to invite strangers to stay with me – but I hope that my heart and my soul never tires of moments like these.
