It started as a necessity.

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.