We must be willing to give up the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
—- Joseph Campbell
Right now, I am at a crossroads.
I would not describe it as a particularly “blissful” crossroads. Definitely not my idea, but it is what it is.
For those of you who don’t know, here’s a recap. I returned to Saint Paul after walking over 2,000 miles in New Zealand to the news that my job was eliminated.
I realize it was risky to take a leave-of-absence in hopes of refreshing my soul and gaining perspective on life believing I’d become an even better version of myself and in turn more successful at my career. My chosen path is unconventional and, I believe, misunderstood. I should point out I did not take the decision lightly and believed I had permission – and support – to go. But that was not the case and now, a chapter in my life is over. It’s a stark reminder that nothing in life is really secure.
Richard has been my rock over these past few months, but after enduring days and weeks, and then months of alternating fear, outrage, sorrow and panic, he gently suggested I get right back on the trail.
So, oddly enough, this moment of devastating loss is actually a gift of opportunity to quite literally “step into my future.” Next week, I’ll head to Seattle and begin walking south on the Pacific Crest Trail.
There is something a little reckless about this decision. Shouldn’t she be looking for a job right now? You might ask. Didn’t she just return from another hike? This seems a bit selfish and indulgent. It’s irresponsible. All true. All valid. Those voices are a running dialogue in my head.
And yet, I think that right now – before arthritis totally takes over my body and before work totally takes over my time and energy – might very well be the perfect time.
Besides, I’m in pretty good backpacking shape. 🙂
Walking has always been my balm, the place that I get centered and grow. I want this walk to help me heal and help me move forward. But more important, I want to discover what I want to do next. Does Blissful have “legs” – so to speak? Does my voice still matter? Is my storytelling compelling enough? Is there a lesson in all this that can maybe help others?
The answers to those questions might very well point the way to my life’s work.
The spiritual writer Charles Swindoll said,
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
I believe this with all my heart. What I don’t control is who likes me or likes my work or thinks I’m valuable enough to keep on a staff. Contrast that with what I do control – my attitude and what I decide to make out of what I’m given.
That is powerful.
On this trip I will continue to write and make audio pieces. I love doing that because it brings you along with me. And it means a lot to share. You buoy my spirits, you make me laugh and you keep me real.
My hike diary will remain free as I write every day just as I did when I was on the Te Araroa.
I will also create a series of rich and compelling “visual-audio” essays that invite you deeper into this unfolding journey of the heart. My visual-audio essays will be an exclusive for patrons only who subscribe at Patreon.
It’s a pretty straightforward transaction – you keep me alive and well while I walk, support my art and help me walk into my future.
I provide you with an exclusive experience of hard-to-reach, heart-stoppingly-beautiful, and soulful places along with collected sounds and my personal narration. It’s like a podcast on steroids!
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to partner with you in this next chapter of my life.
Walk on and have fun!
♥️Anita Hike and Blissful 🐥👣🎒
20 Responses
Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.
many, many thanks! ♥️
Alison….you know what I think. To be true to me, I cannot fund your next adventure. I will miss your blogs. Again, you are brilliant just as you are today. Good luck to you….Zola
Zola, my blogs are still here and free! If you want to come along, I would love it. I know not everyone can support, and that’s why I am sharing them freely. ♥️
Hi, Alison, Since you’ll be walking through Washington, Oregon, and California–assuming you’re doing the whole shebang–consider listening to the classical radio stations via the internet on your hike, allclassical.org, KQAQ in Portland, coming to mind immediately, after I learned of it while visiting friends and family. And, why not apply for a DJ job while you’re at it?!! Gotta tell ya, I find myself listening to KQAQ more than KSJN since you left that great 10:00-1:00 time-slot at the latter. Oh, it’s just an on-a-lark suggestion, but, damn, I–and I bet many of the rest of us–miss your voice, both literally and figuratively. And no matter what, godspeed, Alison Young.
thank you, my friend! I miss being on air and all my friends so much. I am applying to every place that has an opening. Hopefully something will work out soon! Thank you for your support!! 🐥👣🎒♥️
Alison, I am so sad, reading this. For me – because I’m losing your voice on my radio and at SPCO concert broadcasts. Even more so, for You – sad that you need to make difficult decisions and leave behind a career that you were so good at – but BRAVO! Onward!
Count me inspired.
An Alison Young FAN
oh, Karen, this is such a lovely note. Thank you!! I miss my work on air so much but hopefully there is a place for me and my voice 🐥 Walking heals, that’s for sure. ♥️