I have written 12.5 novels. (The thirteenth one is a work in progress). This is the space where I share my stories with the world. There is so much to say in this life, and so little time...



Sunday, November 30, 2014

Dream-Chaser


Remember the kid in elementary school who did everything right? The one who waited patiently, worked diligently and followed all the rules? That kid grew up to be a successful, stable adult.

I was never that kid.

Throughout the years, I listened to my heart even when my head screamed that it was pure foolishness. I selected the messy, colorful route time and time again...much to my parents' dismay.

Spoiler alert: I hosed myself. Repeatedly.

But I managed to brush off the dirt (and/or paint chips, muddy leaves, cupcake crumbs) each time. I just continued trekking along. Sure, some of my impulse decisions left deep scars. I don't regret them, though. Taking a year off college to serve in AmeriCorps, living abroad when I should've been establishing a career, waiting tables for years so I could focus on writing novels/song lyrics during the day...nope. I wouldn't change any of it.

This summer, I was faced with yet another "head vs. heart" decision. Unsurprisingly, my heart won; in September, I packed my bags and moved to San Francisco. A.k.a. the most unaffordable city in the US.

Brilliant move, huh?

Sometimes I walk home after a work trip and get lost amid the city lights. They're mesmerizing, inspiring, and totally blinding. Which sums up city life in general. Living in the heart of San Francisco means I'm surrounded by rich, raw talent and an endless array of artistic/philanthropic endeavors. Of course, this kind of brilliance comes at a high emotional and financial cost.

My bank account and sleep schedule can attest to that.

Then again, I took this risk knowing that failure was extremely likely. I left the simple comforts of Florida in pursuit of a wild, terrifying California dream.

And here I am.

Making it work...barely.

I don't know if I'll stay in California a year, a decade or a lifetime. I don't even know if I'll stay 'til spring.

Yet I stand behind my impractical, frivolous decision to chase after what I wanted. With reckless abandon (emphasis on the word "reckless").

Life is meant to be lived, right?

We get one long, bittersweet ride on this giant carousel of life. And I might fall off my pony but at least I know I chose the biggest, brightest, craziest one. Basically, the unicorn.

Love,

Lisa