Hello world!

Hello World is right. This is my first blog and I’m excited to chronicle this great adventure! It’s been a heady few months. To recap: I was laid off from my job and had surgery within the same week in April.  I was able to receive disability during my recovery, then unemployment and take a good long look at why I had been putting off what I really wanted to be when I grow up. 🙂 All excuses vanished and so began my journey. If there’s one thing I can pass on to all of you, it is: There is truly much joy in taking the bull by the horns! Do it! Fear is not strong enough when the passion is there. The Universe finds a way to complete each step when your intention is strong. That is exactly what happened to me. And if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. When I made the decision to become a Unitarian Universalist Minister, I too was a bit trepidatious and unsure of my skill. I kept thinking to myself, who do I think I am that I can become a spiritual leader? What gives me the right to pursue this avenue and how in the world can I go about it? Well, when I was laid off, one obstacle in my path was decided for me. I could easily find a job somewhere else; I wasn’t tied to living in LA any longer. So I hurriedly applied to my favorite choice, Starr King School of the Ministry and so began my sojourn. And it’s been amazing ever since. Since I left pursuing acting 5 years ago, I’ve been searching for that elusive “what will I be when I grow up” direction. About 2 years ago, I fleetingly considered becoming a minister and thought to myself, I am too old for that! How long would my career be if I began now and I’m so old to start? A friend said to me, how old will you be if you don’t? So here I am. 55 years old and embarking on a new adventure. And I must tell you, there is no fear like anticipated fear. I have not been afraid. The fear resided in my thoughts in anticipation of what MIGHT happen. It’s never occurred and I’ve been going full speed ahead ever since. I got all my paperwork into the school in time; my acceptance came along with help on how to apply for financial aid. I was laid off in time to qualify for Obama’s stimulus package and can actually afford COBRA at the moment. I went up to Berkeley and found an apartment with the kindest property manager who sent me a staff to help me unload my 16 foot moving van. I had kind friends here in LA who helped me pack, helped me load the van on moving day, and last Wednesday I drove it up! I was climbing through the Grapevine when Free Bird came on the Sound of LA and I actually felt free! There was not any fear, all trepidation was gone, and only excitement filled my soul. I was actually on the road to a life I believe will be filled with meaning. Could I ask for anything more? The kindness of my friend Mike has been immeasurable. He has given me a place to sleep and a home for my three cats (yes 3) and has loaned me ladders to reach those godawful cathedral ceilings in my condo I need to paint. 🙂 Marianne appeared at my door 5 times to help me pack and Spencer showed up 4 times. Garry and Katie and Mary Pat and Al and Claudia from my church helped me pack and move and load the van and are carefully taking ownership of the 32 plants I’m not able to take with me. (and no, I did not name them, Spencer) A journey is never accomplished alone, and I can attest to that. To each and everyone of you that has helped along my journey, thank you. Thank you feels inadequate. How about, anything you ever want me to do for you, just ask me. Forever. I had friends rearrange their work schedule to help me, drive from long distances to wrap newspaper around plates and glasses, in the face of illness, show up anyway. I witnessed the mark of true friendship and am so very grateful to you all. This journey could not have begun without the team of friends that gave their service to me. So hopefully this blog can chronicle my adventure through life and it will be interesting enough for you to read it. So Hello World! Welcome to mine. Jo