My husband, Keith, and I moved to Washington State last December (2017). We thought the move was temporary; a six month adventure while our home in Sonoma offered sanctuary to a couple who lost their home of 39 years in the October Sonoma County fires.
A month after we arrived we entered negotiations to both purchase a home in Washington and sell the one in Sonoma. It was all so quick! What on earth happened? Our only explanation is that we’re committed to letting our heart rule, which in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson means, “trust your instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.”
Anyone who knows me knows I love Sonoma. I’ve established many deep friendships and found multiple ways to serve the community during the six years I called Sonoma my home. Why change things up so radically? Something in my heart told me it was time to move on. Logically it made no sense, and the swiftness of our decision and action has got many heads spinning, including our own.
When your heart leads the way and you follow, things fall into place effortlessly, almost as if by magic. In a tight Washington rental market, we found the perfect furnished apartment. In an even tighter real estate market, we literally tripped over our dream home. Everything aligned, including the sale of my property in Sonoma, to enable us to purchase our new home. There is no way we could’ve planned or orchestrated events to happen more perfectly than they did.
I’ve been letting my heart rule long enough to know that when the opportunity presents itself, you leap at the opening, you don’t ask your head to make sense of it. Our limited capacity to imagine all the truly limitless possibilities beckoning holds us back. We rationalize, we settle, we stay comfortable, and we surrender to fear. My grandmother was fond of saying, “when one door closes, another door opens.” Embrace the change. In our case, a door unexpectedly opened, without a door closing, giving us a choice. Change is always helpful because it provides opportunity for growth.
How does one know it’s the heart and not the head calling to us? For me there’s enthusiasm, excitement, and a calm, peaceful knowing. I liken it to Christmas. I know there will be presents, I just don’t know what and how many. I’m content with the certainty something good awaits and it’s the period of anticipation that I relish.
That’s how I felt seven years ago when I left behind everything I knew and everything I worked for all my life. Initially, as I seriously weighed making the move, I was frightened. All the considerations represented vastly new territory, and I bet everything on it. I was leaping into the unknown without a game plan. Yet something deep inside of me—a persistent, calm knowing—strongly urged me to leave. I’d felt it before but rationalized it away. This time, however, it triumphed over the many horrific bag lady images that paraded endlessly through my mind.
In my experience, the words of American naturalist John Burroughs hit the mark. “Leap and the net will appear.” Once I made the decision and was no longer conflicted within myself, things fell into place. I followed the breadcrumbs with a sense of excitement, and what unfolded was beyond my wildest dreams. I’m on a grand adventure, pulled to expand my life experience, as I relinquish management and control.
Noticing the opportunity and deciding to take it require a willingness to let go. Clinging to the familiar doesn’t enable room for growth. The foundation of willingness is trust. Trust is developed only by being willing to let the experience be your teacher. Noting the feelings from the experience and mapping them back to the decision are how one learns to make better, more informed, fulfilling decisions.
I know there are no accidents. I’m supposed to be in Washington because I am. I don’t need to know why or to satisfy the endless questions my mind creates to distract me. I trust all is in my best interest. I’ve learned that when my heart rules, my countenance is happy, and lighthearted. Rather than feeling as if I’ve sacrificed something, I’m counting blessings I couldn’t have known otherwise.
So, dear reader, listen to that heart of yours. It knows. And somewhere deep inside, you know it knows. Start with something seemingly trivial, let it guide you, follow the thread, connect the dots and prepare to be amazed.
Erin Downing says
Marguerite- i am happy to hear all is going so well for you! The timing of this that you have written is beyond perfect for me. I feel like you were writing directly to me. Thank you and best wishes on all your new adventures!
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Erin! How wonderful to hear from you. Thank you so much for writing. So glad you found this post helpful…and of course I wrote directly to you :-)) Ditto on the new adventures! Much love, Marguerite
Ken Brown says
All my positive thoughts go o¨t to you and your husband. Stay safe and be well- Ken
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Ken! Thank you so much for your well wishes. I appreciate you reading my blogs and sending encouragement. Marguerite
Dawn says
Marguerite,
I am so happy for you and Keith!!!
Best of luck,
Dawn
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Dawn! Thanks so much for writing and wishing us well. I hope you are on a grand adventure yourself :-)) With love, Marguerite
Mary Hollis says
I admire you for your courage,you are getting the most out of your life . Enjoy your new life and if you should go some place else that you like and decide you want to move there ,do so.I am happy that you have a partner that feels the same,i have lived many places in my life and would move again if i had the energy and money,i feel sorry for those that has lived one place all of their lives.Remember Van Gogh,to know the true meaning of life,one should love many things,and i am adding Places.
Marguerite LaDue says
Mary thank you so much for your kind words. I would say that you certainly know a lot about courage. You’ve inspired me in so many ways. And talk about moving…you just did that and I know it wasn’t easy. Kudos to you dear woman! I love you. Marguerite xoxoxo
Holly says
The very best to you…..you let your heart fly!
Marguerite LaDue says
Thanks Holly! It’s soaring :-)) Anyone’s heart can once it’s set free… Much love, Marguerite xoxo
Taleen Babanian says
You always inspire me Marguerite!
This reading was exactly what I needed to read. Following my heart and my Gutt* had never steered me wrong.
Thank you for sharing and I am ecstatic for you and your new beginning with Keith!
Love you always! I love your Blogs!
Xoxo Taleen ❤?
Marguerite LaDue says
Taleen thank you so much for your kind words. Am happy that my blog touched your heart. No it will never steer you wrong, never, ever! We are all capable of new beginnings and experiences. I hope your heart takes you to somewhere magical :-)) I love you, Marguerite xoxo
Kitto-Sun says
Good Morning Marguerite,
So beautifully written and so nice to experience this life journey with you.
Love you, Keith
Marguerite LaDue says
Thank you my dear partner in crime :-)) The journey is certainly full of fun and love with you by my side. Grateful and blessed, Marguerite xoxoxo
Matisun says
Well said sis! So happy for you and Keith! You’re on a glorious adventure! Xoxo love you ??
Marguerite LaDue says
Hey Sis! Yes we are on a glorious adventure and thrilled you’re on the ride with us! I love you, Marguerite xoxoxo
laura zimmerman says
Maguerite..
I sometimes think about this jumping before there is a net and realize it is the only way to ever keep growing. I will miss your amazing powerful community dedication… and we have some empty kid room any time you want to visit!!
Marguerite LaDue says
Hello Laura! So nice to hear from you. Yes jumping without a net is called trust. When we trust ourselves we are free to be all that we are naturally – wholly loved and loving! Thank you for your kind words and for the open invitation – you never know! With love, Marguerite
Beverly Hamilton says
You’ve always been an adventurer, exploring new pathways of discovering your true Spirit. We can only do this in the absence of fear. What an incredible journey we take when we’re comfortable with ‘not knowing’. You’re opening up new territories for those who will follow. Never forget to laugh when we veer off the path:-)))___ Bev
Marguerite LaDue says
Talk about an adventurer dear Bev! You’ve been paving the way for decades and I’m glad that I have observed first hand how to be open and let every situation teach us what it is for. No fear means MORE FUN! And love and peace. Happy to be laughing through this life with you my friend. I love you, Marguerite xoxoxo
Fadhili Fazo Mwanga says
Good lesson! Be blessed
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Fadhili!! We are blessed, we just fail to be aware :-)) Thanks for reading and writing in! Love to you, Marguerite
Michelle says
I’m so thrilled for you and Keith! Thank you for sharing insights from your inner journey as you embark on your outer one.
Really hit home for me as I’m on a similar journey….and sometimes my ego mind puts me in a bit of a nostalgic place over the sweet home in the redwoods I’m leaving…plus my ego identity as a woman who lived alone.
I’ve become so keenly aware of the fact that when I’m fully present in the moment (my life here) there’s no need for nostalgia or a sense of loss as I’ve “really milked the experience for all its worth” at the time…and fully appreciated the depth and richness of it.
Lots of love!! Michelle
Marguerite LaDue says
Michelle thank you so much for sharing so openly and honestly. Your example of how you felt and then what you learned as you became aware of how you were feeling (nostalgic, maybe even a little sad?), observed and reflected on your thinking is so helpful. That’s the process in a nutshell!! And kudos to you my dear friend for having the courage to look more closely and the willingness to see it differently. I love you! Marguerite xoxoxo
Dianna Jacobsen says
So happy for you and Kieth in your wonderful adventure. Sounds like such a beautiful place!
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Dianna! Thanks for reading my blog and writing. Yes life sure is an adventure…and you write the script! Trusting your heart leads to beauty and love and joy. Guaranteed!! With love, Marguerite
cristin Felso says
Marguerite,
This is powerful. I’m crying from the inspiration. You’re an incredible guide for yourself and others. Im so glad to know you. Thank you for this blog.
Cristin
Marguerite LaDue says
I’m touched that my words had such an impact on your heart. Truth recognizes truth :-)) Glad I can be a catalyst for your journey. I love you. xoxo