Hello! This is the email I sent to my family, but it’s a pretty thorough update/explanation of the direction I’m headed. It’s kind of long, but I hope you have time to read!
Volume 1 If you Car-a: Life-goal Updates!
I’m not sure if that title is really “a thing”, but latest and greatest events that are happening in my life definitely are! These life events will even result in a blog of some sort. I’ll keep you posted on when and how you can access it, if you’re interested. For now, I will start with this email, the “origin story” of what is to come…
First, in May, I turned 30 years old! I had already made the decision that this would be a milestone year for me. In fact, on my 29thbirthday, for the first time in my life, I felt that putting some serious life goals in writing was an obligatory task. So I did. I wrote them down and then, honestly, I never looked at them again… until just after my 30th birthday. I’m not sure if it was subconscious dedication, divine intervention, or just meant to be because I was poised to accomplish almost all of those goals by the end of 2017. As you read on, the substance of those goals will unveil.
Second, also in May, I had my ten-year anniversary at work. Though I am deeply invested in the business and it will be difficult to say goodbye to my Charlotte Aquatics family, I am excited to announce that I will be resigning at the end of the year! I never thought I would be at Charlotte Aquatics for over a decade. In fact, I had decided a couple years ago that I wanted to go back to school, but didn’t know how I would attend classes while working a full time job, afford school (or my mortgage) without working full time and to top it off, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to study. School wasn’t a viable option unless I made some major life changes. I know you’re probably asking, “So how are you going to make money to live? Are you going back to school? For what?” and I will answer those questions below.
Third, on September 29th, I closed on the sale of my home! I bought my first home in Charlotte, NC a little over 4 years ago. It was a foreclosure home, which was a perfect creative outlet for me and provided invaluable learning opportunities. That house was definitely a home and has a lot of memories. Because of the love I put into it and its dope location, the value of my humble abode more than doubled by the time I put it on the market. So, that probably answers the, “Why did you sell it?!” question you’re currently asking. However, the profit margin was only part of my motivation to sell.
I’ll explain a bit more below and answer the final question you’re currently asking, “What’s your plan?”
Motivation:
Remember, roughly 2 years ago, how I took a trip out west? That was the first time I had ever experienced being awestruck by; the enormity of a natural wonder like The Grand Canyon, the seemingly spiritual peace of a place like Zion National Park and the absolute otherworldly beauty of a National Park like Bryce Canyon. I’ve always loved being outdoors, but I had never better understood that part of “who I am” than after that experience. I made a promise to myself that I would purposefully set aside resources to experience that kind of beauty again, every year. It was a pivotal factor in determining the “life goals” I would set. During the year that followed, life happened and it just didn’t work out for me to travel. However, I continued to share my trip experience and photos with friends and family throughout the year. The more I talked about it, the more I realized how important it was for me to explore the country. New and old friends started encouraging me to seriously embrace this fact and have given me a lot of support as it influenced the trajectory of my goals. Their continued support is priceless.
Even though I didn’t travel to a destination the following year, I had set out on a personal journey to develop mental, physical and emotional grit. I continued this trek into 2017. Today, I am more confident, more focused and more capable of embracing the beauty of who I am than ever before. I understand my strengths and weaknesses better than ever, which enables growth and improvement in so many facets. Though I will always have so much to learn and embracing a growth mindset will be an ongoing endeavor, this is not an insignificant accomplishment. In fact, it’s one of the most empowering accomplishments I have ever experienced. It has broadened my scope of understanding what it means to live purposefully.
To truly understand how important this is, you should know that about 5 years ago I went through a pretty serious bought of clinical depression and anxiety. People always respond roughly the same when I tell them, so let me calm your thoughts with these facts; It’s okay, no one really knew except the people I spent the most time with. Don’t lose sleep over it because I’m okay now. Actually, I’m better than okay! You don’t need to know the details or the “whys?” at this point. All you need to know is that it was the darkest period of my life and in the years of recovery that followed, I promised myself I would never return to that darkness. I have kept that promise. It was my crucible. I believe that I am now stronger and uniquely equipped in many ways. I’ve also promised myself I would commit to conscious, creative efforts that keep me moving in the right direction. I’m keeping that promise.
Sharing this information with you is multipurpose:
One, I want you to understand that leaving my job and selling my home were not erratic or sporadic choices. I’m not falling off the responsible wagon or going crazy. It has been a long journey, a lengthy process and not naturally simple for someone like me (who is a play-it-safe, Type-A planner). I still have a lot to figure out, so the journey doesn’t end here! But, for as much as I have planned, things I couldn’t plan for have fallen into place. For example, my home doubling in value and the current boom in the real estate market were both unique opportunities that presented at the right time. Also, I am single and my only dependent is furry and four-legged, which I celebrate as a unique freedom for someone my age. All of these factors guided the trajectory of my finances, my career and opened other opportunities (like traveling and going back to school).
Two, I felt it was important that I ask for all the encouragement, love and support that I can because I am making some tough choices and enormous life changes! These choices have required tremendous courage, persistence and faith. Five years ago I couldn’t even imagine having these opportunities, nor that I would be mentally capable of handling such monumental changes. Without support, I wouldn’t be nearly as capable. So, I really want to express how much I value your continued support and encouragement!
Three, I just figured you’d want to know what’s going in my life. I may even be doing something that peaks enough of your interest to join!
The Plan:
Because the details were ultimately contingent on my timing and my budget, the timing and budget were contingent on the sale of the house, and the sale of the house wasn’t final until a few weeks ago, I am still developing my master plan. I have a general idea and I am ironing out the details. Here is what I do know, though it is subject to change:
- I plan on working through the end of the year.
- I moved most of my belongings into storage and am living with my mom for 3 months. Yes, I am paying her.
- I will go back to school Fall 2018. I am not 100% sold on what I will study or what school. I did, however go to California in June to visit one of my top school choices and talk with an advisor about program options. I am looking into MRI tech, Diagnostic Sonography, or something along those lines. I was originally most interested in a Surgical technician program, but it wouldn’t be enough return on investment financially, or provide enough growth opportunities long-term. So, back to the drawing board.
- I am planning to relocate to the west coast for school and life…unless life takes a drastic turn along the way. No, I don’t think it will be forever. But, it’s what I want to do right now.
- Until I start school in Fall of 2018 I will travel as frugally as possible. I traded in my Subaru for a truck that I will convert into a “camper” of sorts. I want to visit with East Coast family and friends over the next few months and then I will head west in the new year. I will most likely travel Southwest and head up toward the Northwest once the weather starts to warm up. I want to stop at the major National Parks along the way. I also want to stop and visit family and friends along the route. What I would love most, once I have my list of destinations set, is for family and friends to pick a place they’ve always wanted to go and fly out to join me for an adventure. I can pick them up from the airport, we could split a hotel room if they are more into glamping than camping and we can check off something on the bucket list.
- I am still trying to figure out how I can bring Ollie dog along for the ride. But, since National Parks do not permit dogs, she may have to stay with mom and her dog, Georgie for a few months before I come back for her and all my belongings.
- I plan on having an adventure blog of some sort so family and friends can follow the journey.
So, there it is…the official update on the life of the illusive Cara. I’m excited, terrified, prepared, unprepared and looking forward to this major shift in my life. Let me know if you’d be interested in joining me on any adventures, hosting me during my travels, or want to follow my journey on some social media platform!
Much Love!
ifyoucara.com 