03 June 2013
Shelves at Central Grocery, New Orleans
Life is a funny thing. I don't think I ever thought I'd end up here. And by "here" I mean all the places I'm about to go to...
Roughly four months ago I was lamenting having to leave Scotland...my most favorite place on earth (a place a friend of mine always calls "magic land") and not knowing which way to turn. I had to come back to my hometown for a while to regroup. Mostly, I just wanted to hop back on a plane to the UK and couldn't figure out how to do that. Sure, I could go on volunteering until my money ran out...but that seemed a wee bit impractical. So I set my sights on creating a new foundation.
I flailed around a bit until I thought..."How about culinary school?" Hmmmm...
This led to chatting with people through people and going on a road trip to Vermont to check out a school and then a blog post about my decision, which led to a friend telling me about another program. And THIS all led me down South to Louisiana. A place I never thought I'd go. I tend to have issues with heat :) But something felt right about the switch, and I am in LOVE with the food down there. I used the need for research as an excuse to go to New Orleans and eat. I couldn't help myself.
So, after more thought...I decided on this path, which was such a relief. I'm also studying to be a health coach, which was another passion that kept creeping up. I found out about an online school (The Institute for Integrative Nutrition), randomly, through a friend of a friend and before I knew it, I was on the right path.
The only "problem" I saw coming, was how to spend my Summer. When you only have about two months to give a place, your options are limited. Also...I was having flashbacks of some of the horrible Summer jobs I had as a kid growing up here. The brain is a funny thing. My outlook was less than optimistic for a happy Summer.
And just like that...a life line appeared in the form of a truly wonderful idea from a friend. To come out to California for the Summer.
Now, the old me would have passed on this. Fear of the unknown and of inconveniencing my friend would have taken over. The post Iona me, however, jumped at the chance.
How often to times like these come up in our lives? And right now I have the time.
I spent years not doing much of anything because of fear. I don't want to live like that anymore. There is still fear in taking chances, but at least you never have to worry about the what ifs.
I certainly never thought quitting my job and living in Scotland for 7 months would lead to living in the South and spending a Summer in California but I'm embracing all these things. My ultimate goal is to go back to Scotland, so I'm definitely not sure how these detours will lead me backEven the time here in my my hometown has brought gifts. Time out of the city, quiet, nature and reconnecting with high school friends who are truly remarkable people.
All of this continues to show me what an amazing group of friends I have created while on my path of self discovery. Every time I'm not sure which way to turn, someone lovely appears to take my hand and guide me.
So:
Health Coach Training Course: √
Culinary Arts Program: √
Lovely California Adventure: √
My ultimate goal is to go back to Scotland, so I'm definitely not sure how these detours will lead me back. I sort of felt like I was cheating on my dreams by staying here for a while but I believe there is a bigger plan, and it's always unfolding. I'm trying to keep my eyes open to all the twists and turns. It feels really good to be in the period of clarity that follows confusion and chaos. I know the chaos is a necessary part of the process, but it sure can suck.
So, last year on June 6th I was arriving on Iona to work in the Abbey Kitchen and this year on June 6th I'll be boarding a train to New York City to begin a totally unexpected adventure!
I never went away to Summer camp as a kid. I guess I'm making up for that now.
XO