for the past few years i have been inspired by ali edwards and chose a one little word to reflect on throughout the year. It beats new years resolutions that you only end up failing at, and its a great way to reflect and put a focus on your next 12 months. You can see my posts about my previous words here:
2007: balance , 2010: appreciate , 2011: possibilities , 2012: brave .
This year I started to think about my word in November. I try to think of a few different words and see which one stands out to me more, speaks to my heart more. I came to the conclusion of embrace.
I have quite a bit to share on what I plan on embracing in 2013, but for now – the largest challenge I will be embracing is change.
I’m moving. Leaving the island. in.two.weeks.
i have been working at Providence College for a year and a half now, commuting 150 miles a day, spending WAY too much time in the car, WAY too much $ on gas etc – and am ready to have my week day life back. It is bittersweet. i love the island, i love what the island has given me. i love, love, love being so close to the ocean. But, those of you who have been reading my blog know how i truly believe everything happens for a reason. In 2001 i started working in a little gift shop that had a small supply of rubberstamps for sale which brought me into this wonderful world of papercrafting. 10 years ago i was dating a guy from cape cod, i moved in with him and that brought me to the cape, and to colorful creations. 6 years ago i realized i deserved better and that brought me to the island, to rediscovering myself. A year and a half ago i was brave and when i thought i was going to fail i made a major career change and that brought me to Providence.
i guess what i am getting at, is i’m ready. i’m ready to see what is meant to be. i am ready to embrace change, to embrace a new apartment, to embrace new adventures and new experiences. Guess who else is ready?
i found a great little studio apartment that is in a restored factory. Hardwood floors, exposed brick, 12ft high windows and ceilings. It is beautiful. And only 10 mins from campus.
Don’t worry i will be sharing more pictures as i move in- but now i am frantically packing and getting ready because i move in 16 days. s-i-x-t-e-e-n days. The studio is all packed and ready to go- i still plan on creating, even more now that i will have time again. i still plan on teaching. Best yet i have some really cool other things planned, that now i will have time to accomplish!
wish me luck, i’m all done “cooling on my island” for now- ready to embrace what is meant to be. (and if anyone wants to come pack my kitchen, feel free 😉 )
Good for you, Jenn! There will be many new, fun things for you in Providence. Lots of great restaurants. Is your boyfriend from the area?
So happy for you!
You go girl! Embrace it! Have you read “Daring Greatly” by Dr. Brenee Brown? I found it through Ali Edwards blog. You are daring greatly and all good things are happening.
Best to you and Mister Harley,
Holly
So happy for you! You started me on a journey which has been such a wonderful outlet in times of stress, cardmaking! Thank you.
You are a wonderful people person with your creative personality and a huge love for cats!
Will miss you but know the waves come to the shore in R.I. too……
Until the next time, Judy
Soooooooo very happy for you and embracing the change. As you know, I did the same thing just about 3 years ago now and it’s been the best thing I’ve done since moving to the Cape. Much luck with your extra time, extra gas money, and decorating your studio apt … it’s lovely!! Can’t wait to see it someday in the future, Jenn … Enjoy your embrace!!! :)) Hugs
Welome wishes to your new home!!! It’s very quaint and homey! I love the hardwood floors and the large windows! Good for you for desiring change and for acting on it!
Good for you Jenn!! I’m sure this will be a great move for you. The apt looks awesome and Providence is a fun city. I wish you the best of luck in embracing all the exciting things that lie ahead of you! :)) xo
good for you!! change can be a wonderful [but still slightly scary] thing!
your new apartment is awesome and it sounds like you really like your job!
enjoy all that each new day has to offer you! 🙂
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Blessings on you as you move forward into the next part of your life. Much happiness.
Embracing change is the story of my life! Jumping forward into the unknown is faith! You will find total and complete freedom in this 🙂 you are amazing Jenn! I look forward to your future posts!
So very happy for you, Jenn. I know more great things are heading your way. Eager to see pics of your loft home as you post. XOX
Congratulations, Jenn! How exciting… I’m sad I won’t see you around much anymore (not that our paths have crossed much lately :(, but very happy for you and Mr. Harley!
Well congrats Jenn! Dang I didn’t know you had such a long comute so understand your leaving. You can always go back to visit the island; especially when the weather is nice. Maybe we’ll get to see you soon.
Jenn I wish you a beautiful life in Providence. I hope you are happy there. Your new apartment is beautiful.
Hi Jenn,
My one little word inspired by Ali last year was ’embrace’….that’s when I moved to the island!
This year it’s harmony.
I wish you all the best in your move. You’ll love your new commute.
My son is graduating from PC in May!
I can help you pack your kitchen if you like. Let me know.
Love, Pat
Jenn, this look likes such a positive move, done on your terms. The loft space is wonderful and so you. I think you will love it and your new commute. Providence is a great city and so close to the ocean, really! Enjoy the change, embrace the change and relax into your new world.
WOW Jenn, leaving the island!!! I am so happy and excited for you in your new venture and wish you the very best with everything, the packing and moving and setting up your new space! Until I see you in person, I’ll send a giant cyber EMBRACE!!!!
I wish you a wonderful future in all that you embrace! You will rock it, of that I am sure.
Wow Jenn! If you have to leave your island. THAT Loft is the place to go! I am SO in love with your new apartment! I wish you all the best with your move. I too believe everything happens for a reason, and like my new washi tape says: “choose happiness!”
I’m excited for you, Jenn. So many possibilities and new adventures are open to you because you’re embracing this change. I hope you love your new space and all the freedom that comes with a shortened commute.
Congratulations! The new place looks great and it will be another great change for you…. Can’t wait to see how you design and decorate the inside! Best of luvk
Luck
what a positive change miss jenn!!!! I am so excited for you, and while leaving your island will be sad, the positive of more time, less travel, more time for snuggling with mr h and creating is fabulous……..and I love your loft, it is soooo you!! I can see you in that space, and I look forward to hearing all about the pack, the move and seeing you embrace your new space and make it yours!!!! Hugs!!!!
Atta Girl! LEAN IN!
Jenn – what a great space you have found! I love it! I can’t believe you’re leaving your beloved cape and beaches….but there are some cool beaches in RI too and you’ll actually have the extra time to go! Go get ’em!!
that space is amazing and you’ll LOVE all the time added back into your day. Congrats, so happy for you!
SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! And proud of you for embracing 🙂
Oh my gosh!!!!!! I absolutely love your apartment!!!!! It fits you perfectly!!!!! It’s so pretty! And Mr.H will love those windows!!!! How awesome!!! Best of luck to you Jenn! You deserve this!! Have fun! Can’t wait to see the apartment finished!!! So happy for you! And being so close to work will make your life so much easier and more relaxing 🙂 yay!!!!!
Omgosh!! I’m so happy and sad for you. But more happy cause i hear ya on the driving!!!! Ill be bummed that I won’t see you on 195 anymore. Hope to see you in classes soon. Have fun setting up your new place it looks so awesome! I think you should have a class at your new place! (Or maybe more of a scrap party 😉 )
What a cool new place!! Can’t wait to see how you set it up!