Pushed from the Nest
‘Memba how I quit my dayjob a few months ago and took on a part-time freelance social media gig to supplement our income?
Welp, I was laid off, without warning, this week. Thanks, economy!
So here we are. Hubby and me. Two self-employed artists in a tiny-ass apartment. Good thing we’re getting free food for the next month. Sheeesh.
Oh and naturally that naggling nasty voice is here, a’whispering at the back of my brain, trying to get all fear-mongery and pull me down. But here’s the good news: I’m not listening! Hunter and I have weighed it out, pros and cons, warts and all… and concluded that this is a good thing, overall. A big leap of faith, yes. A scary time, for sure. A risk? No question. But an opportunity, too. An undeniably legitimate opportunity. A (not-so) secretly thrilling opportunity, actually.
The freelance gig was the perfect buffer. When the opportunity landed in my lap, it felt like The Universe was helping me find my wings. I could stretch them out, admire them, preen them, and flap them around… but all while safely tucked inside my nest. At the same time, however the job was the very definition of distraction. Each hour, I had to interrupt whatever I was doing, to work for them a bit, then go back to what I was doing. It turned out to be more difficult than anticipated to filter out their work, or to fully focus on anything at all. I quickly found myself in a fretfully familiar situation: working for someone else was trumping my needs to work for myself. Isn’t that what I just tried to leave behind?
Right. Exactly. So, Hunter and I have decided to approach this twist of fate with the faith that The Universe is just finishing what she started three months ago, and is now full-on nudging me out of the nest, telling me its time to fly on my own. 
Universe, I hear you. I’m flapping my little wings as hard as I can. Hoping for some warm, gentle, bouyant breezes to help keep me aloft when I tire. I’m so lucky to have the wondrous sturdy arms of my husband and business partner, Hunter to count on; the tree branches upon which I can rest and be comforted.
As for that little nasty naggling voice at the back of my brain? I offer you this excerpt from one of my favorite inspirers… and bid you a fond and forgiving “Get the f*ck out”.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
Wish me luck? As Hunter says, a trapeze act is always more interesting if you take away the net!
Dana, you got this! I love a good twist of fate, puts you on the path you are destined for. Of course with you two that means wonderful and inspiring things.
Rooting for you, Suzy.
Sorry about your getting the boot, but maybe this is a good thing in disguise. Best of luck to you. You will be fine. Your blog rocks!
I can't wait to see what amazing things will come out of this for you. Much Love.
Supporting those wings are thousands of people that love you and want you to succeed! What we all know for sure is that you and Hunter will work it out together! XXOO
I'm cheering for you. You've got this, even if it's scary right now.
Fly bird! Fly! Lurve you!
Thank you Suzy! You're the sweetest
Aw, thanks Amanda!
I can't wait either – I just gotta trust that they're there! Thanks!
Thanks Becca. You're my boo, yo.
Flippy flap, baby!
Thank you Gail! I miss you so much!
ROCK ON!!! You can totally do it. You are building the life of your dreams. I am so so excited.
Thank you Sarabear! I'm missing you big time. PS – we're coming home next month to seeeee youuuuu!
Dana you will land on your feet and kick butt! This is a good thing! Best of luck to you!
Good luck! I can totally foresee a Broke Ass Lifestyle brand… from books to products!
Honey, you are one of the most driven, talented, inspiring ladies I know, and the bond you and Hunter have between you is one that brings faith to many that love truly does exist. You are so going to be fine, it's not even funny. Vibing goodness your way.
I love the way you see the world! This is a great opportunity to break out your Broke Ass! Besides, security is your Kryptonite. You kill it from the edge! You also have the greatest friends who will fill your foxhole and protect and support you on all sides. Love you, as always!
You are one of the few I worry least about. You, and your name, are clearly destined for success and after everything you have accomplished thus far, pshhh (hair flip) no one can hold you down. You flap those wings girlie!
I have a lot of confidence in you to take this opportunity and to turn it into something amazing. Sending positive vibes your way and wishing you all the best. You can do it!
I am about to be in the same place you are, dana, but its up to me to jump out of my nest! im scared but i think im ready! good luck to you!
I am reading this chain a bit after the fact, but I can completely relate! I was laid off about 2 months ago, and I have also shared a similar 'medical mystery' saga (was diagnosed with MS 5 years ago, only to find out – the same week that I was laid off – that I was misdiagnosed!) I have a little voice deep within chanting to me, 'Everything happens for a reason' and I know the layoff is an amazing opportunity to pull out of the daily grind and transition into something I am passionate about! So the soul-searching has begun, to figure out what that is! The poem you posted above is wonderful – I'm going to put it on my wall!! Thank you for the inspiration!