A New Beginning…

I remember writing a similar post back in 2017 : A New Beginning, or perhaps it was a new adventure? Where I announced officially on my floristry website that Barry and I had decided to relocate to France. As such, it meant closing down my business, packing everything we didn’t sell and starting a new life in France.

When I wrote that last post, there was so much unknown, a little fear, but mostly, a sense that it was the right thing for us to do and things would work out in our favour despite not having every little detail mapped out. It was also this post that led to A New Life in The Sun contacting us, asking us to take part in their fifth series.

This time, it’s not quite as drastic a change. Or perhaps it is? I can’t decide whether I am being incredibly optimistic about it all or simply in denial…

Saying Goodbyes

So after a lot of deliberation, I handed in my notice at work two months ago. Yesterday was my last day, and I said goodbye to the full-time job I had been in for nearly three years, for an estate agent in Ruffec.

I have finally made the move to becoming fully self employed once again! This time though, it feels a little scarier than it did back in 2015, as Barry now being self employed as well, this means that we no longer have at least one regular pay check coming in each month. When we add up all the monthly expenses, insurances and of course food, it can quickly become rather overwhelming…

An Optimistic Mind

I remain however wholly optmistic, and I can already feel the creative juices flowing. I have a few projects lined up, a client meeting set up for my new admin business, the gites to keep going, my lovely little blog to write in and a whole lot more time to focus on all the things that bring me joy!

Dreaming It

A few years ago, I dared to dream about what the Emerald and Jade business might look like. I included:

• writing (hello blog, I would also love to write a book in the long run),
• running gites (we now have two, including one we can offer for longer stays whilst you’re househunting etc)
• having an online business helping other businesses (hello Fiona Lafon Bilingual Business Services)
• opening an online shop with some of my products but also sharing other businesses products that share my values

I had a vision of blending in work and home life, exploring my creativity in every way, allowing me to travel more with the family whilst remaining able to work, showing my children that there are so many ways to live this life, and that following your dreams can be incredibly rewarding.

When Dreams Become Reality

I had created a business vision board writing down all of this. When I stop and contemplate it now, I realise how so much of it has already materialised. The remaining items on my list are truly on their way.

I strongly believe in opportunities arising when you make yourself ready for them too. I am fully aware that my plans may change over time, as and when new doors open up for me. To me, that’s part of the adventure though. I was never one of those kids who knew what I wanted to be as I grew up, nor did I ever stick to the one sport or activity, instead changing clubs most years. I used to think this was a flaw, a weakness of mine. Now, I see that it was always a strength and it has paved the way for me into adulthood and the life I am meant to thrive in.

The Secret

I believe anyone can do the same. Growing up, I was always encouraged to try new things and explore what might be out there, as until you have tried it, you don’t know where it might lead you.

There is no secret so to speak to make it happen. However I do find the following have, and continue, to help me along the way:

• remain curious and open to new opportunities
• get chatting to people and share your plans
• make a vision/dream board
• have a back up plan – I find it helps me to think “what’s the worst than can happen?”, as usually it’s never too dramatic. Whether it means taking up a part time job, putting aside a plan for a little while until it becomes more feasible, there is usually a solution to most things. On the other hand, I also let myself dream and think “what’s the best that can happen?” – this usually feels a lot more exciting than thinking “what’s the worst that can happen”, and helps motivate me to try something else in order to avoid the back up plan having to come into play.

Moving Forward

I’ve allowed myself the day off today, being Friday. I was able to sort out admin I had been wanting to handle for a while, pick up the kids from school, and generally take it easy.

However as of Monday, the real fun begins, with client meetings and getting the next phase of my working life organised. I truly can’t wait! Well, I can a little… It is Friday night which is pizza and a movie night for us here 😉

Do you create vision / dream boards too?

Have you ever considered making a big change? If so, what does it involve and have you made it? If not, what’s holding you back?

I would love to hear from you. In the meantime, happy friday!