Playing In Puddles

 “When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles” Pooh Bear

I am a couple months away from playing in the puddles of yet another rainy year (2021) figuratively speaking. Fortunately, my last rainy year, more like storm was in 2018, so it has been a minute since I’d seen the rain. In early 2023, I will officially become a traveling therapist, a few months behind schedule but being I have a very flexible schedule these days it’s not a big deal at all, it was just my antsy pants that wanted it to be sooner. I will be working on my existing business (psychotherapy) by doing a deep deep dive into trainings and certifications that will allow me to be of utmost service to the clients I serve. I will also be contributing to the nonprofit I run by researching alternative treatments/modalities across the US and possibly the world. I will be working on building my new business which entails a certain level of social advocacy for young men and I will be traveling and having fun along the way. I know, it probably sounds like A LOT to most people but my wanderlust, love for humanity, entrepreneurial and multi-passionate personality and perhaps some ADHD too makes it just another year for me with the only difference of course being, that I’ll be traveling a lot more while I do all the things I usually do. 

I’ve been here before, with unexpected changes and detours in my life, but it’s always so amazing how Life can change drastically from one moment to the next. The changes and sacrifices made this past year (2021 and parts of 2022) of course were not necessarily planned, chosen or wanted. Quite the opposite we (my family and I) wanted something very different (stability in our residence) and had it not been for our unfortunate choice of soccer academy in Spain, we’d still be living on the American Riviera and everyday I’d be able to work from home and marvel at the multi-million dollar ocean view we got to call home and enjoy every single day. I also would have been able to be fully committed to the fundraising efforts our non-profit so desperately needed and likely would have already obtained our first grant. However, that was not meant to be. My family and I lost a lot of money as a result of an unscrupulous business that takes advantage of the dreams of young men and their families (I will write a post on that whole ordeal in the near future). As a result of losing a significant amount of money and also making a decision to pay for another year in Spain for our son, my partner and I had to downsize to living with my sister for 6 months and then to a one-bedroom apartment in SB. From the coveted American Riviera back to apartment living😑. But I've also been here before, and have learned to get myself over and out of any prideful feelings I might have and turn to gratitude and appreciation for being able to just live in my beautiful hometown of Santa Barbara. Back in February of 2022 when we left our beautiful 3bedroom rental on the American Riviera, I had no idea playing in the puddles or as the saying goes “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” would produce my ability to work, contribute to the betterment of myself and others, travel and enjoy life. I am excited this was a detour that has definitely turned into sweet lemonade.