My neighbour, my muse
We moved to our new home a couple of years ago. It's in fact far from being a new house, as it was built in the mid 50s and has had very little done since. We love it, but it's going to be our ongoing project in terms of renovating it. But this is going to be story for another day.
What I am trying to say, though, is that, in spite of us being in our lovely cul de sac for two years, surrounded only by another 19 houses, we have never got to know our neighbours at all. Other than the occasional and polite hellos and goodmornings, however impossible it may sound, there have never been an opportunity.
Until last week, that is, when I took matters in my own hand and invited all our 19 neighbours around.
Not all of them could make it, but we had a lovely time getting to know each other better. And that's when I found out about 'Mary'.
'Mary' is not her real name, but in respect of her privacy, I shall not disclose her details. What I can say however is that she and her husband live right opposite us, and she is for real!!.
She was made redundant some 10 years ago, and her husband 2 years later. And that's when she decided to follow her father in law's advice and start doing what for her had been only a hobby: ballroom dancing!!!
'Mary' started from nothing, and now has a renowned ballroom dancing school, where she teaches as well as overseeing management. Her school does not take part in competitions - 'Mary''s motto is that, when people join her classes, they do so for fun, and do not need the added stress of competing. Her classes are pure fun and escapism.
But 'Mary' has her own website, and has even been invited to national television shows of the calibre of Strictly Come Dancing, to contribute with choreography and with her expertise. In other words, 'Mary' has made her dream come true.
She and her husband were telling me that, as her classes are mostly in the evening or on Saturday mornings, they have the whole day to themselves to do whatever they like, to enjoy a bit of gardening, to visit family and friends, to have a meal out. In other words, they can enjoy their life without being harassed by a boss, by turning up at work in time, by meeting targets. THEY ARE THEIR OWN BOSSES!!
'Mary' has, since last week, become my muse. I keep thinking, that's where I want to get to. I want to be my own boss. And I keep thinking, if 'Mary' could and has done, so will I.
Have you got a muse, someone that you think of at times when you struggle with your online business? Is there somebody that inspired in your choices and pushed you, directly or not, to join WA? Share your thoughts, leave your comment below.
Giulia
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Wow, a wonderful story Giulia. She certainly made her mark. I have a friend that took the big step 10 years ago to follow his passion as a videographer. He always had a knack for it. He quit an excellent job to persue this and have been very successful since making this brave move. Sometimes it takes big bold moves to realize your dreams.
Jerome
Yes, you are right Jerome. My big step, one day, may be to quit my 9-5 for this, WA and online business. But ... I need stronger foundations here to be able to afford that leap of faith.
Now, Giulia, you have got me thinking about any muses (musie) I may have and I can not think of a one!
there are none, certainly of this caliber, in my circle, so I draw a complete blank! (is Mary busy right now....?)
I believe 'Mary' is always busy. Her husband told me on Saturday she was giving private lessons in the morning, and had more classes on Sunday :)
Right move, Giulia! If you don't take matters in your own hand, nobody will. Now you know your neighbours and there wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us!
It's amazing how, if you look round closely and attentively, you find many more people have taken the same path that I am aiming for :)
Loving this! If she was not made redundant, she may not have been living her passion, and being her own boss. When one door closes there is always another you an open if you're looking in the right direction and willing to take a chance on yourself.
You are right, Vanessa. And it's happened to me when I was made redundant back in 2002. I remember crying every day of the 3 month notice I was given, and when talking to my mum back in Italy, she could not even understand what redundancy was, coming from a generation when, once you got a job, it was a job for life.
At the time, a window shut, and a massive door opened, as I soon found alternative employment. It was what I wanted and what I needed - a stable salary.
I am not wishing for the same to happen to me now. But luckily I am in a different position. My son is older, I have a wonderful family. And age has taught me never to despair. I believe my big window would be through WA.
Good afternoon Giulia,
That is a real pep up story. Due to the world crisis, so many people were in this type of situation and therefore it is so nice to hear about stories like this. Hope you are keeping well.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
What a wonderfully inspiring story. It just shows that what can be considered dark times (their redundancy) can be turned into something so much better. The ability to do what you love and get paid for it is the best way to live.
Thank you for sharing.
Steve
Well, it strikes me to the core as it is living proof that it you can live the dream. And there are people doing so already... right at your doorstep!!
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Aside from the muse aspect, your post is inspiring because of the action you took in inviting your neighbors over. I've thought about doing that...now I just might have to. Thanks for sharing. Debbie
Do you know, it was ever so nice to get to know each other more closely. I am far from knocking the door at other houses every 5 minutes for a bit of salt - but so it happens a couple of ladies felt more supported knowing we are there for them, as they live alone and feel a little vulnerable. So yes, it was all very good :)