Tuesday, May 5, 2015

LIFE'S FULL OF THE UNEXPECTED....

Hi, All,

First, I'd like to offer CONGRATULATIONS to all the bloggers who completed the A-Z CHALLENGE! You guys rocked it this year!

I did bounce around and read several posts and some wonderful themes. This year it was fun to be just a voyeur... 

Give yourself a BIG pat on the back! I hope to drop by and read some of the amazing reflections posts. That was always one of my favorite posts to write when I joined in on the challenge for the previous four years.

Life is crazy for me as usual. I leave for South Tampa in a few days to close on my future home. I have many months of rehabbing my new place, and I was ready to jump right in, but as fate would have it, I must return back to Chicago after a month or so. Today I sign a new client in Chicago. 

For almost four months my income slowed to almost nothing, no prospects at all. So while in Florida, during my stay in March, I had networked like crazy in South Tampa making connections for future work and forging new friendships. I am so ready to start my new life, but it seems my old life still haunts me...

Has this ever happened to you? You are ready... and then wham ...

Since I still have a lease on my place in Chicago until November, this job will certainly help me financially, but I really want to leave. 

So we can plan all we want in our lives, but there is always another force pushing us in other directions. We may have the freedom of choice... but do we really?

I believe in a higher being for sure, but the frustration of life sometimes seems unbearable. My patience is worn and I'm tired of living in a place I've been wanting to leave for so long... Okay, I'm done...

Now for the positive...

As most of you know I strive for positivity in my life, and although this isn't in my plan, I will be creating a new home for another person, changing their lives, and the satisfaction of seeing a very happy person does my heart good. 

A home is our haven and to help someone transform their space is very satisfying. 

So when life hits you with the unexpected, try and think of the positive aspects of the situation.

I hope everyone is well and that you are enjoying Spring!


32 comments:

Joanne said...

Hey Michael - I love your posts because they are so fluid. You vent a bit and then indeed go positive, which keeps carrying you forward. Your spring keeps building, so it's all good. All fine in TX - yes I survived the A to Z. It was fun. Take care

Anonymous said...

I like your attitude.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Michael I wasnt even a voyeur this year for the A to Z Challenge. Like you, I too strive for positivity :)

Jo said...

Spring is kinda here in Ontario, I should say southern Ontario I guess. The spring flowers are certainly out but it is quite chilly today. Good luck with finalising your move, it must be very frustrating.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I'm nodding as I read Michael! It seems life enjoys throwing curve balls. I always joke that is God's way of keeping us humble and reminding us that we are in control, yet not. And it's almost always an experience that I needed to grow into the next stage of my life. So, now when I get waylaid or sidetracked, I try to find what it is that detour taught me. Maybe it will be a person I needed to meet or a situation I needed to learn a lesson from.

I am so jealous of your Tampa move!! Sunshine all the time. What a great environment for the sunniest guy I know!!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Creating a home is a big responsibility whether for yourself or for someone else. Best of luck.

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's a great attitude. At least you know what you want and are moving toward it. I'm going through similar work challenges and am realizing that there is only so much you can control in the situation.

Cherdo said...

The ups and downs of life are not permanent; you will thrive! You've got a great attitude and no fear of working hard - how can you lose? God bless and keep positive.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry you'll be stuck there for a while longer, but you have a great attitude about it - you will be helping someone else change their lives for the better. Don't worry, God will get you to Tampa!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, life pulling you in another direction. So many choices - trust the gut feeling and follow your heart, even if other things are put on hold for a while. 2015 has done this in a big way for me, and while it isn't always easy at times, the choice is so obvious, there seems to be little to make me wish I'd done things differently. It's much better to enjoy the ride and watch them unfold as they will. All the best to you, Michael!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm so sorry, Michael. Use that time in Chicago to make grand plans of what you will do to your new home when you get there.

shelly said...

Hi, Michael! So you're moving to Tampa? Cool! We'll have to get together.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

If you have to get stuck in Chicago, this is a good time of year for that to happen. Know you will enjoy it when you get to Tampa, at last. I really love St. Pete across the Bay!

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I'm sure it will all end up being for the best! I know you are anxious to get to your new home and new life in Tampa, but maybe you should consider yourself as having multiple homes. That's pretty cool in its own way!

Michelle Wallace said...

Hang in there, Michael!
It will work itself out... one way or another...
And here's a boost of special UBUNTU POSITIVITY------------WHOOSH-----------

D.G. Hudson said...

You are so right, Michael, and I learned that when hubs got sick last year. Recovery is important when life throws a curve at us. Roll with the punches and say, perhaps this was for a reason. I believe in Fate and intuition, so I listen to them. Take care and it will come to be when the time is right. That's what I tell myself.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

So excited for your upcoming move to Florida! I know the trip back to Chicago won't be your favorite, but you can repeat the mantra "I live in Florida, I live in Florida." You'll only be there to earn some money to improve your life in Florida. (hugs)

mshatch said...

Sorry your new life has been delayed, but November isn't a bad time to head to head to Florida...And I can't wait to hear how you rehab your new digs!

Liza said...

In spite of your disappointment about having to go back, I can hear your positive vibes. You will get all the way there!

S.P. Bowers said...

I so get this. I'm ready to move, buy a new house, start moving forward with our lives, but our house here just won't sell. So frustrating, but I have to believe that there is a reason and something better in store. Happy wishes to you.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Happy for the income, sorry it's messing with your plans. Hopefully you'll be in the sunshine state before winter returns. Nice to hear from you.

Denise Covey said...

I'm hearing you Michael, but the income will be a blessing as will creating a home for another. Hopefully you'll be soaking up the sun before too long. Chicago just doesn't want to say goodbye to you just yet, so hang in there.

Denise :-)

Unknown said...

First of all, congratulations on your new home. It's YOURS and though it may take a while for you to be there full time and make it truly your own, it's there, waiting for you. That's a gift!

Yes, I do understand. I was so ready to move to Savannah. I wanted it desperately for over 10 years...then I got comfortable. Things were good where we were and I was content. Then the opportunity came to move and it was NOTHING like we'd hoped for or anticipated. BUT it has worked and, though it's still hard, we're in the city we have wanted to be in for over a decade. No it's not perfect. We're still waiting for our "forever" home, but at least that first step has been taken.

All the best and prayers and good thoughts to you in Tampa and Chicago!

~Jen

erica and christy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
erica and christy said...

Hang in there! I'm sorry to hear things have been rough. I thought of you this past weekend...we went to a Cubs/Brewer game in Chicago! Best of luck with your job. It will keep you busy until you can move on and forward with the live you've been waiting for. I know you'll find success and happiness. :) christy

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Joanne. Glad to hear you survived the A-Z!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Delores...

Morgan said...

You're the most positive person I know, Michael. And you've been through more hardship than anyone I know. I love your strength and passion and perseverance. Keep pushing. You're an inspiration to us all!!!

Nicki Elson said...

Oh my GOSH! You really just can never seem to break free of this place. Hmm...there's got to be something in Chicago you still need to do. Besides your project, I mean. But I'm glad you'll have that to keep you busy and creative---and maybe provide some of that xtra $ you need for the new place??

Peaches D. Ledwidge said...

Life and its ups and down.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael - I stepped off the A-Z bandwagon on day 30 .. but was so pleased when you popped in to say 'hi' .. life keeps throwing wobblies at us .. but things will balance out - and so well done on being so determined to sort things out in Tampa ...

Chicago sounds like a good blip for a while - get the the extra cash in and then ... Florida here you come. Take care and all the vibes will fall into place ... cheers and with thoughts - Hilary

DMS said...

I hope all is going well with your living situation. I know there has been more unexpecteds than you might like. Glad you are staying as positive as you can.

Love your positive attitude.

Couldn't agree more about the A-Z. I had such fun visiting the different post and congrats to all who participated. :)
~Jess