It hurts to dream big
I am choosing to leave you
I'm letting you down
Opportunity cost is what you give up when you choose one thing over another. Should you be sorry for your choice…be sorry for choosing your dream?
I choose to dream big
I choose to change in midlife
I am not sorry
What if it hurts people you love? Is a choice wrong if it’s not what important people want it to be? Is a choice worth the tears…the sadness…the guilt?
I have permission
To change the life I'm living
To love a new life
Does the other side of choosing to change your life make up for the wreckage left behind?
Changing in midlife
Is hard, with more to let go
But less time to lose
All images are my own.
The Hot Goddess
On Instagram: retired_rewired_inspired
If you enjoyed this please remember to Share, Like, Follow, Comment, Subscribe. (This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post. Thanks so much for your support!)❤
The Hot Goddess 
Powerful post. Your signature style. 🤩
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Michele! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I am considering these questions right now in multiple areas. Thank you for this post! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laura, thank you for this kind comment! We have the right to choose to be happy. Hugs to you as you ponder next steps.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes, and yes! We only have one chance to go for our dreams. Don’t live with regrets!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that, Jane! Thank you so much for your encouragement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow – the lines “Changing in midlife
Is hard, with more to let go
But less time to lose”
hit me hard. True, inspiration, powerful. Thank you, Natalie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for kindness, Wynne!💜 I’m happy this resonated with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do have permission because the only person you need it from is yourself.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Jennifer! You’re right, of course.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Powerful thoughts behind the words. I was thinking about the hurting of loved ones. Could their hurt sometimes be self-inflicted because they couldn’t dream as big as you or perhaps selfish because they couldn’t let you go? Just more thoughts to contemplate. Beautiful photos to accompany a beautiful post. 🥰😊🤩
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for this! Yes and yes. I appreciate your reminder to consider other motives. Very wise, Birdie.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is not ok, it is not right
to be the one with leftover wishes and leftover dreams.
Courage… to all of us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sooooo…. Portugal is a go then?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! I’m excited as I make preparations to leave later this year, but not everyone is happy with the decision.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy for you. 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Natalie, loving this journey you’re on!! xoxox
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Libby! Big hugs to you on your journey ❤❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
When we cease all effort
the true self flows
It is fearless, it is free
Our choices guide our journey
as much as a rive chooses its direction
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully stated Anand!❤ Thank you my friend.
LikeLike
Awesome post ! We are so scared to face reality. This gives a push to many . Thank you !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for this comment, Judith! 💜 Change is scary and encouragement from others means everything.
LikeLike
Thought provoking. And this post actually reminds of Amanda Gorman’s poetry. You’re talking about the kind of life decisions that have “fallout”. To divorce or not to divorce; ultimately either choice will have lasting repercussions on the kids. To take a more fulfilling job for less money; thereby changing your family’s standard of living. A smart friend once told me that if you’re making these kinds of decisions, where someone else is going to potentially be miserable, choose the one that makes you happy. Not because they’ll “get over it”. But because you’ll be able to help them “get over it” in a positive and loving way. As humans, we can’t help others forward if we are selves are stuck, cranky, and resentful.
They call them life changing decisions for a reason…they’re freaking hard! Enjoy Portugal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, Cynthia…such meaningful context here. You’re absolutely correct, of course. I’ve had to make some of these same “fallout” decisions. Then, though, I felt my actions were for the greater good. This time, I’m acting for my own good. I resent the criticism of others, while criticizing myself. I know I’m doing what I need and want to do, and I’m truly excited and happy about what’s to come. I just get a bit wobbly sometimes. Thank you for helping put me back on solid ground.
And now I’m going to make a cup of my favorite Earl Grey tea and bask in the glow of hearing my post reminded you of Amanda Gorman’s poetry. Oh my goodness. Thank you for that too!
LikeLike
Love it! Giving me some stuff “chew on” today! Best Wishes! Leigh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading, Leigh!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
We should work with others to address their concerns about our choices but we can’t be held hostage or hold others hostage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very good point, John. I like the focus on working with others in a healthy way.
LikeLike
You practice what you preach!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You crack me up, Geoff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it is something we always have to ask ourselves these questions when our decisions affect others. Sometimes it is right, sometimes it is wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne Marie, for commenting 😊. Yes, there are many factors to consider when making these decisions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] I am a daughter, a mother, a friend, a lover, a partner. Among other things, I am a mother choosing to leave behind her adult son/only child/love of her life; but worse, I’m a first-born daughter […]
LikeLike
Shared! Great reminder that we always have permission to grow and change and be happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and sharing!❤
LikeLike