We've moved from Baltimore, Maryland USA to Venice, Italy in pursuit of living our dream!



Thursday, January 26, 2012

The anniversary - 4 yrs ago today the adventure began

Today is a special day at our house! Four years ago, we arrived in Venice to begin our new life. Where have  those 4 years gone?  Goodness, they have just flown,  it feels as if it were just yesterday I walked into this apartment for the first time.

I spent most of today reflecting on everything we've been through- from all the planningto selling all of our possessions and actually getting ourselves here, to making a life in an entirely new country,  not knowing one single soul other than ourselves or knowing the language.  Sometimes I look back and wonder "What were we thinking?" I know the answer to that. We wanted to get out of the rat race and live a simpler life before it was too late.

My life coach, Bill Pullen, sent me this wonderful  message this morning -- "Wow, 4 years. You are a powerful example of the willingness to courageously pursue your dream."

 His words reminded me of one of the most important lessons I learned during this process - I had found the courage to pursue a dream, and make it a reality.

I just want to share with everyone reading one thing- if I can find that courage, anyone can. No matter what you dream of, YOU are the one who can make it happen. There is no luck involved, it's all your own hard work, dedication, and the courage to keep at it until you succeed.























10 comments:

Yvonne said...

Auguri! And, here's to many more years of happiness and success.

[I was reading another blog (Solomaman) and notice of your new post popped up there! This world of interconnected blogs ...]

g^m said...

Hi Karen! congratulations! There will be many, many, more. I love the fact that you are still so positive, so in love with your adventure, and you continue to see your world through fresh eyes, and a great sense of humor.

Buona avventura!

Fabrizio said...

Evviva! I'll drink an additional Prosecco glass at tonight aperitivo, to celebrate your fourth compleanno!

Ciao,
Fabrizio

Jan Pag said...

Auguri! I look froward to the next 4 years of fantastic posts about life in the slow lane

Rob C said...

Congratulations to Both!

Rob & Nat

Sandra said...

Karen, Congratulations,on your 4 years, and for following your dream! I have had so enjoyed reading all your experiences along the way, and wishing it was me ;). I love Venice, and have loved my 2 times I have been there. I look forward to reading many more.

karen said...

Grazie, tutti!!! I also hope I have at least another 4!!

Michelle said...

Congratulations to both you and Mike. I'm so glad I have had the opportunity to meet you if only briefly. We will have to get together again this year when I come to Venice for a month...speaking of making dreams come true.
I have really enjoyed your blog over these years.
Take care dear friend.

Marisa said...

Buon anniversario to you Karen and your husband! I have so enjoyed following your blog. I hope to spend some extended time in Venice myself someday. Though, I am fortunate enough to know that I can often visit. However, I can never get enough of Venice ever! Keep your entries coming so that I feel that I am there walking the same calle as you! Auguri!
A presto
Marisa

Margaret said...

Hi Karen, happy belated anniversary ... I just found your blog today. I have a plan to move to Italy in a few years, I was born in Oderzo, TV, a hop, skip and a jump to Venice. Working through all the red tape. I'm thinking of selling everything here and opening a b&b or small inn in Veneto ... any thoughts? I won't be able to afford Venice but if not Venice where? I don't want to pry but can you tell me what kind of work you do? Is it difficult to find work if you don't speak Italian very well? I am fluent but with only a grade 3 vocabulary. Love your blog. Margaret my email address is mthistle at telus.net.