If I Leap, Will That Net Really Appear?
By Missy Park • Sep 18th, 2009 • Category: Missy's Musings
Easy to say when I’m standing firmly on the ground. More difficult when I am on the edge, facing an abyss. But what I’ve found over the years, is that if I keep making those leaps, I’ll either reach my goal, the net will appear or I’ll get in some good practice falling. All are good outcomes. Each makes it easier for me to take the next leap, though I must admit that making my goals is way more fun than nursing my bruises.
So tell us about the last time you took a big leap? Did that net appear? Write about it in the comments section. Can’t wait to hear your stories!
Missy Park, Founder
Email this author | Written by: Missy Park
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Some may call it a “mid-life crisis,” but I prefer to see it as a “mid-life solution” … as a birthday gift to myself when I recently turned 44 years old, I made a solemn vow to be faithful to myself — to live my truth — for the 2nd half of my life (or whatever is left of it). So … I resigned from my “secure” (a.k.a., meaningless, but full-benefits, steady/generous paycheck, etc.) job, am preparing to put my downtown home on the market, and am gearing up to live a “life in the woods” (as Henry David Thoreau once said). Background: after spending the happiest 5 years of my life (so far) living quietly, simply and actively in Vermont, the economy took a turn for the worse and fear reared its ugly head, telling me to buy into mainstream society’s message that I “should” focus more on my career, find a more steady job, and be more professionally ambitious. I abandoned the “simple life” and trudged off to the city, only to discover that being cut off from nature is not a sustainable way for me to live — physically, emotionally or spiritually. Thus, my decision to take a leap … to get rid of many of my material possessions, pack up what few remain, and head with my dog to the mountains of West Virginia, where I plan to build a rustic barn-type structure with a loft living space and plenty of room for my toys — bike, kayak, snowshoes, cross country skis. Somewhere along the way, I’ll figure out how to make a living doing something that doesn’t prevent me from living … truly living. Wish me luck … and good luck to all of you who are also taking a leap and many thanks for the inspiration!!!
Well I guess I found the right spot to pour a little of me out to you. When I saw your comment and invitation on the inside of the latest catalog I had to write in. My name is Leslie M Pechta, I am 26 years old, I live and am very active in Leadville, CO. I recently, July 4th, opened a thrift and consignment shop, clothing and sporting goods, in downtown Leadville. This being my leap I am beginning to realize that the net is and has continued to be there. Its so far has really been a wonderful learning experience and is paying off tremendously. The name of the shop is “Community Threads” and the point of the shop to me, other then supporting my life, is to give back to my community in many different ways. Last month we had a yard sale to benefit our local animal shelter and this winter we will be doing ski waxes the benefit our local trail “The Mineral Belt”. This leap has been the best thing I have done for myself and my community, the results have been rewarding in so many ways. I feel better even have shared it with so many people including the title 9 crew. You guys are inspiring in so many ways as well. Next leap may be finding out how to become a title nine model straight from the mtns…
Thanks for letting me share, Leslie M Pechta
My Leap – SPairz. And technically, I’m in mid-flight right now.
In March I had my fill of my lame job at a lame company in a lame city. I could not even get motivated to look for a new job in the computer industry where I’ve spent the last 30+ years. So my best friend and I went to New Zealand for 3 weeks where we worked on a business plan for SPairz – compressed and shrink-wrapped cotton underwear for women. They’re about the size of a package of gum.
The idea had been percolating for about 5 years after a girls night out when we all realized that having a spare pair of underwear nearby was beginning to make a lot of sense. By the second bottle of wine, we had them compressed and shrink wrapped. The idea seemed completely doable.
So in April – I jumped! SPairz was off and running. Finding packaging, manufacturing, learning all about the apparel industry, UPC codes, trademarks – egads!. As of today, I’m about a month from production. I’ve learned that design & testing is not a linear process and that I need to stay true to my original concept and focus. It’s been fun watching the light bulbs go off when I describe SPairz to women, and really amusing to describe it to men. It’s been exciting and scary to risk it all.
I’ll know if the net is there if Title Nine agrees to stock SPairz! They are oh-so-perfect for your gym bag, and no one does gym bags better than Title Nine!
Cheryl Foster
http://www.spairz.com
My husband and I (and our two young boys) moved out to an area a little bit north of our prominent, Gulf of Mexico town of Destin, Florida. I have been an animal lover all of my life and I found out that our county, and several surrounding counties, were without an animal shelter of any kind. Tens of thousands of perfectly adoptable pets were being euthanized because there was not anyone to be their voice. I took a HUGE leap of faith and started a no-kill shelter on 10 acres of land across from my home. That was just 2 1/2 years ago, 3700 animals later and lots of tears and joy. I had no idea if the community would be behind me or if I would succeed. The funny thing is that there truly is a higher power guiding your leap, and when you are doing something to better the world… you always land safely!
I started teaching about 12 years ago, and about 5 years into it decided to get my teaching credential. I enrolled at a private university (read: $$$$$). As the second of three semesters ended, I was laid off from my teaching job. There I was, 2/3 of the way through a very expensive credential program, and now unemployed. The final semester consisted of “student teaching” — only I had already been teaching for 5 years!
I decided to take a leap and see if I could make this work to my advantage. I asked several teachers in one of the other departments at the school if I could student teach for them. Rather than being humiliating, it was a GREAT experience, and ultimately, I got my credential in this second subject area as well. At the end of it all, I got my dream job, teaching at my alma mater. So I would definitely say that the net DID appear.