Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Thought Process

Little Bird

You know the feeling when every day is new? Every day is exciting? Every day brings decisions and actions that may be a little scary at the moment but completely fill you with the biggest feeling of strength and determination? Where every day is getting you one day closer to what you've been waiting for? That's every day for me right now.

Talk about the vaguest of the vague... this is going to be less about me saying what's going on and more about just writing out my thoughts about this very moment right now.

Have you ever done something when you know that half the people you know will totally back you because they trust you to make the best decision, and the other half will think you've lost your mind? Have you ever taken a giant leap of faith into one open door because you just ran into a closed one? Have you ever said "I don't know how this is going to be in the future, but right now I know it's the right thing to do?"

I can't be alone in this. I can't be the only one who's feeling like I'm entering into an unknown where I'm going to receive countless questions and leave many people shaking their heads in confusion. And that's OK. I know what I'm doing... and that's what matters, right? It's like being a little bird who has decided not to follow the flock, but instead to set out on a flight of her own...

See, told you. It's the vaguest of the vague. But it's the lead in for what's next. Maybe I shouldn't have even brought it up... but it's the thought process behind some big decisions going on right now. It's me and it's real and it's a little bit scary. But I'm ready for it.

More details soon.

51 comments:

Allie @ Between Dreams said...

Sounds pretty freaking epic! Can't wait for you to dish out all the deets :)

Laura Elizabeth said...

I literally feel like that is ALL I have down this year. Opening a business with my best friend, watching it totally collapse, picking up the pieces and starting over. Starting Mary Kay. Deciding that self-publishing was going to be the way I got my book out. It's been a year of some pretty crazy decisions! And I can't wait to hear yours! I bet it's gonna be awesome!

Laura Elizabeth said...

Also, that is a really awesome picture!

Hannah Bunker said...

Yep. Totally been there. Your decision is *your* decision. What matters is that you're being led by peace. If you feel peace about whatever it is, then jump. :)


Looking forward to hearing more!

Katie said...

Once again - my.life.to.a.tee. Also, I wouldn't say you even need to put such an impossible expectation on *yourself* to know what *you* are doing - but just to be continually saying yes to God, knowing that *He* knows what *He* is doing :) Jesus' burden and yoke for you are light and easy, love!

Cody Doll said...

I knew that there was something brewing. I just can't wait to see what it is. Hope you make the best decision and GOOD LUCK, whatever it is. =]

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks Emilie :) It's all new to me so I'm just taking it as it comes. Will share more soon :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Sooooo glad I'm not the only one. Thanks Carly!

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks for being there... you know how it goes :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Epic indeed. Can't wait either. Thanks for being there for it!

Annelise Rowe said...

You just never know. I feel so on edge about it, but so exciting. Isn't it true that you have to try it before you know if you like it or not? Here goes nothing, right? Thinking of you today... keep your head up!

Annelise Rowe said...

Oh! Thanks! Captured that little bird while on vacation in McCall this summer :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I bet you can totally relate with the adoption situation you've been going through for the last while. You are such an inspiration :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I AGREE WITH YOU 100%. In fact, it makes it even less scary to know that this is the door God is opening and that when I walk through it will be with Him. How could I fail? :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I know you knew... you've sensed it for a while now. I suppose this post was partially even directed right at you to let you know that answers ARE coming... eventually :)

Raeven said...

Praying for you and the decisions you're making! Can't wait to hear more about it. :)

Hannah Bunker said...

Yes, definitely relate. And it's sweet friends like you that help encourage me so you are an inspiration as well. :)

Colleen said...

I know that feeling all too well, it was the exact feeling I had when I was ready to tell the world, that I a single girl was ready to take on a foster child, and lots of people supported me and lots of people didn't but it's okay because I know that it's the right decision! I am sending lots of love and prayers to you!

Nicole @ Treasure Tromp said...

I can't wait to see what is next :) take that leap, girl!
ps thanks for linking up with Treat Yo Self!

Kym @ Travel Babbles said...

I can't wait to hear the news. Keeping you in my prayers friend <3

Katie said...

We can do all things through Him who gives us strength! and If He is for us, who can be against us?! Love love love these verses <3

Angie Willey said...

You only have one life and sometimes u gotta do wat u gotta do despite the outcome whatever it may be :)))) xx thinking of u

Jess said...

I saw the preview of this post from a distance and thought "well, thats a weird looking loaf of bread" and then just about died laughing when I realized it was Dobby! I may not think she is very cute, but I love her name and I love that she gets baths <3

Annelise Rowe said...

Jess, this comment made me laugh out loud!!! Thank you so much for leaving it. Hahahah Dobby as a loaf of bread. Best thing I've heard all day :) You are awesome.

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks so much, Raeven. Those prayers are more helpful than you'll ever know. I appreciate every single one ;)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks Shannon! I'm slowly finding that out, and realizing that the people who really care are behind me no matter what... I so appreciate your thoughts :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Me too, Niken! Thank you. I know that this new direction we are going in is going to be great, just have to get our feet on the ground first. Thanks again!

Annelise Rowe said...

Yes yes yes! You know exactly what I'm talking about. We're not taking on a foster child by any means (you are such an inspiration, by the way!) but when you move in a new direction there is always going to be doubt from somewhere :) So glad we have God to guide the way!

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks so much, Sarah :) The feedback for me so far has been, "This SOOO isn't you!" but I think that's the best, because it's what's exciting for me. It's new, it's different, and I feel like the world is just out there ready to be taken by storm. You know? Yep... you know ;)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks for offering the link-up! I appreciate you, Nicole :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I appreciate that more than ever, Kym. Big adventures for this little blogger are coming... big adventures. And they have nothing to do with blogging. Ha. Watch... everyone will be like, "and whyyyy did you make a big deal about that?" :) haha.

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks Angie! And I'm doing just that... taking this life and putting it to the test! Thanks for backing me, girl!

Annelise Rowe said...

Yes yes and yes!! With His guidance, I know I'm on the right path :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Well ditto right back at you, sis :)

Amy Sherrill said...

Praying for you as you make this journey. I got my masters in education and 4 years into my teaching job I did not renew my contract. I couldn't do it anymore because I was burned out and had the worst possible principal in the world. People thought I was crazy. I waited tables for 9 months while trying to decide what I wanted to do. I ended up in early intervention and then made my way back to the classroom in an awesome school with a even more awesome principal. It was what I had to do and I am so glad I didn't listen to anyone who tried to stop me.

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Dobby is AWESOME. I'm terrible with any pets besides dogs but I think having a lizard would be pretty cool.

stephanie court said...

You are definitely not alone. After three years of law school, student loan debt that rivals a mortgage, and less than 2 years of practice, I quit law altogether and started up my own photography business. It was tough and scary and nerve-wracking but it was the best decision I ever made. I figured, we have one life, and we spend about half of it working, so why not make that work something I truly love and enjoy and feel GOOD about doing? There's a cheesy-but-oh-so-true quote that this post reminds me of - if your dreams aren't scary, you aren't dreaming big enough. Sounds like you're on the right track. :)


PS - I have no idea how I stumbled upon your blog (a sponsor post somewhere?) but I love it and just spent the last hour reading your posts. Two thoughts - I'm obsessed with Dobby and you were totally meant for short hair. :)

stephanie court said...

I just remembered - I found you through Treasure Tromp's link up!

Heather Greer said...

If it's a decision you reached after prayer and soul-searching, then it SO *IS* you! The safe option is to let others' opinions of who you are define you. I'm excited to hear your news when you are ready to share :)

Sidney said...

I am going through this right now - I just put in my notice to leave my job at the end of December and I won't have a job until I graduate with my master's degree. I've never not had a job so we'll see how it pans out. I wish the best of luck to you and can't wait to hear more :)

Kateri Von Steal said...

*nods* Completely understandable. Write what you feel like writing.. doesn't matter if it's vague or not.. Vague might be the way your mind, body and soul are perceiving it... When you're ready to tell it (fully) to yourself.. the words will flow too.


Life is a journey.. bumpy and smooth... hilly and flat... Everything has a reason for happening. It's part of his plan. . . you know, HIM? *points up*


5k on Thursday... Getting nervous.. and well... read a little later on and you can read about my discouragement.



~KVS


www.katerivonstealsnewlife.blogspot.com

Annelise Rowe said...

He is awesome :) And the best part? He only goes to the bathroom occasionally so it's super easy cleanup. TMI? :)

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Haha nope, not TMI at all. Having 2 dogs and having to clean up after them I totally know why that' so exciting ;-)

Annelise Rowe said...

Amy, thank you so much. You definitely took the path less traveled. This makes me feel so good about the decisions we are making lately. So happy that you've found your happy place. Can't wait to share our news with you soon... probably this next Monday :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Stephanie, THANK YOU SO MUCH for this comment. You are such a trail-blazer... I bet you got all sorts of flack for your decision and I'm so glad it has turned out for the best. You are amazing and I'm so encouraged by that testimony. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing it with me! And you're absolutely right, these thoughts/dreams we're having are totally scary... so they must be pretty epic :)

So glad you like Dobby!! She makes very few appearances here, but she's family. And THANK YOU about the short hair... I still have regrets about cutting it (cut it in August) but at the same time, knowing that a child benefited from my hair makes it all worth it :)

Thank you again for stopping by... come back more often, eh? Going to see your blog now :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks so much, Heather. I'm planning on sharing some of it after Thanksgiving ... we will see! And you're right, if I feel that it's right with God, then no turning back, right? Thank you again!

Annelise Rowe said...

You are amazing! Good for you for focusing entirely on your Masters. What's your field of study? You are amazing... be back next week with more news! :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I'm so excited for you for Thursday. And hello... you and I are the queens of vague writing :) It's fun, isn't it? : )

Sidney said...

I'm going into social work so we'll see how it all turns out :)

Cody Doll said...

Awe. Thanks. I know answers are coming. I am not hurrying you at all. I am just curious. =]

Annelise Rowe said...

What a fulfilling career. Good for you!!

AddThis