Where have I been?

Arc de Triomphe, Paris ~ an appropriate symbol for entering a new chapter, don't you think?

Where have I been you ask?  A lot has been going on in this neck of the woods.  Allow me to fill you in, as I truly feel this is a new chapter in my life and I'd like to get reacquainted.

For starters, I have landed a new job opportunity!  This involved a lot of networking, job searching, and decision making.  I've spent the past 8 years at the same company, though in various positions.  It was a hard decision, but time for a change, and I am SO thrilled for this next venture.  The next few weeks will be busy as I wrap up my old job and transition to my new.

I've also spent the past several months diving deeper into myself with a life coach.  She is Phenomenal with a capital "P".  She has given me the gift of truly knowing myself, what drives me, and how to maintain compassion towards myself, so that I can give that understanding back to others.  Through this time, I have read many helpful books, filled an entire journal with my aspirations (and taken action on them!), and talked to friends and family on a deeper level.  I have more clarity on my life's purpose than ever before, and feel a new sense of motivation and energy for life.  It's wonderful.

And through this time, the husband and I also took an amazing trip to Paris and Italy.  It couldn't have come at a better time ~ it gave us the chance to unwind and just really sink in to enjoying life together.  We went to Paris, Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, then back to Paris.  I really can't pick a favorite, as each destination had its unique local flavor and... food.  We ate a LOT. In fact, I feel a post on Italian food coming up very soon in the future... :)

So enough about me, how about you?  How have you all been doing?  I'd love for you to say hi in the comments below, or through email, and we can pick up where we left off.  Or if you're new here, that's great too!  I'd love to hear from each of you!