Home is Where the Heart Is...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 02:41PM 
Not too long ago I found my son rummaging in my office. He said, “Dad you really have gone digital. I can’t find a pen or paper.” How times have changed.
Today instead of the executive office and business suit, my office consists of a postmodern table, two laptops, scanner, shredder, digital video, and great speakers. Attire? Let’s just say it’s appropriate for the occasion.
I’ve essentially worked virtually for over a decade. I’ve had many business coaching clients with whom I’ve worked for years that I’ve never met. Many of my deepest relationships began online.
So if the concept of what, where, when, and how we work can change dramatically, can this apply to our living arrangements as well? I say yes.
This has been brewing for some time now, but last week I made the decision to spend half my time living in Austin beginning in May. I must admit I’ve had some trepidation and have hesitated about this, but the move is now on.
This is the first step in fulfilling a stirring I’ve had for several years of having multiple home bases. My commitment is to gracefully play with this transition knowing full well creativity can be messy. My plan is to travel more and spend time in other places I might like to live - New Orleans and San Diego are two.
I don’t know what the final result will be; I don’t have all the answers. I do know it’s been on my heart for awhile and it feels like the next right step. Actually this feels somewhat like a spiritual pruning that will lead to some really big things.
Since making the decision, I must admit I’ve been grieving. I've enjoyed living in Houston and found that it's an easy place to live. There’s a certain ease and comfort, a familiarity from living in the same city for a long time. I’ve even gotten the “look” from a few friends. You know the one where they’re thinking, but not saying “what’s he doing?”
This experiment (that's what I'll call it for now) is really looking for ways to further express my core values. And I understand the value of putting down roots in your community, but if your community is much larger than one city – why limit yourself?
And I’m about to see if home is truly where the heart is… Bill
P.S. As always, I reserve the right to change my mind. As the Southwest Airline commercial says, “I am now free to move about the country.”
Business Coaching, Core Values, Flexibility, Freedom, Heart, Home, Values Freedom
Reader Comments (4)
I just came across you through Janine Elias' FB page. That's how we connect nowadays ;-). Anyways, I was drawn to check out your blog, and what a fantastic adventure to live in several places during the year. It is my dream to do so as well! Thank you for the inspiration, and I hope you will share more about this adventure on your blog.
Best,
Anja Weiland