Unconventional Convenience

Mommy’s French Provincial Unconventional But Convenient Sofa Photo by Kathy Hampton

Is there anything stopping you from moving forward with a dream, desire or new path in your life?  If so, would those things include fear, shame, money, guilt and the concerns of acceptance?

Yes, I said it!  The last piece - concerns of acceptance or those pesky doubters.  Acceptance by others is a deal breaker for some dreamers. Those who want to get outside of their comfort zone or make any change to their life can put a complete stop on that list simply because may think of others’ thoughts or perceptions.

I suggest that your heart’s desires and those things that fill your spirit should move you toward your desires, plans or what will serve you well - do it! 

My Unconventional and Convenient Experience

For 15 months, I spent time - up close and personal - with two upholstered pieces of furniture.  I rested, conducted business, wrote, watched countless streaming movies and documentaries, recorded YouTube videos, spoke to friends and family from two different sofas. These sofas are in the homes of people dear to me - my sister and mother.

I began an unconventional lifestyle to do what I’d planned for many years but had been inactive on the implementation for many reasons.  I transitioned from a homeowner, renter to an empty nester, remote digital nomad entrepreneur and traveler without a mattress and minimal possessions.  To many, this arrangement would be unconventional due to the perceptions, judgment, expectations attached to a woman of a certain age, career, education or status.  It was also quite convenient as it met a beneficial dual purpose - assisting my mother and putting my financial plan in order.

Some would say,  “There’s nothing wrong with supporting family.”, “Go on girl, sleep on your mama’s couch!”  But believe me, there are some who’d proffer the following:

  • “Why didn’t she buy herself a mattress?”

  • “Poor thing, she’s lost it.”  

  • “She’s too old to do all that?”

  • “Who does that?”

  • “She’s having a breakdown.”

  • “What ARE you doing, Kathy?”

I shared my decision to make this transition with my close friend of many years.  Sarah reminded me that I could always change my mind. I could help myself as well as I’d help others. Because I cherish this friend's opinions, I moved forward.  Sarah also reminded me that there were no mistakes, just experiences to learn from. I opened up fully to this plan and gave myself grace.

As I moved forward with plans, goals and sights of dreams realized, I decided that I was the only one that needed to be concerned about what was important; how I needed to live on my terms and how this unconventional convenience would materialize.

I prepared by decluttering and ridding myself of what I no longer needed, wanted or had not used in years.  Included in this preparation was saving, setting aside and investing.  Plans were revised from time to time until I implemented and took action on the following:

  • Retreating and scouting trip Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico 

  • Taking a three-month scouting sabbatical in Portugal

  • Quitting my corporate job

  • Freelancing/contracting for myself

What I learned from all of this is that I didn’t mind the sacrifice of having my own dwelling or space, creature comforts and the soreness from sleeping outside of a proper mattress. Focused on my goals that had sat dormant for many years, I was open and willing to just do it!  Access to my family members and their sofas was the convenience no matter how unconventional.

I learned that I was more confident even though there were quite a few unknowns - I was doing it afraid, unsure but with self determination.  My couch surfing experience was an unconventional convenience but it sure put me on the road to accomplishing what I’ve wanted.

Would You Do It? - Journal It

Is there something you’d like to accomplish that may require an unconventional action to get what you want? Realize, that the list, those thoughts and dreams you’ve tucked away are waiting for you. Take the steps to do all or one thing on your list.  Do it afraid, do it quietly, do it on your terms whether it looks, sounds, appears to be out of the box, uncommon or unconventional.

Edited by Joanne Berry

It’s Time to Register for The Transformation By Way of Restoration Retreat!

Time is running out to register for the retreat called Transformation By Way of Restoration held on September 22 - 25 at the Mansion at Noble Lane in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It would be great to gather together relax, rejuvenate and restore with you right at the time of the Autumnal Equinox as we move out of the warmth into the cooler season. I hope to see you there!

There is a two step process to get you registered and your accommodations booked.

1) CLICK on the button below to register and pay for the retreat - $529

2) Call the Mansion at Noble Lane - Group Reservations Line to book and reserve your room. with a deposit - Dial 917.576.1767

Accommodations - $255 per person/night

Meals - $176 (paid separately upon arrival)

INCLUDED & OPTIONAL:

Welcome Reception

Breakfast, refreshments

Morning Yoga, Meditation, Journaling

Evening Champagne & S’Mores by the Fire

Evening Yoga Nidra

Fitness Center & Pool

Transformation Group Sessions

Complimentary 30 minute 1-on-1 coaching session

Closing ceremony and celebration

Pre & Post Retreat Group Meeting(s)

NOT INCLUDED:

Transportation

Spa Services (to be scheduled prior to arrival)

Friday Night Dinner Outing

Local Excursions

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Unexpected things happen and it’s understood that bookings are not made with intentions of cancelling or postponing retreat experiences. Once your deposit or full payment is made there are no refunds based on the following policies:

GUEST CANCELLATION POLICY If you cancel your trip, Wellside Retreats does not offer refunds for any reason. All deposits are non-refundable and will not be returned. A portion of your payment may be used as credit for another retreat to be taken within one year of your original retreat date.

RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY If Wellside Retreats must cancel a booked retreat date for any reason, you may transfer your full retreat payment to another retreat, or you may request a FULL refund of your payment to us, constituting a full settlement. If we reschedule a retreat for a future date, your retreat payment will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you are unable to attend the new retreat, your payments will be refunded. Depending on the reason for the reschedule, Wellside Retreats has the discretion to return the initial deposit. Wellside Retreats is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any cancelled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip

CONTACT WELLSIDE RETREATS FOR ANY QUESTIONS: info@wellsideretreats.com

Be well,

~ Kathy

Kathy Hampton