Friday, March 30, 2012

A New Chapter


I've always enjoyed the sense of anticipation that comes at the end of a chapter in an exciting book, knowing that the next chapter will bring something even better. And so it is with my life and the new chapter I have begun. As this new chapter unfolds, the previous one comes to a close. The Romance Dish will have on
e less dish, officially. ;-)

A little over three months ago, I started a business page on Facebook for my Reiki and intuitive healing business, which was, and still is, in it's infancy. Well, I have been truly blessed, and my page has taken off like a proverbial rocket. It has kept me incredibly busy---happily so---but I have discovered that I don't have as much time to devote to this blog, and reading romance, as I used to. And I have also discovered that my passion is now focused on helping and healing others. So after 46 years, I have finally found my life purpose, and I couldn't be happier.



Some of you may be wondering what Reiki is, so I will give you a brief explanation. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - Rei meaning "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which means "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." It is an ancient hands on healing technique that uses this life force energy to balance energy in the body. Reiki can also be sent distantly, as energy is not bound by time or space. I have done distance healing sessions on clients as far away as Australia, and it works beautifully.


Part of my new path is working on simplifying my life, i.e. reducing the clutter in my home. Well, practically every room in my home runneth over with books, and while I have no intention of getting rid of all of them----there are way too many comfort books on my keeper shelves that I cannot part with---I have been paring down. I am boxing them up, and they will need a new home. So who's interested in "adopting" some books? I will randomly choose three people to send these romances to. But fear not, I will not be completely giving up books, nor will I completely disappear from The Dish. Hey, you can't get rid of me that easily. *g* Now I have a question for you.

If you could take a leap of faith and start a new career, project, etc., what would it be?


***Winners are limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada, in order to save my wallet.***



54 comments:

  1. I would open a used bookstore! There's not a usb within a hundred miles of my home. Congrats on the new business, wishing you much success! Thanks for the giveaway.

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha, my husband and I have always said that we had enough books of our own to start a used bookstore. ;-)

      Delete
  2. Good luck with your business, Gannon. I see ads for Reiki in the magazines. Thanks for sharing your books. I think I would love to go back to school and major in something I've always been interested in like archaeology.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jane! I think archaeology sounds fascinating.

      Delete
  3. Gannon, Congratulations, and best of luck. I am so happy for you that your new endeavor has taken off and is doing so well. May it continue to do so.

    I hadn't really thought of what I'd like to do "when I grow up." I have always wanted to write and love to travel. Maybe a stint as a travel writer would be fun. Since I am 65, it would be from the perspective of older travelers. Many are healthy and active and just as many face problems with mobility and other issues which would impact their travel. Taking these factors into consideration, and making suggestions on how to get the most out of your trip and enjoy it would be fun. For now, I'll continue to work with my husband trying to finish the renovations on our 1898 victorian farm house.

    Again, best of luck with your new chapter in life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, librarypat! Yes, to being a travel writer! How fun and exciting that would be. :-) Wow, I'd love to see photos of your farmhouse. It sounds lovely.

      Delete
  4. Congratulations Gannon, I am like Martha, a used bookstore would be ideal for me. Even working as a librarian would be good.
    I just got out of the hospital today, the stress of my current position (22 years in December) is definitely becoming a detriment to my health. I beleive (if it was possible) a career change would be helpful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dianna, take care of yourself. (((Hugs))) Maybe you should investigate the used bookstore/library route. You might be surprised that it's more possible than you thought. :-)

      Delete
  5. Good luck Gannon! I always wanted to open a bookstore bar type thing I know that sounds crazy but I would cut people breaks on the book part... its a job I would love....


    Donna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Donna! I don't think the bookstore/bar bit sounds crazy at all. There's a used bookstore/wine bar in Asheville (a couple of hours from me), and I think it's a great idea!

      Delete
  6. Wishing you the best in your new venture! I love books so I think opening a quaint bookstore would be a great thing to start. I would be surrounded by books and readers. I would also add some special touches to it, perhaps make it cozy and look like one you would find in a historical house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Na! I love independent, quaint bookstores. You just want to curl up in the corner and settle in with a good book. :-)

      Delete
  7. I'd like to have a career getting people to become more physically active. I'd like to combine biking, swimming, excersizing, cooking recipes and dance moves. I bit of variety to keep people motivated.

    Best wishes Gannon!

    I always have room for more books. Thanks for the chance to share some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Laurie. I'm glad you have room for more books. I don't, but I keep buying them. *g*

      I like the sound of your ideal career. I'll hire you to whip me into shape. :-)))

      Delete
  8. Wow! Best wishes Gannon! I hope to figure out my life's purpose some day, hopefully sooner rather than later. I love hearing about people's new life chapters, it makes the world feel a little more positive:) And Reiki sounds fascinating; I dont know much about it but I like the sound of it.
    If I could one leap of faith thing right now it would be to move to NYC. Cliche, I know but ever since I saw it on tv as a kid Ive never wanted to live anywhere else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bella! Yes, Reiki is fascinating. And it's never to late to discover what you want to do when you "grow up". *g*

      NYC! It's been years since I've been there, but it's really a fascinating, dynamic city. Go for it!

      Delete
  9. You really made me think on this one, Gannon.
    Every time I came up with an idea, I'd realize I COULD do those things.
    For example, I actually do enjoy scrapbooking, but I don't get around to it. I COULD if I'd prioritize (and not blog/read as much, so good luck with that). What holds me back right now is the space required, and my kids should be moving out in the next few years, giving me the space I require (in their bedrooms).
    For example, I would like to be a librarian. Well, I USED to volunteer in various libraries. I could again if I prioritized differently.
    Hmmmm, I must ponder this a little more. Many thanks for the kick in the pants, and I wish you well in your "new chapter".
    Oh, and by the way, much as I love books (and I DO), I have no problem with passing them on to my girlfriends after I've read them, as they read them and pass them on to their moms, who leave them in their retirement residences/seniors' apartment buildings when they are done. Books are the gift that keep on giving. Thank you so much for your generosity, and thanks for the wonderful blogs/books through the years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laney, I'm glad I've gave you the chance to ponder this deep question. LOL

      Delete
  10. Oooh.. best wishes... :) It's rare that people finally find something that they really love. :) I can't say that I have either... No idea what I want either or I would be doing it now...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, May. I've noticed that many people are discovering their passion these days. It's never too late. :-)

      Delete
  11. I really do love my job, but there are times when I wonder whether I really want to do this for the next 25 years! I love research, so I have always thought of either becoming a librarian or a paralegal - somewhere where I can just research all day long!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dtchycat, it's great that you love your job! Not many of us have that. It's a gift.

      Delete
  12. I did take that leap way back in 1980. I was a clerical employee of my local (and very large) telephonhe company. Testing for Yellow Pages sales people opened up and without any prior experience in sales and absolutely no previous training or college education, I took that test and passed. I spent the next 15 years working as a yellow pages sales rep. It was truely a leap of faith for myself because I had no clue what I was getting into when I decided to take the test. It was quite an experience with both good and bad times...more good than bad! Now that I'm retired, I sometimes wonder 'what if'...what if I was in a different place at the time something happened to change my life...what would my life had been like if I took a different path.....lots to ponder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen H, I love those leaps of faith. They lead to amazing things. :-)

      Delete
  13. Sure am going to miss you, Gannon! It's been a pleasure and honor to be on the Romance Dish team with you. Hope you'll pop in occasionally to say hi. (Remember, I know where you live. I will hunt you down!). ;-)

    Wishing only the best in this next chapter of your life.

    Hugs and blessings,

    PJ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PJ, you know I'll be popping in---can't get rid of me, you know. LOL And yes, you do know where I live. *g*

      Delete
  14. Gannon, how wonderful that you found something about which you are passionate. I'm convinced that feeling a vocation, i. e., a "calling," makes one's life immeasurably happier, and you sound happy. Do I understand correctly? You are becoming a Dish Emeritus rather than a Dish Active? If so, you will definitely be missed.


    I know I was born to teach, and I loved doing it for 37 years. I miss the students and the classroom interaction, but I'm happy that I no longer have to grade papers or spend two hours most days commuting. These days I'm passionate about writing--of many kinds- and enjoying more time for reading. I love what I'm doing, although my joy would be greater if my vitae included published romance novelist. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Janga, I guess you could say I will be a Dish Emeritus. Sounds very official. LOL Never fear, I will be stopping by often.

      We love the fact that you are writing and blogging, too. I love reading what you write, and someday I'm sure I will see your name on the cover of a book. :-)

      Delete
  15. Congratulations and best of luck with your new endeavor Gannon!!! I wish you nothing but the best as you embark on this new chapter in your life. But I will definitely miss you here at The Dish and hope to see you around! :)

    I am actually taking a leap of faith and trying to pursue a writing career myself. The people I've met and talked to about this have been so supportive and encouraging and that has made all the difference!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, good for you on taking the leap and pursuing writing. I will see you around The Dish, and I hope to hear about your latest about your writing. :-)

      Delete
  16. I would love to start a used bookstore with a cafe that would serve different foods throughout the day.

    Good luck with your new venture!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Maria. A bookstore and a cafe---sounds like my kind of place. :-)

      Delete
  17. If I could take a leap of faith and do anything I wanted .... HMMM I would go back to school. Right now my kids are 1 and 4 so I stay home with them but it has always been my dream to eventually go to college! ANd I would love to adopt your books :)
    I live in the US
    brandon_savannah@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Savannah, when you're kids are a bit older, I hope you realize your dream of going back to school. :-)

      Delete
  18. WOW, Gannon! Congratulations on your new path in life. What a wonderful new adventure....and you are helping others to optimize their health and/or get back on track with it. You will be missed here a TRD....

    I could buy into a bookstore in another 2 years or so, and if it had been an opportunity 3 or 4 years ago, I would have jumped at the chance. But, now, with everything going digital and in the near future it is going to be a bigger thing, I will not snatch at the chance.

    My sisters and I talked about buying a tea room and even went to an auction to buy 2 or 3 round tables and chairs and a set of china. My older sister is dangerous at an auction, let me tell you! We had to pull her hand down a couple of times. :)

    Congrats again on your new adventure. {{HUGS}}

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Deb. Helping and healing others is really my passion and my purpose. Exciting and a blessing.

      Oh, a tea room! I think that sounds like a wonderful idea---I'd love to come. :-)

      Delete
  19. Best wishes and enjoy this greatly. I would like to open an old fashioned and charming coffee shop/cafe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, traveler. An old charming coffee shop/cafe sounds like my kind of place. :-)

      Delete
  20. Congratulations and all the best on your new and wonderful career. I would like to write about travel and travel to farflung areas.. This interests me very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much, petite. I love to travel, too. There's noting like the adventure of exploring a new place.

      Delete
  21. Project: Books for Bedrest. A program that would send a book out to those on medical bedrest (inspired by some friends who were on pregnancy related bedrests and I sent them books to keep them busy). One at a time to keep supplies up and if they send it back they could choose another. I've been collecting books to try and get this up and running but I've got a long way to go before I can get it going beyond locally.

    If that didn't work, I'd do a used bookstore to get rid of at the very least my duplicates if not most of the small collection I've started getting. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie, what a marvelous idea! I love that. Big hugs to you for doing that. :-)

      Delete
  22. I am so glad you found something you are passionate about, Gannon! We will miss you though and look forward to you stopping by often. :)

    I have always wanted to be a CSI. I love the show and shows similar to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Trisha! I'll be stopping by here, for certain.

      A CSI, huh. Fascinating, but I could never do it. I'm glad that others can, though. I think you'd be great at it.

      Delete
  23. I always thought I would like to run and new and used book store. I think it would be great to be around books all day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilt Lady, you are in good company with wanting to have a book store. *g*

      Delete
  24. Hi Gannon,congratulation! You sound so very happy in taking this new direction with your life; I hope this happiness continues to grow and grow just like your new business endeavor!

    I have always been an avid reader, like all of fans of TRD, so no surprise there. However, over the last several years I have become more and wore involved with some of my favorite authors and have had several chances to meet many of them. Without exception they have been wonderful in accepting my friendship and interest in their writing. This has lead many of my friends and family members to suggest that I might like to try writing myself. So my leap of faith is that I will be starting a program in creative writing in the fall of this year. Wishing you all the best, Flora (from the good old USA)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Flora! Thanks for the well wishes. I really am happy. :-)))

      Yes, you should take that leap of faith and start writing!! I think you'd be a fantastic author. :-)

      Delete
  25. If I could start a new career or project and and had the funds to do so, I would open a new and used book store and gift consignment shop. My sister and I have talked about doing something like that for a long time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara, it sounds like you and your sister have a grand idea.

      Delete
  26. Good luck with your new business! I'd like a job in fashion.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gannon, I am really going to miss you *sniff*

    It has been such pleasure working with you the last few years. You have shown me to smile more and take things as they come.

    I'm so happy you have found your calling. I wish you much success.

    Don't be a stranger!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Gannon, I am extremely happy for you, but will miss you terribly! You are a wonderful friend and I wish you all the best! Please visit us often. :) (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
  29. congrat to u
    i would start a sports bar or undercover PI business
    kimh

    ReplyDelete