21 Comments
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Leigh's avatar

“We are not meant to suffer inside the decisions made by earlier versions of ourselves.” - Oh how I feel like I’ve done this to myself too many times, though I can’t name one for you currently. Thank you for writing about this, Kelly Rae💕 I’m so glad you’re staying!

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

Thank you, Leigh. I’m so happy to be here!

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The World According to Grace's avatar

I love this post. So much wisdom here. Not quite the same, but I spent twenty-ish years writing and gave it up in 2021. I had just written a memoir and decided not to publish it. I wasn’t sure I wanted to share my whole self with the world. I was afraid of the mean girl in my head, and also the mean people in our world. If I’m not publishing, I thought, what’s the point? So I quit and moved on to other things. The problem was I never stopped thinking about writing. I constantly had ideas for essays, books and articles. I was envious when I saw people around me publishing their words. Last year I realized, I have a desire to write, to express myself, I always have. This didn’t go away just because I was afraid. Now I’ve realized I have yo honor my desires, regardless of the outcome one. This is what living is all about.

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Terri’s Nature Center's avatar

We did the exact same thing in 2017. We were going to downsize from a house to a condo. We took over 15 boxes of extra stuff to the thrift stores. We met with a realtor. We toured condos. And then one moment, we decided our house was OUR home and changed our minds. It's been eight years now and we've never once regretted staying put. We are more grateful than ever for what we have and we cherish our home every second of every day. Kudos to you!

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Jo Cave's avatar

We did the exact same thing with our house recently too! Spent most of last year prepping for it all, found a buyer, only to find ourselves stalling signing any paperwork and having to have a deep conversation & realisation!

We’ve actually realised we love what we have, and we love where we live even more than ever!

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

Yes, it has deepened our love of our town and home!

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Cherilyn Christen Clough's avatar

Yes! I’ve always liked your term possibilitarian! I’ve watched you change lots of times. Your example has given me the freedom to do it too. Maya Angelou said a woman must constantly be in the process of reinventing herself.

The truth about examining possibilities is that it’s only feasible if we have the ability to change our minds. To remain open we must give ourselves and others this grace!

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joyuslion's avatar

20 years ago I broke up with my fiancé! It was thought out and at the time I thought in my best interest! Then I happened to read parts of a book called, Love is Never Enough. After that, I changed my mind!!!! We’ve been through excellent marriage counseling and have been married for 20 years! He is my champion, best friend and partner in crime!

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

Wow, wow, WOW!!!!! Love wins!

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Heidi Behr, LCSW's avatar

I’m so happy for y’all (⬅️you know that the Florida in me? ) and it’s the second time I’m reading this post— divinely guided I suspect- as I pivot with a project /idea I’ve been marinating with for years. You’re again reminding me there is nothing wrong with a pivot. Thank you 🙏🏼☀️🌴🌺

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

Nothing at all wrong. Justs recalibrations. Some are micro and some are big ones, but permission granted to all of us to keep the flow of the rivers moving and expanding and leading and guiding us.

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Dawn Roe's avatar

Kelly Rae-this a wonderful reminder that it is always okay to change ones mind. To choose and then to choose again. We co-create our lives after all. The happier we are, the more we bring to our life table, the deeper our inner peace. You have a beautiful home! Happy for you that you opted right back in!

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

And I’m soooo glad you’re here!

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Karen Blue's avatar

Kelly Rae, I loved this story and it so aligns with my life. You call it a whisper, I call it a dream, synchronicity, the universe guiding me in ways I wouldn't have chosen. I just want to know....Did you unpack the boxes or move toward more simplicity? Please viisit me at ReinventYourLife.substack.com to learn about embracing change, taking risks, and trusting in synchronicity to help you create a life full of passion and joy at any age.

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

We’re birds of a feather, Karen :). I have started unpacking the boxes and it feels like we’re moving in all over again. Renewed energy, which I love love love!

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Margie Morris's avatar

Yes! Yes! and Yes! Love the pivot. Love the thoughtful consideration. Love the courage. My heart is singing and I am oh-so-happy for you! And for all of us who benefit from your wisdom, your art and your heart.

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

What a lovely thing to say! Thank you :)

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Cindys Figments's avatar

I love this!! This very much spoke to me. I had learned this lesson about 6 years ago when I made a decision that felt like a failure but when I made it, I finally felt free and unburdened. I had asked myself if there was no one around to judge you what would you do and I had the answer. And it was a life changing moment because now, I ask myself to feel what is happening on my insides. Do I feel excited or at ease with a decision or is my gut all in knots thinking about it. Your body will tell you what is right for you. I'm so glad that someone that has a voice is speaking this out loud. I think you have just given a lot of people permission to change their minds. Cause sometimes all it takes is knowing that you are not the only that does something. Sending you much love and wishes for the best outcome no matter what you do in life!

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Kelly Rae Roberts's avatar

You wrote "unburdened" and my heart said YES, that's it. How can we unburden ourselves and get freer and freer? How can we free ourselves from all the places where we feel constricted? These are the q's I'm always asking, and answering them always takes me to a more liberated place. xxo

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Kelli Taylor's avatar

This was one of the most beautiful shares I've seen in a very long time! (not to diminish all the great writing, tips, and vulnerability that others put out there... this one is just... incredible!). Huge congratulations on honoring what you all needed in this moment, and standing by it. Cheers!

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Mhairi McCann's avatar

Loved reading your words this morning

Like the last comment I too feel I am so often living a version of my life I know I’ve out grown

I’ve copy pasted it and texted it to myself to remind me that change is ok and some houses maybe do need to be eventually moved on from

Thank you

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