It Is So Difficult To Start Over Again!

Love took me from my comfortable and confident life in Tampa, Florida to Chicago, Illinois. I had always dreamed of living in a big city.

After years of traveling to New York City for business and pleasure, I finally found myself living in a downtown iconic place. Thrilled with the proposition of a Fall season, colorful leaves and snow I was ecstatic as I set off to buy coats, scarves, boots, and gloves.

My man was off to work that Monday morning and I took off for the Miracle Mile to feel the energy of the city and delight in the fact that I actually lived there. Then after a few weeks of getting settled the reality started to set in. I knew no one. I had no friends. I had no work. Always a person that looks at the glass as totally full, I set off to make a plan to have Chicago become my kind of town!

I networked! I joined organizations! I chatted with people that I barely knew to see what entrepreneurial opportunities could be had. Then I came to an important conclusion. The "Theys" of the city I was trying to infiltrate already had their "Go To" people. Their relationships had been built over years of trust as mine had in Tampa.

Never to be deterred I kept trying. Then one day after a soul-searching chat with my older son Brian the light bulb went off. I had been looking for something that was so similar to what I had built at home. He suggested that I find a volunteer opportunity that spoke to me and then relationships would follow.

I always have believed that what we want is usually right under our nose. We just have to be aware and see it. There it was. The house on the very corner of my street. We lived in the historic district of the South Loop on Prairie Avenue and I realized that this magnificent home was The Glessner House Museum. I opened the massive front door and entered the Tour Center. I asked if they were looking for new docents. The very next week I was seated in the coach house of the museum taking classes to learn the history of the family that resided there. I was entranced by the information taught by the Executive Director Bill Tyre. The new class participants bonded immediately and I knew that I had found what I was looking for. Being a speaker and storyteller this opportunity made my heart sing! This is just the beginning as I volunteered constantly and eventually became the Chair of the Docent Council and Vice President of the Board of Directors. I had found great joy and many friends.

If you live or are visiting Chicago please take a tour of The Glessner House Museum. If you ever find yourself moving out of your home city and your comfort zone take the leap and volunteer. It will open many new avenues to new adventures and found relationships!

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