I have vivid memories of sailing on the big container ships with my Master Mariner father. I have memories that go back to me as a 6 year old…my daughter’s age right now. One of my clearest memories are of standing on the monkey island of the ship looking down into the dark ocean below, mesmerized as I watched the ship cut through the ocean wake. I loved looking up at the stars. They’ve never been as bright and clear as they were those days at sea, surrounded by miles of dark black ocean and barely enough lights to be recognized as a ship sailing through the night sea. My dad taught me about Orion’s Belt, Sirius, The Big Dipper and a few other popular constellations. After all he had trained how to sail ships by navigating the stars; no GPS existed during those days. Those were some of the happiest times in my life. I loved staring at the beautiful constellations and for years and years later, long after I no longer sailed as much, because friends became more important than family (hello, I was a teenager!), whenever my dad was away, I just had to look up at the night sky, pick out Orion’s Belt and immediately feel connected to him. The stars always called me and brought me closer to him.
This morning I went for a run. I literally bounded out of bed at 5:30 am with more energy than I have had in months. The sky was jet black as I left my house, and as I rounded out of my street onto the next one on my route, I looked up at the early morning sky and was instantly transported back to my ‘ship days.’ The stars were crystal clear, beckoning me as they did in years past. This time, it wasn’t to connect me to my dad, who now lives less than 10 minutes from me; no, this time it was to validate the biggest decision of my recent life.
On one of those nights out at sea, I remember setting these three seemingly far off goals in a very vague ‘when I grow up I want to marry Jon Bon Jovi sort of way:’
- Married by 30 (got married the year I turned 30)
- First baby by 35 (had my girl at 34)
- Retired from working for someone else by 40 (40 this year)
I am thrilled to share with you that as of 11/1/13 that goal will become a reality! I am finally walking away from being employed to fulfill someone else’s dreams so that I can work at fulfilling my own dreams.
I have had some INCREDIBLE people in my life lately. People who have helped me come to this decision; who have stood by me with countless conversations and what if scenarios – Thank you Marilyn, Ken, Shannah, Robin, Donna, Mo and most important of all my incredibly supportive husband Jason.
These next few months promise to be exhilarating, terrifying and exciting beyond measure! I am more than up for the challenge.
Today’s star-studded morning sky beckoned me. There is a star out there with my name on it! It’s calling me to reach out and grab it.
I’m on my way. Will you join me?
The Breathing Space 
Thanks Donna! As you well know it’s been a long time coming!
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Your star is getting brighter … So happy for you!
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Lisa thank you for your love! I feel it all the way across town.
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I said once that you were stronger than you knew. I was wrong, you KNOW how strong you are! I’m very proud of you.
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Ana, thank you for your sweet note. I am so excited to lock arms with you and fly this rocket ship to the moon! It is going to be an incredible ride! Let’s do this girlfriend!!
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Niki,
I am so proud of you, this is the beginning of an incredible journey and life not only for you but for your family as well.You are a true inspiration for me.
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Thanks Yvonne! Now it’s time to catch up in person! 🙂
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Thanks Shell! I so appreciate you. Did you know that you were my first host– and 5 years ago- almost to the day of your first event for me is when I have notice!
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What a wonderful, amazing place you’ve reached Nikki!! Congratulations 10x over! I can’t wait to see where this new journey takes you! May the moments full of elation and joy be many!
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Congrats Niki!! I am so happy for you!!! This has been a long time coming- so well deserved. I am thrilled to see you have achieved a goal you have been striving for and now it’s a reality my friend! Awesome!! Xoxo
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Thank you Dave! I can always count on you to uplift me! I’m exhilarated about this next part of my life! These past 20 years of work are culminating into this next part of the rest of my life!
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Can I hit the ‘Like’ button about 1 gazillion times? 🙂 Congratulations Niki, you are an inspiration to us all! The stars and universe are an amazing spectacle to behold.
I have always seen big container ships sailing into and out of the port in Jacksonville and have always been fascinated by the thought of sailing the open seas. I am sure that it must have been calming and energizing in the same breath.
The funny thing about the night sky is that there are those stars that you can see with the naked eye. And then there are the fainter stars that are out there visible with binoculars or a telescope. There are SO many stars out there. Surely, there are enough for everyone to join you 😉 I am so happy that you have found yours and I, for one, will be looking for the one calling out to me. My hand is outstretched and ready to grab it.
Congratulations again and best wishes for happiness, success, and many more inspiring nights/mornings under the night sky 🙂
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