“Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” – Emerson
The first time I read this quotation, the words jumped off the page and slapped me across the face. Now it’s written on a colourful Post-it note stuck right above my computer. It reminds me every day of the importance of taking risks, making changes, trying things out, making mistakes.
I certainly have a little squeamishness to overcome right now. Time for a big experiment. Possibly the biggest one in my life to date. I’m moving to London, England, for a year in September, to freelance and travel. The one-way flight will be booked by the end of this week, so there’s no going back. Even when I read what I’ve just written, it still doesn’t seem real.
A brief history of my fascination with England: it started at a young age. Oddly enough, watching terrible British comedies on TV with my mom is among my favourite childhood memories. And with a last name like Small, it’s obviously in my blood.
My visit in November confirmed that the pull I’ve felt to London for years wasn’t just my imagination. The city felt like home, in a sense. For years I’ve considered moving to Europe for school and work, but I’ve always had a plethora of excuses at the ready — some legitimate, some . . . well . . . just plain silly.
Even now I could take my pick of reasons not to go. Much of my time in Europe last year was devoted to the back and forth – should I? Should I not? (Sorry, Sarah!) But in a moment of solitude and clarity, I finally made my decision, knowing that I would regret not going far more than I would ever regret making the move. I’m so excited to immerse myself in something brand new and to expand my network. I’ve never been more grateful for my ability to take my work with me.
This is truly what I had in mind when I started freelance editing, and when I started this blog. This is what freedom looks like to me, and I plan to take full advantage. And I’ll be writing about it every step of the way.
I’m bursting with excitement and scared out of my mind, but that’s the beauty of it, right? I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you.
Namaste 🙂
Rachel
Freelancing to Freedom 
Awesome, Rachel! I’m really excited for you. It’ll be a great experience.
By: Bernard Walter on February 11, 2014
at 3:30 am
Thanks Aly! You’ll have to visit 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:20 pm
Wowie! That’s really exciting Rachel.
By: Ellen on February 11, 2014
at 5:23 am
So excited! Maybe you can take a trip sometime, Ellen? 😉
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:22 pm
Good luck! You’ll have a great time I’m sure and we’ll give you a warm London welcome!
By: Hidden London on February 11, 2014
at 8:53 am
Thank you so much!! Looking forward to it.
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:20 pm
When we were making our big move, someone said, “You can take risks without being reckless.”
By: islandeditions on February 11, 2014
at 11:18 am
Sage advice – thanks Sue 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:21 pm
I’m happy and excited for you Rachel! I am positive that you will do fabulously out there! I always imagined you moving off to a city much more exciting than Calgary.
On a sad note, I guess my chances of running into you, seeing that smile of yours and saying hello are slowly dwindling down now! I will miss you, but will continue to enjoy reading your adventures.
Now when you get there, you knock their socks off!
By: Ivan on February 11, 2014
at 2:33 pm
Thanks Ivan 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:21 pm
Brilliant, it’s a great city and great place to jump of to other places.
Now it’s just a matter of counting down the time.
Jim
By: redjim99 on February 11, 2014
at 3:31 pm
Yes, I’m definitely looking forward to the opportunity to explore more of Europe! Your photos have inspired me to do some serious hiking. In the meantime, I’ll soak up all the good times here at home.
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:23 pm
Oh yay, we will def hang out! Good luck!
By: Victoria-writes on February 12, 2014
at 10:27 am
Yay! That would be awesome.
By: faultlessfinish on February 12, 2014
at 3:24 pm
Best of luck Rachel! I don’t know why but I am also kinda feeling excited for you! 😀
Keep sharing your new experiences in London with us.
By: Chetan Sharma (@Che_SinebyCos) on February 13, 2014
at 3:43 am
Thanks Chetan! 😀 I certainly will!
By: faultlessfinish on February 13, 2014
at 2:08 pm