Happy Winter Solstice!
The Solstices and Equinoxes are great times for setting intentions and letting go of what no longer serves 
you. 25 years ago, during the Winter Solstice, I set an intention for office space. This is how it unfolded.
My first year as a counselor I shared an office with a Reiki practitioner in Woburn. There was an acupuncturist on the first floor and the landlord, a psychotherapist, had an office down the hall, on the second floor, with me. It was nice to be in a space with holistically minded practitioners. I was grateful for this opportunity to ease into my practice since they don't give us clients when we graduate.
It was approaching a year and I was ready for my very own space. I told myself I should stay in the area since I was just getting established. I was seriously considering a more generic space in town. Fortunately, when I told my friend, Larry, about it his response was, “Sounds like you are trying to talk yourself into it.” I followed up that conversation with a call to the property manager, withdrawing my interest. Larry was right.
Next location I scoped out was a couple towns over, and closer to home which was nice because I had children in middle and high school. They were my priority so I wanted to be sure my growing schedule revolved around theirs. This space had 2 treatment rooms and a large waiting area which could be used for workshop space. I liked the idea of a space for gathering. I had held a few small workshops in the space I shared and enjoyed them. The rent was higher than I wanted to spend and the space was too large for one person. I'd have to find someone to share it with. The back office had big, beautiful windows overlooking conservation land. The other office was significantly smaller with only one small window. It was the back office that sold me on the space.
I put down a deposit. Then the Winter Solstice came. In a meditation I set an intention for office space, among other things. If I had office space reserved, why would I set this intention? Because my heart wasn’t completely sold on my decision. I didn't know this at the time.
Between Christmas and New Year's I asked the property manager if we could see the space again. I wanted to take measurements and look for furniture so I needed to get in there. The current tenants had mostly moved into the suite next door. He told me to check in with them because they still had the key.
Doug and I drove there, introduced ourselves, got the key, and let ourselves in. The door to the back office was locked so I went next door to ask for that key as well. The people told us the back office was theirs. Well, that wasn’t going to work. I called the manager. He really thought that office was ours, until he spoke with the other tenants. Lo and behold, it did belong to them. My office space had just fallen through!
I reached out to Unicorn Books and Circles of Wisdom in hopes of renting space from them to see clients while looking for a new space since my lease was expiring in a couple of weeks.
Once the pressure was off, I realized I had been telling myself that I needed to stay in or near Woburn, for fear of losing my newly established clients. But the truth was I wanted to be in the North Shore. I wasn't sure why, I just did. I wanted something closer to home and in that area. If I wasn’t content in my own environment, how could I be of service to others? I settled into the understanding that if I lost a client it was time for us to part ways. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing personal. It would be sad, because I really liked my clients, but it was just no longer a win-win-win.
I looked at a couple spaces in Amesbury and Danvers, next. The Amesbury space was in an old mill building. I 
liked its charm and history, the artsy feel of the tenants, the water feature, and brick walkways over asphalt, but it was too far a commute. On the way to the Danvers space I passed a “For Rent” sign at the Middleton Green Complex. I couldn't wait to pull in there on my drive home. (Looking back, I think the Danvers space was the catalyst.) The Middleton building and grounds had a nice feel, it held an eclectic balance of small businesses. I called the number on the sign, left a message for the owner and continued on my way home. The commute was 8 miles.
I had just walked in the door when my phone rang. It was the owner!
He asked, “When can you meet?”
Me, “20 minutes?”
The space was everything I could have wanted and more! The building had charm, was welcoming, historical and well kept. It had brick walkways, a lovely massage therapy practice 
(Power of Touch) across the hall. It was the home away from home for a melting pot of entrepreneurial spirits. My space had a little fireplace, 2 chandeliers and recessed lighting rather than fluorescent lights, large windows on 2 sides, a small closet, and large enough to do small gatherings. And it was only 8 miles away. It truly was a dream come true.
In hindsight I can see that the previous spaces were helping me become clearer about what was important to me in a space, sometimes by showing me what I didn’t want. I am grateful for setting that intention and for the other space falling through. And let me be clear, I was not grateful in the moment because I did not understand what was happening. I got to practice what I preach and leaned hard on my higher self for guidance. Contacting Unicorn Books and COW were brilliant ideas. Thank you, Higher Self.
I enjoyed my Middleton office for 15 years. The landlord, Paul, was wonderful and I got to have regular .jpeg)
massages from, and became friends with Rita. Thank you! Thank you! But then the children were all grown, and I was ready for my next adventure. Now I have a smaller office in a different state with a wider reach due to Zoom, FaceTime and Skype. We can gather from the comfort of our own living rooms.
We can set intentions any time of year, but the change of seasons can remind us to slow down and set intentions rather than always just plowing ahead. I hope my story inspires you to put some desires out there and see what unfolds. Sharing it was a good reminder for me also. And if you have any memorable Solstice stories, I'd love to hear.
Friends in this Love,
Trish
Beautiful Trish.
Wishing you happy holidays.
Thank you Cindy!
Wishing you Happy Holidays as well!
Trish
I remember that fireplace! And that space...and the amazing energy...and things that I learned about mySelf and reflected upon there...my earliest Self inquiry...for which I am always grateful!
Powerful Times. We did some Solstice and Equinox celebrations there as well. We'd have light refreshments afterward. I think I remember you bringing a delicious dessert with apples and quinoa.
Wonderful memories of connection and growth in that space. How many people can say they had a fireplace in their office? What a treasure.
Thanks for sharing your fond memories, Lisa. They sparked more of mine!
Such a great reminder for times of transition to slow down, pause, and give yourself time to set intentions and not just jump at the first opportunity, it might not be the right one, it might just be there to show you what you don't want.
It's hard when you feel pressed for time or trapped in survival mode to allow yourself a moment of breath, but if we don't take those moments, we're likely to keep repeating old patterns that no longer serve us.
Thanks for the reminder!
Bree,
What a powerful take away! Thank you for pulling it together so eloquently.
Happy Solstice!
Trish
Trish, Thank you so much for sharing your story! It truly did resonate with me as I try to make a decision on weather to relocate to SC where my daughter and son-in-law reside. It as been agonizing to go through this process. I think I also have to be careful that I am not talking myself into a decision of either staying in NH or moving to SC. What to do What to do! :-) Well, I am on my way to SC today for a Christmas visit! It is all part of the journey!
Thank you and may you have a beautiful Holiday Season!!
Karen,
That's a big decision! I moved to a different state so I understand personally and professionally. If you ever want to do a session around it, let me know.
Wishing for you the highest and best for all concerned with harm to none.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing for you the decision that brings you peace in your heart.
Happy Holidays and safe travels,
Trish
Great story Trish! I loved that Middleton office. Such a wonderful space. Happy Holidays!!
Thank you, Nina. Now you know a little more about why you loved it!
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Happy Holidays!
Trish
I really enjoyed hearing about your work journey .. never knew any of your those things .. very interesting ..
Thank you, Michele. Glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you for taking the time to read it!
Merry Christmas!
Trish
Thank you for posting those photos Trish. Looking at them made something deep inside soften right up. The grounds, your office and the rock table are wonderful felt memories. So grateful to have had that time with you and your adorable granddog. ??
Aw... you are most welcome, and thank you. I'm grateful to have had the time with you as well, Diana. And little Koda was a great assistant. Lots of transformation took place in this space.
Thank you for sharing your stroll down memory lane!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Trish
Hi Trish,
Your Middleton spot was a great one.
"How interesting" knowing the guided journey that brought you there! :)
Scott
Wasn't it though!
A fun story to reflect on. A bit nerve wracking in the moment. Hmm...
Thanks for commenting, Scott!
Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing your story! It's another reminder that when one door closes, there is a better opportunity approaching soon!
Happy New Year!
Josephine
You are most welcome, Josephine. And thank you for sharing your takeaway!
Happy New Year!