Recently my husband and I purchased a cria, which is a baby alpaca. We didn’t actually buy it outright. We are taking part in a program that our friend, Cindy Harris, the owner of Alpacas at Windy Hill, put together. The program gives us the opportunity to pay for the board and care of a pregnant alpaca and when the baby is born, we will own it. Our “Baby Mama” is named Alope and our cria should be born in October.
Friends and especially family ask us “Why are you buying an Alpaca when you live in Los Angeles and have a patio that can barely hold a barbecue and three potted plants?” My answer is always the same, “Because it brings me joy and makes us happy!”
For the last few years I have been on the “Road to Reinvention.” Part of that process is finding out what really makes me feel good, what makes me joyful, and what simple pleasures I can enjoy now.
A few years ago I realized something was very wrong. I had been working with my husband in our insurance business and it was no longer fun or even enjoyable. The industry had changed and most of our clients were self employed and were feeling the pain of the poor economy. Every night I would go to bed thinking that I had lived to fight another day!
I have always been a “fixer.” The one who could find the solution and keep “all the plates spinning.” Most women are like that and we tend to put ourselves last. I came to the realization that this behavior was no longer serving me. I decided it was time to “reinvent myself” and find the part of me that was “lost”.
The first thing I did was find support. I went on the internet and found a few, good life coaches and started following them. I signed up for free newsletters and calls. Some of the women I followed were Cheryl Richardson, Danielle LaPorte, and Fabienne Fredrickson. I also followed Tiny Buddha, a site I loved because it has a lot of inspirational articles and quotes. I love quotes so when I saw one that spoke to me, I would send it to some of our clients. Soon they were asking me to send them to their friends and then I started posting them on my Facebook. Everyone seemed to need positive inspiration!
The next thing I did was create a vision board. I posted pictures of things that I used to enjoy that included art work, nature, cabins, New York City and words that inspired me. The vision board included just about anything that made me feel happy. I started “dreaming” again which was great.
Another thing I did was insist that my husband and I go somewhere every weekend to clear our heads and relax. No more working all the time. We would venture out to explore Southern California. Most of our travel was within an hour of our house and that’s how we ended up at the Alpaca Farm. The minute we walked onto the property we felt a release of stress. We kept going back and each time we fell in love with the idea a little bit more. We have decided that this year we will buy a piece of land to raise alpacas. It’s on our vision board and looking at the photos makes me smile.
One of the most important steps I took was to start a gratitude list and really recognize that there is always something to be grateful for. I believe that “gratitude grows abundance.” As I get older, I realize this is it people… my one life is now. I want to enjoy it and be thankful. Can’t wait for my new “baby!”
Holly Zucker is a wife, mother of a grown son, business owner and on the “Road to Reinvention”. After feeling like she had “lost herself” she has spent the last few years bringing back joy, pleasure, passion, fun, and community into her life. Her mission is to help other women “reinvent themselves” and start living their dreams and desires. We’ve done so much for everyone else, it’s our turn now!
I am still one of those people that puts other people first. I have a hard time doing things for me when I see people I love that need things.
Robin,
It took me a very long time to realize that I am just as important as everyone else and treat myself as well as I treat my family members and friends. They will “all survive” if you take an extra half an hour in the shower or sit down at the table and have a decent breakfast! I wish I had learned this alot sooner.
I love this. Totally something I could see myself doing too. I think it’s a great idea. I’m sure you get asked a lot why an alpaca but I think it’s just great!
I love that you put into place you and your husband leaving the office and going out to relax the brain. I need to make this happen in my home.
Aimee,
It was hard for my Husband to do this and to relax. Being Self Employed if we don’t work we don’t make Money! What I learned to do from Fabienne Fredrickson at http://www.clientattraction.com is to schedule everything that we want to do for fun (vacations, holidays, days off, etc) on the Calendar as if it was a business appt and follow through with it.
I am a huge fan of animals! The baby alpaca looks so adorable, this seems like such a nice place to visit.
Holly, I am so glad you and Stu are part of our community here at Windy Hill!
A baby alpaca! How fun will that be? You do what makes you happy, that’s really all that matter at the end of the day!
It’s so cool that you guys are able to try something so new and different! What an awesome new chapter in your life!
Liz, I have learned through having Friends pass away and other circumstances that all we really have is now, so I say: “what are we waiting for”?
An alpaca? Wow, now that is different for sure. Good for you, enjoy this journey!
I love the “Change always comes bearing gifts” quote. It’s really so true.
Yes, there is always something to be thankful and grateful for. Love this post!
Amber,
Thank you so much, I am so glad you love it!
I completely agree, there is always something to be thankful for. I am trying to teach my kids this, they grumble and complain too much!
I am glad you are finding your happy again. Alpacas are too darn cute! Best of luck with your new baby!
I love creating a vision board. It’s always good to be grateful for what we have.
Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments. Aren’t the pictures of the baby Alpacas adorable? I want to be near them because just looking at these Animals makes me smile! Funny thing, what my Husband and I have been working so hard to create, was not really what we wanted at all. Take time to really “listen” to your inner voice and see what makes you happy. Thank you again.
Thanks Holly, for writing this; your life is an inspiration to us all
Nancy,
Thank you so much, that means alot.
LOVE this! You so ROCK, and have been my inspiration. Looking forward to meeting the new “baby” and being the long distance auntie!
Sarah,
I am so glad you liked this. My Cria should be born in October
It sure feels great to be operating in your divine purpose, using your God given gifts, talents & resources. There’s a Peace & Joy that comes when you can be grateful in ALL things & situations. Abundant extravagant provision flows super naturally to you & whatever you purpose to do. So simple…Great job Holl!
Thank you Rachel. Rachel has been one of my best friends for many years and a true inspiration.
Last year I typed those words “Abundant Extravagant Provision” as my Screensaver and looked at them every day to help keep me inspired.
You are a wonderful role model Holly. This isn’t the first time I have reinvented myself but I think it is the most impactful. I’ve aged out of my career so the only road left to me is a new road. I found the job that fits this time in my life and now, as a volunteer, I will also become a court appointed advocate for a teen in Foster Care. Good luck to us all.
Linda,
Love that you are a shining example of a Woman on the “Road to Reinvention”.
You always inspire.
I ready a quote recently, don’t remember who said it, but it was simply “Trust Your Joy”. Everybody’s joy is different, so we need to focus on our own personal joys, and not what the media and friends and family tell us. I look forward to visiting your alpaca farm one day.
Angeli,
So glad you like this. You too are on your own “Road to Reinvention” and I am so proud of you. On to the next chapter.
So cute! Finding joy and going after it is so important – good job!
Thank you so much. I will say “finding joy” is definitely an “inside job’!
I can’t believe you’re getting a baby alpaca!!! that is so amazing. And thanks for the reminder about the alpaca farm. It’s time for summer activities and I’ve been dying to get there.
I love your optimism and energy.
That is really cool! What pretty animals! I do not think I have seen an alpaca in person before.
Teresa,
I really appreciate that. This is something that really speaks to my Heart and brings us happiness. I hope you have a chance to go to Alpacas at Windy Hill on one of the Open Ranch Days, they always have events for Children and often live Bands.
Alpaca’s are so beautiful. I wish i had enough space to have a bunch of animals. I have a few friends that use a vision board and it has really helped them. I will have to make one for myself.
I wish I had the room for a baby alpaca. They are great animals!
Right now I don’t have room, so I will be boarding it until we buy a piece of Land (another thing that many People think is crazy and irresponsible)! Just taking the first step makes me feel excited.
I’m a big fan of vision boards. In fact, I’m looking now at the one I created a few years ago. Anyway, congratulations on taking action. Buying a baby alpaca might be out there to some, but sounds like a great decision considering all the hope it brings.
This baby Alpaca is so adorable. I love the photo with its mother because it is very endearing.
I have a hard time doing things for myself. Everytime I do there is always someone there to tell me i’m being selfish.
Becca,
You are not being selfish you are showing “self love” which is so important. It took me many years to learn this and I wish I had started much sooner. I read something a few years ago that totally changed my thinking it said: “what you put up with you end up with”! If you put yourself last others will put you last, if you never say “NO” than everyone will think it’s OK to keep giving you things to do. Start scheduling an hour every day just for you (I used to get up an hour earlier just so I could have my Coffee and a healthy breakfast and read something inspirational and breathe) that totally changed my mood and my whole day.
Change can be a very beautiful experience. I need to start putting myself first and enjoy life how I want to sometimes.
We have a thankful box, a box in which my kids and I place notes of gratitude to review at the end of the year. It’s very important to think about all that’s good in your life.
April,
I love, love , love this idea! Gratitude is where it’s at. What a great example for your Kids.
We can always find something to be thankful for. On another note, that baby is alpaca is so adorable!
What an adorable animal! I love alpacas. I would love them as pet
Honestly we all must be thankful for whatever we are & whatever we achieve, which is the best thing to take you to a life filled with peace & joy. The baby Alpaca looks so cute & I am pretty sure you are loving it so much.
LOVE the positive attitude behind all of this. 🙂 And that you’re taking life by the horns and LIVING IT.
Holly, thank you for sharing this story. I love that you didn’t listen to the voice of your brain which would have otld you that “it doesn’t make sense to get an alpaca. that you don’t have space, time, etc.”
Instead you followed the voice and wisdom of your heart. Your story is a powerful reminder to us all to follow the joy.
Thanks for sharing.
With gratitude from my heart to yours,
Wendi
A vision board is very inspirational for those who use them. I have one in my office and look at it every day to remind myself what I need to do!
Ahh. I love alpaca’s. What a cool set up the farm has with paying for the mom so you can buy the baby. Bet you can’t wait for October!! I have a grand dream of moving to podunk nowhere, owning sheep, and… drumroll… a guard llama! Way to get what you want, I bet that adorable baby alpaca will bring you so much joy!
Angelica,
I love your dream too! When we were up in Northern CA recently we saw a bunch of Sheep at some Farms and they were so cute, Goats too! Living in a big city all of my life it’s interesting that all I want to do as I get older is get out into Nature and simplify
Holly, I loved your piece. You gave me a lot to think about – which is always a good thing!
“Gratitude grows abundance” — need to put this quote where I can see it every day.
Wishing you are the best as you continue on your Road to Reinvention and hope to hear more!
Anya,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words. I just love Quotes because one sentence can really change your thinking.