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On January 18th, Lindsay started a cheese blog after some prompting by friends (Danielle and Abby, I think?) .

One month later, she wrote:

A few months ago I noticed something. Where most people say “I want,” I found myself saying “I wish.” I spent some time reflecting on these two phrases, and beyond the semantics I discovered a lack of confidence in my ability to make something happen. So I did the only thing one can do in this situation. I made something happen.

Instead of saying “I wish I could work with cheese,” I started saying “I want to work with cheese.” Defining the desire drove me to action. I contacted my long-time Twitter friend and inspiration, the lovely Tia Keenan, who kindly advised me on where and how to get started.

After many emails, a traditional interview, and an amazing on-the-job interview, I begin working as a Counter Associate at Pastoral Artisan this weekend. (Because I have a full-time job, I’ll only be working weekends and the odd evening.)

I can’t wait to develop my knowledge and experience in this capacity. I hope to share that with you along the way.

Yours in Cheese,

Linds

Best. Day. Ever.:

• Head shrunk
• Nails did
• Apartment cleaned (by someone who isn’t me)
• Quit my job

and

What the hell am I doing?:

I’m following my passion. Not just my passion for cheese, but also for supporting sustainable and artisanal food production, continuous learning, interacting with people, teaching, working hard to be the best at what I do, and feeling good about what I do and who I work for.

I’m ending my 13-year career in marketing and advertising. I’m starting a new chapter in my life as a full-time cheese monger. I’m taking a substantial salary cut and making an equal investment in my current and future happiness.

I’m doing something I believe in. And damn, it feels good.

Did Lindsay have any idea when she decided to start a cheese blog that three months later she’d be quitting her job and working full time for cheese? I’m pretty sure she didn’t. I’m pretty sure she didn’t even know she’d be working with cheese part time.

But she did have the self-awareness to notice the wish/want distinction, and she put it out there to some people she trusted to give her good advice and support.

It wasn’t just a post saying “I want to make this happen,” it was a post saying “I started this.”

And now she’s ready to work with cheese full time, but more importantly she’s ready to do something she’s excited about and that will make her happier.

This weird Internet thing brought our lives together, and I’m thrilled to watch my friend start something so exciting. That is all.