Dear Sweetheart
I read an article once that talked about how our lives are guided by natural rhythms that are particular to each of us and cannot be altered by force of will alone.
Life itself is a journey made up of processes and events that manifest before us only to be swept away when time marches on, and on and on!
Whether we envision ourselves creating a career, growing a family, or developing one's self, we instinctively know when the time has come for us to realize our dreams because all that's involved comes together harmoniously.
That's how I've been feeling here in my new home in Green Mountain, North Carolina.
I am still gobsmacked that I own (and let me say I OWN. . . NOT the bank!)
21+ acres of a big ole mountain and a river that runs thru it!
When our time is right, the passage of destiny and legacy cannot be blocked. Yet as desperate and anxious as we are to touch these beautiful futures we have imagined, we cannot grow if we are not fully present in the experience.
I've only been here, Green Mountain, North Carolina, a few short (and cold) months and my head has been spinning! I have found it hard to stay aware and fully present . . . and for so many reasons.
The present can be challenging and uncomfortable, but life unfolds as it will, and I stay reminded that the universe will wait patiently as we make our way into the unknown.
I have been welcoming the 'discomfort' as I am, once again, 'nesting' in my new environment.
This time, however, is different from my last.
My move to California was all only about me. Jumping off my life from Long Island and stretching, boldly, into an unknown. (Remember, I was 57 years old when I sold my home of 32 years and packed up a tiny version of my 'stuff' and moved from right to left. A step that was so very, very necessary. That becomes clearer and clearer with each passing day here, in Green Mountain.
This time, however, I share space with 3 other people... My son, my daughter and her boyfriend. Coming together in a different capacity. Working together for a common good.
Each of us feels that natural rhythm that has guided us all here – together. Together to grow and together to leave a mark and a legacy.
It is very interesting how all of this came about and how it is unfolding. (I began to write about this ripple in my post 'Ahhh...the places we go!' – check it out if you're interested!)
I must say, we have certainly exhausted the term 'everything happens for a reason' so much so that in wanting to use it here feels trite. But think about it. Think about your life. The good, the bad and the ugly parts HAVE to all happen to keep you moving in that direction. The direction of your purpose.
Let me help to change the way you may be thinking about all of this.
The fate that awaits us is not dependent on our pace. (Which is preordained anyway, I believe.)
There is no reason to rush through life to reach those pinnacles of development associated with the paths we have chosen. Are you at least moving in a direction that feels right?
Enjoying and fully experiencing the journey of life is as important as achieving goals and reaching milestones. (How many of you have a magnet on your frig that says.... "Life is a journey, not the destination!". I'm sure you, like me, said 'Aww...I like that! Someday I will remember to live that way....' giving way to another postponement in our life.
There are lessons we can learn during moments that seem immaterial or insignificant that we cannot learn at any other time. Appreciating these moments takes patience, however, because as human beings, we tend to focus on the fulfillment of expectations rather than the simple joys of being. I can be guilty of that too sometimes.
Most of this has been so evident to me, especially here on my mountain! I am in awe that I will get to steward this land and create a legacy here for generations to come.
That thought just takes my breath away.
Like many people, I'm sure you've longed for a device that would give you the power to fast forward through certain periods of your existence. (Yes, I'm talking about the shitty things that happen.)
Yet haste is, by its very nature, immensely more stressful than serene fortitude. You wouldn't think it though, would you.
When you feel yourself growing impatient because the pace of your development is deceptively slow, remember that everything that will occur in your life will occur in its own time. Calming that urge to rush will enable you to witness yourself learning, changing, and becoming stronger.
This has been my experience for this chapter of my life.
The changes in my life that have also taken me on a geographic journey have been timed out perfectly it seems! (I continue to work on the 'should-ing' parts of my life. You know, "By now, I should be here. . . I should be there. I should have this . . .or should have that. . . " you know the drill.
There is so much to see and do in between the events and processes that we deem definitive. If we are patient enough to take pleasure in our existence's unfolding, the journey from one pinnacle to the next will seem to take no time at all.
The first step is remembering that your life is made up of parts that belong to an interconnected whole. Changing one thing can change everything.
We must, literally, take our life one day at a time.
Think back to a week ago. . . a month ago. . . a year ago... are you where you thought you would be? What's not working in your life. I know you feel it.
If it's not working, change something the feel 'right' and see where that takes you!
I'll be back with more as my journey continues to unfold.
It's wintertime.
Hibernation time.
Come spring. . . new growth.
Let's take that cue from nature.
I want to thank you for coming on this ride with me. Your input and support has left me breathless. I am humbled, grateful and blessed for sure.
If you are looking for your mark, your legacy or just a simple change but don't know how or where to start, or are just plain scared, reach out to me here and we will figure it out together.
One day at a time.
I am not my sister's keeper, I am my sister.
Much love,
Lucia
P.S. What are you willing to do differently? What one thing? One thing that moves you in a direction that feels 'right'. Let me know with a reply if you're willing to commit and be accountable!
