Category: Expectancy

The Joys of Spring: New Life, New Perspectives…blog 142

I love spring!
It brings renewed hope, freshness, new perspectives, and the reminder that after the darkness of winter, the promise of new life always returns. I cherish every part of it—rain or shine.

Spring is also the perfect time of year to celebrate those women in our lives who have had such an impact. Whether or not you are a mother, or provide support and love for others…I celebrate you!

A Symphony of Scents and Sights

I don’t know where you live, but here in British Columbia, my bike rides are filled with the sight and scent of flowering trees and shrubs in full bloom.

The white, pink, lavender, and purple lilacs make even the finest perfumes seem dull by comparison, blending harmoniously with the sweet, honey-like fragrance of the Oregon grape’s yellow blossoms. Riding through it all feels like gliding through a fragrant flower shop.

Sunshine, Scotch, and the Simple Joys

Spring feels like emerging from the cozy comforts of indoors to breathe in life’s freshness.

Time to clean off the patio chairs, lay out the bright cushions on the Adirondack chairs, pour a shot (or two!) of scotch, sit back, and smile at the sun. Pure bliss.

Nature’s Reminder: It’s Time to Begin Again

Spring speaks of new birth.
We see it all around us: buds opening, grass once buried now sprouting fresh green blades, chubby robins tending to delicate blue eggs, and trees becoming concert stages for returning songbirds.

But I believe spring also invites us—as humans—to embrace new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and personal growth. Each new beginning is as unique as the person experiencing it.

A personal win: an audio recording and a second book

On a personal note, I’m excited to have produced an audiobook from my first book What if…? Finding adventures through life’s obstacles.

AND I’m thrilled about the upcoming birth of my second book, Between Here and Where: Embracing Life’s Transitions.The cover design is complete, and the final edits—thanks to the amazing Darcy Nybo—are done. Next up: sharing it with a few beta readers, then on to publishing!

Looking ahead: travel, connection, and ocean breezes

I’m also looking forward to traveling and exploring over the next few months. The thought of spending time with family and friends—creating new memories and building on shared experiences—fills me with joy. Add in some time by the ocean, and my anticipation reaches epic levels!

Embracing change and finding hope

Of course, life continues to throw us curveballs. Change and transition are part of the journey—sometimes beautiful, sometimes challenging.

But even in the tougher moments, those changes don’t define us. They invite us to dig deep, hold onto joy, and let the warmth of past memories and hope for the future guide us forward.

They remind us to live with a sense of expectancy for the good that life still offers.

A few questions for you

So, I wonder—
What are you hopeful for as you witness the wonders of new life around you?

How are you growing and learning in this season of your life?

What thoughts linger in your heart on those joy-filled days—or on days when joy feels just out of reach?

As 2024 comes to an end…Blog 140

I’m sitting in my home office, gazing out at a very gray day. We had snow last evening, but mild temperatures and light rain have turned the fresh blanket of snow into a dull, mushy mess.

Winter isn’t my favorite season—my soul seems to hibernate, awaiting the awakening signaled by the first buds of spring appearing on the trees outside my window. These buds signal new life.

In summer, we slow down to soak up the sun’s warmth, shedding cumbersome jackets, socks, and ‘whole shoes’ (as our daughter used to call them) to make way for sandals, sundresses, t-shirts, and the ever-present sunnies. At times, the sun’s heat becomes oppressive, prompting us to seek the perfect shade under which to sip a cool beverage, dreaming of storing this glorious heat to be slowly released during the cold, frigid winter months.

Then autumn arrives. How I love this season! The summer heat fades, leaving warm days and nights that call for the cozy embrace of light sweaters to fend off the evening chill. The greens of summer transform into vibrant reds, ambers, and crimson leaves, drawing me in like the crackling flames of the fires my mum used to set in the evenings back in Ireland.

However, without the winter months that prompt us to hunker down and reflect on the gifts of new life, warmth, and harvest, we might miss the lessons nature offers.

I believe the four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn—are a rich metaphor for life, especially when we consider the changes each one brings. Over the past year, I’ve been working on a book about change and transition. Initially, its focus was on transitioning from full-time employment to part-time, contract work. This transition would bridge the years between the workforce and possibly leaving paid employment altogether. As I wrote, I realized that life is, and will continue to be, filled with various transitions, each with its own intensity. This process has made me reflect on the many changes and transitions I’ve experienced and consider how successfully or unsuccessfully I’ve navigated each. Transitions stem from change; some are self-initiated, while others result from decisions made by others that impact us. Some transitions bring wonderful opportunities filled with adventure and excitment, while others may lead to loss, grief, and anxiety.

During this winter solstice season, as I reflect on the past year, I remember moments of joy and laughter, delight and pleasure, beauty and wonder, awe and curiosity, peace and stillness. I also remember moments of deep sadness and tears, anger and fear, loss and grief. This is life; these are the seasons of life that shape us into unique and wonderful human beings living amidst its messiness.

One of my favorite Broadway experiences was Rent. From the opening number, I was captivated by the stories of a group of young bohemians endeavoring to live fully. It chronicles a year in their lives. The opening song, “Seasons of Life,” asks, “How do you measure the value of a year in a person’s life?” A big question! But is it really? Looking back over 2024, how would you describe its value in terms of your accomplishments, contributions, and what you’ve received? What gauge or criterion might you use to evaluate its worth? I believe this question, posed by songwriter Jonathan Larson, provides a simple yet profound foundation for closing off a year and setting intentions for 2025, marking it as a year of great value.

What do you think? How might you measure the value of 2024?

Travel-inspired meditation…Blog 138

Welcome to the start of my meditation journey! As someone new to this practice, I’ve often felt hesitant about diving into the unknown world of meditation—perhaps out of fear of what I might discover. However, my curiosity and the need to slow down my constantly racing mind have finally led me to embrace this new experience.

So how does mediation relate to my travel learnings? A great deal! In fact, I discovered that mediation actually created an opportunity for me to think back and dwell on some very special times in my life, from recent travels all the way back to my childhood. Let me elaborate.

In the meditation session, the ‘guide’ used imagery to walk us through a 30-minute practice:

Body like a mountain, Heart like the ocean, Mind like the sky.

Mountain, ocean, and sky…nature in all its beauty. However, what do these three images mean? I had to go back and do some research on this (remember, I’ve only been to one class so far). This is what I learned.

Body Like a Mountain: Symbolizes strength and stability, encouraging a grounded posture in meditation. Now, to go along with this was the imagery of a strong back and soft front. This speaks to balancing resilience and vulnerability, promoting courage and an open heart ready for connection and compassion. (Quite lovely!) Heart Like an Ocean: Represents depth and emotional openness, fostering boundless compassion and acceptance. Mind Like the Sky: Signifies spaciousness and clarity, allowing thoughts to come and go freely.

What was especially wonderful, was not having any issue calling up mental pictures of each of these – all from my life. 

Mourne Mountains looking over the Irish Sea. (Thanks Pexels free photos)

During the meditation on body like a mountain, I vividly recalled climbing the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland as a young girl. I remember walking through the beautiful heather as it gently danced with the breeze coming off the Irish Sea. The vivid purple colours amidst tufts of green provided a soft cover between the rock surfaces. Of course, it would have been impossible to not allow the visual of a great deal of Irish Hare droppings to enter my mental scrapbook of memories. As a family, we would do day hikes on Slieve Donnard and Slieve Binnian (Slieve is Irish Gaelic for mountain). My grandparents lived in a small fishing village called Annalong…a view of the Mourne Mountains out their front door, and the Irish Sea out the rear. This was the playground of my father’s growing-up years.

Cabo Finisterre, Spain

The practice continued, and I was ready to stay in the memories of heart like an ocean for the rest of the day! If you know me even a little or have read previous blogs, you will know that the ocean is my happy place. Not surprising since I was raised in a seaside town called Bangor in Northern Ireland. There is something about being by the ocean that puts life in perspective. Sitting on a sandy beach or perched on rocks along the water’s edge can transport me to places of pure calm and peace. But the presence of the mighty sea can also unveil deep emotions that have been squashed, finally forcing their way to the surface, longing to be acknowledged and processed. A visit back to Annalong a few years ago provided a memory refresh of long-ago days sitting on the Black Rocks, just five minutes from my grandparent’s home. For me, however, there was more climbing than sitting – a successful day of rock climbing called for several bandaids (plasters as we called them), on scratched and bruised knees and shins.

Our travels have blessed us with many more open heart memories of moments sitting and walking along the ocean. Carvoeiro, Portugal;  Cape Finisterre, Spain; Greystones, Ireland; Tofino in British Columbia; the South of France, and the beautiful Greek Island of Naxus to name a few. All call out to my heart refusing to be ignored, requiring a response to whatever bubbles to the surface.

Last but not least, a mind like the sky. Who doesn’t need clarity in their life? But how many of us actually make the time, and space for clarity to work its way through the noise of our endless thoughts. The focus this required for me was the most challenging. As already noted, I have one of those minds that is always thinking, planning, worrying, and just plain busy! The idea of seeing a thought, acknowledging its existence, then allowing it to pass by without stopping for a visit is easier said than done. Again the visualization really helped (not conquered – helped). Think of days lying in a field of daisies looking up at a clear blue sky, relaxing on a warm, soft sandy beach, or dressed in warm winter gear taking a break from making snow angels with your grandkids to notice the shape of the clouds amid a cobalt blue sky. Being transported back to such memories helped greatly in my endeavour to let the thoughts that started flooding my mind, pass by. But it took willpower to not reach up and grab them…I have some work to do on this one for sure.         

What I learned is that meditation can provide a guided tour through inner landscapes and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a beginner, curious like me, I invite you to give it a try. I’m looking forward to further exploring the strength of mountains, the depth of oceans, and the vastness of skies, all while discovering the hidden beauty in my everyday life.

Odeceixe, Portugal

Travel with all your senses…Blog 136

I really enjoy spring and summer. There’s something wonderful about the bursting forth of new life, the many shades of green, and the blooming flowers that turn so intently, yet gently to smile at the sun. Who can blame them after a long winter’s hibernation?

Green truly is my favourite colour. Growing up in Ireland, the Emerald Isle, may have left a greater imprint on my psyche than I imagined. Even now as I watch travel shows or movies that feature my homeland, there is something deep inside that calls out to me, an internal connection that can only come from deeply seeded memories of years gone by. Memories of times spent roaming among the purple heather on the Mountains of Mourne, walking along the shores of the Irish Sea and climbing the boulder sized rocks close to my grandparent’s home in the small fishing village of Annalong. Long days filled with picnics, swimming, sandcastle building and simply lazing at Tyrella Beach in County Down. And not to be forgotten, swimming lessons in the frigid waters of Pickie Pool in Bangor; the water was so cold it forced the breath out of my young lungs, propelling me to the safety and warmth of the edge of the pool where Mum crouched with a cup of hot cocoa. I just needed to reach her!

Green, as I sit writing this blog from my deck in Kelowna, BC, my eyes again get to feast on the many shades of green: cedar hedges, maple trees, manicured lawns, tree covered hills, grasses in patio containers, and of course herbs, ready and waiting to add an element of freshness to my morning smoothies (or to be eaten by my youngest grandkids before making it into the house).

I’m currently reading “The Heartbeat of Trees” by Peter Wohllenben. To be honest, it’s not the kind of book I traditionally read, but when you have grandkids who are committed to learning about and preserving our planet, they have a tendency to open your eyes and truly take in the beauty and creation around us. And to realise how much we need nature to live healthy lives.

Early in the book, the author speaks to how being in the forest, among those stately and life giving trees, can benefit our very health. He says:

“It’s a good idea to give your nose, palate, and gut a break every now and again by going out into the forest and spending a good long time there. Everything that flows over your senses when you are in the forest is exactly the kind of compound your body is made for. If you take along a snack of natural, minimally processed food without additives, then your time spent forest bathing will be even more beneficial.”

As you know, my blog, Probe and Ponder is all about travel and learning. Now, I don’t travel for the sole purpose of education, although that certainly is an amazing byproduct of travel. But I do want to be intentional about being aware of what’s around me, of utilizing my senses. What am I seeing, what am I hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling through touch?

Those who know me well will confirm that I can only fully see something when my sense of touch is involved (yes, even having to touch those sacred fresnos and statutes throughout Europe!). Needless to say, I was thrilled to read Wohllenben’s reflection on research regarding how touching helps us think. I get it!

So, as you head out on your travels this summer, let me share a suggestion from “The Heartbeat of Trees”.

“The next time you are walking outside, try touching a variety of objects. The feather lying by the side of the path is just waiting to be picked up. Even the slippery rock covered with algae offers unusual experiences of contact and motion.”   

In other words, experience the forest, the seaside, the mountains the way you did as a child. Or, perhaps, rather than getting frustrated with the slow, exploratory ways the little ones in your life go for a walk, take a moment to look at the tiny bug walking along the sidewalk, explore the many beautiful shells strewn across the beach, stop and smell the wildflowers on the mountain side, help them gather the ‘nature’ they encounter along the way and bask in the moment shared with those who have not yet lost their sense of wonder. 

Pics by me

An Algarve morning walk…Blog 131

There is something beautiful about setting out first thing in the morning for a walk when traveling to far (and near) places, especially when the surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking.

For this blog I thought I would take you on a such a walk. The thing to remember when visiting some of these incredibly beautiful places in the Algarve, is that walking can at times more resemble climbing…so many hills! But, with every up and down comes a spectacular feast for the eyes!

On this particular morning, I walked down from where we were staying, along the narrow roads (yes, this was actually a road to access homes), and from between the buildings was treated to this view over the town of Carvoeiro, providing a glimpse of where my walk would be taking me.

Some of the homes, like this one, presented such character against the picturesque background. After the uphill, came the expected downhill. Something else to keep in mind, at this time of year there is quite a bit of dew overnight, so the cobbled surfaces can get a bit slippery…proper walking shoes are a must! This street wasn’t so bad, but on others the stones are so smooth and shiny from years of wear, a bit of moisture can make the walk as slippery as the black ice we encounter in Canada. All part of the unique experience of a morning walk.

Once I arrive in the heart of the town, I am met with this beautiful example of the Algarve’s glory. The beaches found in this part of Portugal are among the most lovely I have visited in all my travels. The combination of ocean, cliffs, rocks, and sandy beaches all add to the splendour boasted by the natural beauty — truly breathtaking. But why use words when pictures can say so much more…

Pulling myself away from the beach I continue my walk, up another narrow road that provides a spectacular view of the vastness of the ocean before me. Let me remind you friends, these pictures are all from one beach, one morning walk, one experience out of many!

Before heading back to our accommodations, there’s always time for a coffee on the beach, espresso of course (albeit decaf!). As I walk back up the hill I take a moment to pause, turn around, and once again take in the view…and gasp for air to make it up the rest of the steep incline 🙂

These two snaps are taken from the deck of our VRBO…great location to read, if you can pull your eyes away from the view, so distracting.

As we head home from this trip, our hearts are full after precious time spent in this splendour, and more importantly, with our family. Many more wonderful memories created.

2024 ~ ready for new adventures…Blog 130

I love to travel, really I do. However, this love is not without conditions. I most enjoy travelling with someone, preferably family and close friends, and I like going places that offer the opportunity to be by the sea or ocean. While I appreciate time spent in a city exploring the arts, culture, gastronomy and of course unique shopping, I prefer to spend my time in the less busy, less travelled parts of the world. To be clear, I’m not talking about roughing it, I do appreciate my creature comforts, just more so in peaceful, slower paced locations. 

There are, of course, some things about travel that I find less enjoyable. Like long haul flights that leave you longing for that invigorating walk on the beach where stretching without fear of elbowing another passenger, or flight attendant, is possible. Or how about the challenge of visiting the aeroplane bathrooms? It takes some contorting to rearrange every single thing around you, climb over a sleeping seat mate, and then wait for your turn to once again be a contortionist to fit into the smallest closet size space to relieve yourself. And then you get to do it all in reverse. 

Then there’s the jet lag — oh my! I’ve heard many tips and tricks to deal with it, and some even claim to prevent it; however, the reality is that jet lag is part and parcel of travelling to those amazing, yet to be discovered far off places that call for navigating across various time zones. Great argument there for local travel and road trips!

But still, I love to travel and explore new places, shop in local markets, enjoy local cuisine (except fish, unfortunately), and find those spots that offer moments of quiet and reflection by the water.  

We are starting the year off with a wonderful travel experience, not to new places, but to someplace more familiar. As many readers know, we spent 7 months travelling and living in Portugal and Spain in 2021/2022. To celebrate my departure from full time employment to freelancing (Professional Development Coaching), we are taking advantage of creating our own time schedule. 

Carvoeiro, Portugal is one of the places that won our hearts during our extended time in the EU, so it is serving as our home base for a short time while we enjoy this incredibly beautiful part of the world. But even more fantastic is the time we have to enjoy being with both our kids and their children. This time together isn’t something we take lightly — living in different parts of the world has its challenges! It is simply heartwarming and life-giving to spend time on spectacular beaches with your family. The perfect way to kick off a new year.

So, as we look to the year ahead, what does travel look like for 2024? Perhaps back to Europe, perhaps travel in Canada, perhaps…who knows? What I am sure of, is it will be filled with adventure, exploration, learning, and delight! And more inspirational places to write and create. Stay tuned.

Leave home, leave the country, leave the familiar.
Only then can routine experience—buying bread, eating vegetables, even saying hello—become new all over again.

—Anthony Doerr

Gap ‘year’ for Generation Jones?…Blog 129

I’ve developed quite an affinity for the concept of a gap year, so much so that I believe its scope should extend beyond the younger demographic. Why should such a remarkable opportunity be confined to those transitioning from adolescence to adulthood? Consider this: what about us, navigating the transitions of our mid-fifties and sixties? What if we, too, could benefit from a hiatus, even if just for a month? Imagine this: before the decision to retire settles in (a term I’m not a fan of), what if we embraced a gap, a designated period to contemplate what we truly want for the next chapters of our lives?

I love the notion of a gap year. This is a period when the younger generation takes a step back, often after surviving the whirlwind of high school and just before embarking on the college or university journey. It strikes me as perfectly sensible, providing them with the chance to discover themselves, catch their breath, refocus, and then set the course for the chapters ahead.

Alternatively, what if we opted for a departure from full-time employment, tapping into the financial contributions accumulated over the years, without fully retiring? Imagine taking a ‘gap,’ a span of time after bidding farewell to the 9-5 grind, before embarking on a new and exhilarating chapter—a journey in our passion, earning a living on our terms, and crafting a schedule that allows us to savour the next stage of life to the fullest. The possibilities are intriguing, don’t you think?

Of course my break will take place by the ocean.

Well, in fact, that’s precisely what I’m gearing up for in just shy of four weeks. I’ll be embarking on a break—a pause, if you will—between bidding farewell to my role as a tenured professor in a business school and diving headfirst back into the incredible world of coaching and leadership development, all anchored in a strengths-based approach. It’s hard to fathom anything more fulfilling than investing in others as they hone their skills and wholeheartedly embrace the responsibility of guiding their teams. The prospect of nurturing and guiding others in their professional journeys brings a unique sense of joy and purpose that I find truly invigorating.

My adventure started with publishing my first book!

Another aspect of this new venture that truly warms my heart is the prospect of having more dedicated moments with my family, especially those eight incredible grandchildren my husband and I are fortunate to have. It’s like laying the groundwork for the next generation of leaders right within our own family!

Call it balance, integration, or harmony—whatever term you prefer—I’m at a point where I’m ready to take charge of how I spend my time, with whom, and for how long. Now, you might suggest, “So, you’re going to be semi-retired?” Well, no, that’s not quite it. I prefer to see it as a process of rewiring, refocusing, rethinking, and renegotiating the terms of the next chapter in my life. It’s about embracing a new perspective and shaping the future on my terms…and I am really looking forward to it!

Alaska, reliving the memories…Blog #125

A reminder sounded on my phone just now… ‘Boarding at 1 p.m.’

Today was the day we were to board the cruise ship for an Alaskan Cruise. Sadly, it’s not happening. Pneumonia decided to attack my husband’s lungs, so rather than soaking up the beauty of the Alaskan glaciers, we’ll be soaking up the beauty from our own deck. 

When planning an adventure, part of the joy is the anticipation. We didn’t miss out on that. In fact, because we had taken a similar cruise several years ago, we had already been revisiting the memorable time we had exploring the magnificence of that area.

In a previous blog, I talked about taking time over the summer to reflect. For me, one way to do so is to look at pictures from past adventures, absorb every detail, relive the moments, feel the emotions, and let my mind remember and be there once again.

For our Alaskan cruise, I didn’t need to look at pictures to remind me of the moments, the emotions, the awe-inspiring creation all around. This is actually a good thing because I can’t find our pictures from that trip; I still had a Blackberry at that time!

John Hopkins Glacier

First of all, the weather was perfect and the cooler temperatures were most welcome in the midst of a hot Okanagan summer. The scenery from the ship was simply breathtaking! And the glaciers…wow! Our cruise was at the end of July, and we were fortunate, (according to the Captain), to have perfect weather, the most calving activity they had ever witnessed, all presented under the deepest blue skies I think I had ever seen. 

However, the most vivid memories that come to mind are the two excursions we took: kayaking on a glacier lake, and biking to Mendenhall Glacier. 

We love kayaking, but to that point, our ventures were mostly on local lakes in British Columbia, with a couple of paddles around the coast off Vancouver Island, which were truly lovely. But never before did we experience the calm, turquoise waters of a glacial lake! I have since learned that the specific blue hue, the glacial blue can only be found in glaciers.

Photo by Frank Cone on Pexels.com

But it wasn’t just about the glacial lake–the guide reminded us to look up and around. What we saw appeared to be hundreds of golf balls stuck in the surrounding trees. We had no clue what we were looking at…until we saw the majestic eagles taking flight. What appeared to be golf balls were actually the heads of bald eagles! We were speechless. And seeing them in flight was truly a sight to behold. We learned that Alaska is home to over 30,000 bald eagles, many living in the trees around inland lakes. And we were blessed to see them in their natural habitat. Unbelievable.  

What can I say about Mendenhall Glacier other than wow!!! Mendenhall flows from the Juneau Icefields into Mendenhall Lake. We were up close and personal as we biked along lakes, glaciers, mountains, and local swimming holes. Yes, kids were actually swimming in the lake then climbing out on the rocks to warm up in the intense Alaskan sun. The ride was about 14 km, nice and easy, truly affording us the privilege of taking in all the sights along the way. 

Our final destination on that excursion? A brewery where we were treated to some of the most delicious beer from around Alaska, accompanied by an interesting presentation delivered by a knowledgeable local historian while we imbibed the rich brew.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane to revisit a world so different from our own. I can’t wait for our friends to come home and share the joys of their discoveries and adventures on the Alaskan cruise we will have to retake another time.

Steps 3,4 etc in my publishing journey…Blog #120

What does it take to go the publishing process? Patience, tough skin, open mindedness, patience, tough skin, open mindedness…repeat, over and over!

Seriously though, I’ve learned that the writing of a book, deciding to publish, finding a publisher and submitting the manuscript is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to actually getting a book to the point of publication.

I last wrote about this adventure on January 26th, and since then the process has been wait, review, edit, submit, then wait again. The most challenging aspect has been receiving the feedback and recommendations from the deep edit. Ouch! I know I may not be the best English grammar student – ok, not even close. But to see the word pictures I so lovingly and painstakingly created and scripted, and reflections on happenings from days and years gone by that have etched their learnings into my psyche, placed under the editor’s critical microscope and dissected without consideration of my virgin writer’s feelings, is tough! 

And necessary, and has taught me so much!   

Thanks again to my writing mentor, Karen, I had to take a step back, to become more objective in reviewing the editors comments and recommendations. While the feedback was valuable, I was still responsible for deciding what elements of the feedback aligned with my message, my voice, and my goals. Don’t get me wrong, there was no question whether or not I would accept the many grammatical corrections, the awkward construct of sentences, and the amazing suggestions regarding the structure of the book. Still, what stories remained, the emotions I wanted to provoke, and the seemingly unimportant details were up to me. 

I had three choices: accept the changes, consider what parts of the suggested changes I would accept, and what I would reject. The end result was a better manuscript, and a great deal of gratitude to my editor.

Right now the publisher is working on the book layout, including photographs from my journey, and I have approved the script for the back cover; the editor did an amazing job on that! The graphic designer is working on a few edits for the front cover, which I should be signing off on shortly.

The next big step for me is getting the ARC (advanced reader copy), and sending my book, ‘What if…’ out to a few trusted readers for their endorsements. 

So, as far as I can see, we are on track for a late summer release, and I am excited! For now, I wait, again. 

But that’s just fine – I leave today for Spain, where new adventures await. We will be walking a section of the Camino, sandwiched between a few days in Madrid, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. Stay tuned!

First photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Second photo by Shane Kell on Pexels.com

Adjusting to ‘home’…Blog #114

Kelowna, our final destination on an amazing extended study leave. 

We’ve been home for just over a week. People ask how it feels to be back home and I’m not quite sure how to answer, yet. Yes, it’s amazing to be back with family and friends, and yes, it’s wonderful to be back in our own home. 

I went for my first bike ride yesterday, on what I affectionately call my ‘girlie’ bike. Riding along a close-by linear park, Mission Creek, it felt good to once again take in the sights, sounds, and smells that are so familiar and welcoming. In the afternoon, beach chairs slung on our backs, we took the short walk to the lake and simply took in the beauty that was before us. Back home, we sat on the deck with a glass of wine and olives, reliving the many afternoon wine sipping breaks we enjoyed in Portugal and Spain. It was wonderful to bask in the gratitude of the many wonderful lived experiences of the past 7 months living and working in Europe. 

That was yesterday. The week before was not so peaceful and tranquil. One thing we learned while travelling was that the first week in a new location was always wrought with unexpected challenges and a sense of total upheaval. Unpacking, setting up a new ‘home’, discovering what cooking utensils were in the cupboards, finding where to buy groceries, getting accustomed to a new language and culture, getting the lay of the land, locating medical facilities, figuring out when stores and restaurants were open, getting a grip on the local transportation system,  knowing when it was safe to cross the street…it all took time. While excited to embrace a new living location, we inevitably dealt with tension and stress until we could finally relax our breathing and appreciate all that was to be explored and experienced.

Arriving back in Kelowna felt somewhat the same. While it was familiar, it wasn’t yet ‘home’. Things changed. New buildings have been erected, prices of food and gas have skyrocketed, our grocery store no longer sells our favourite Sunday morning scones, our condo was a shell, void of our personal items, and pneumonia arrived home from Europe with my husband resulting in 2 days of emergency rooms in a hospital greatly suffering the effects of extremely low staffing. It felt like we had simply moved to our next location on our journey.

However, the settling in is happening. As I sit in my home office or on the deck, I look out at blue skies, vibrant green trees, our walls once again house the smiling pictures of adored kids and grand kids, books once again fill the shelves, and a cup of hot coffee accompanies my morning quietness.

It’s good to be home, truly home. Our time with family and friends is richer than ever, our appreciation of where we live has grown, gratitude for my husband’s amazing medical team is even stronger than before we left for Europe, and I have great anticipation for reconnecting with my work colleagues over the next 3 days. 

But there’s a change, I can feel it. In me. I can’t explain it yet, but I am aware of it and look forward to digging deeper and reflecting on it, to discover that part of Europe that has taken route in my soul. Travel changes a person…it’s inevitable. We don’t always know how, but it does. You bring a bit of each place you visit home with you. Travel feeds your curiosity, grows your appreciation for other cultures and people, broadens your desire for new tastes in the foods consumed, forces you to reflect on why you do the things you do, broadens your perspective, and nourishes a deep love and expectancy for life. It’s addictive!

It is great to be home, and we are excited to revisit favourite locations, always enjoyed best with family and friends, and look forward to discovering new things about this fantastic place we get to call home. Until the next travel experience…

Until that next, new experience, I plan to take time to think back on all the amazing places in the world we have been blessed to visit, and reflect on what learnings from those experiences have taken root in my soul.

And you, what places have taken root in your soul?