I just got back from Newfoundland, It was a bittersweet trip. My sister and I took my father’s cremated remains back to where his life began, a small fishing village named Twillingate (Toulinquet). Small is a very accurate description. The population is just over 2,000. The picture above is taken near where my dad grew up. Life is slow, simple and routine. And like everywhere the full range of human experiences are present: from suffering and sorrow to joy and happiness. And there are cat people and dog people. My sister and I arrived the same day that Hurricane Dorian blew through the village. Sustained winds of about 110 km/h were recorded. I think we also arrived like a gale force wind. On our first morning we were out the door by 7 a.m. walking 5 kilometers to the local coffee shop and back. We returned for breakfast and our cousin asked us what we would like to do for the day. We rattled of our nine item itinerary. He looked at us like we were crazy. We wanted to do everything you could do in Twillingate and we only had one full day there (two nights). We managed to do almost all of it and even squeezed in an additional walk between the Jigg’s dinner and getting Screeched In. It really wasn’t until we left for the next destination that I started thinking about how much we did and what impact we had on the people we visited. I’ve been thinking a lot about the pace of life that is normal where I live. There is a deep longing in me for a simple life. I fantasize about country living and what I imagine is a peaceful and calm, soul nurturing rural rhythm. When I travel I easily default to wanting to consume everything a place offers. I want to both savour experiences and do ALL the things. I've been thinking about that quote:"Wherever you go, there you are." While I am much more intentional about having margin in my daily life, how I travel is an area where I want to see more alignment with my values. I'm reflecting on this trip and what was life-giving and what was soul-sucking. I'm considering what I need to have a soul-centered vacation. I know I'll be writing about these things in the future. I would love to hear your thoughts. Every change we make in our lives has a ripple effect. As we make progress in one area we see the potential to bring other areas into alignment with what we value. If there are areas in your life where you want to make changes take a look at Soul-Centered Living. It’s an eight week coaching intensive program where we’ll look at what is most important and how you can align your life so you aren’t blowing all over the place. Leave the hurricanes to nature. ****
I don’t want to load you up with links and make your life even busier. I’ve been collecting stories of women who are living vibrant lives well into their third act. This week I came across this interview with writer Edna O’Brien. I love her line, “I want to go out as someone who spoke the truth.” Me too.
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