Enjoying These “For Now” Days
Rest of our lives
Oftentimes, I am asked when or if I will move back to the West Coast. I understand the question even more since reading a recent snippet from Oliver Burkeman. He was musing about the exhaustion of trying to come up with “rest-of-my-life” solutions. And how very few of our decisions are forever.
For instance, when I moved to Ottawa in the spring of 2011, I had a clear idea of why I was doing so but a vague idea of how long I might stay. I knew I wanted to be part of the everyday lives of my youngest grandchildren and had developed a plan, with the help of others, to make this happen.
I had no idea at that time how long I would be here, possibly a couple of years, yet here I am almost 15 years later. What really happened was a series of adaptations, invitations, things working well, good luck, and good relationships. In other words, things are more than ok, and when adjustments need to be made, I will make them then—no need to fret today about where I will be five or ten years from now. Nothing wrong with planning, as long as we remember that life can intervene and change them.
Present Moment
For now I love where I am and what I am doing. And I don’t have to figure out what big changes I might need to make down the road. Working in the here and now takes the pressure off the advice to “be certain.” Although I am certain that for now, I am exactly where I want to be.
Important Memories
This particular week, I am back in charming Hampton, close to St John, New Brunswick. Wonderful people, delicious gravenstein apples, beautiful foliage and Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.
Humble and hilarious discussions around who will make what for the feast, bragging about our foliage pictures, making excuses for our memory lapses and reminiscing on those loved ones who are no longer here. These things that can’t be tabulated often become our most important memories, and even when sad, they are punctuated with the stories that make us laugh with delight and love.
Thanksgiving is that special time of year when we gather together to express our gratitude for the gifts of life, family, friends, creature comforts and the joy of being alive. A chance to notice and to celebrate what we so often take for granted. An opportunity to spot the frequently unnoticed ways we are supported. It is my favourite holiday.
Notes
1)Buddhist practice has what they call the four immeasurable – love, compassion, equanimity and joy. Ed Halliwell writes that when practitioners wish cheerfulness on others, it is a wish not just for happiness but that they have the tools to cultivate a sense of well-being independent of whatever pains and pleasures they experience…seems like a good wish to me, as he suggests.
2) Every day, people are suffering and grieving with the loss of a loved one. Or sitting with a loved one as they take their last breaths. There is no escape. My heartfelt wish is that you not be alone in this. That you have someone to be at your side to accompany you through this heartbreak.
3) Thank you for reading my blog. And best wishes for those who celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend. With love and gratitude, Trudy
Very timely and meaningful message Trudy. Such simple wisdom. Thank you.
Want to go for a walk early tomorrow?
Georgie
We did get that walk. Thank you Georgie for a lovely two hours this morning. Warm wishes and grand adventures. Trudy
I too often marvel at life’s twists and turns. A good friend of mine always said “always plan but never plan on your plans”
Life is an adventure.
Thanks you Judy. Life is an adventure – so glad to still be part of it. I hope you are having a lovely October in Ottawa.Warmly,Trudy
Trudy…I could totally relate to the “don’t dig in too deep “ with life plans. Turns out life has bigger plans and our job is to pay attention!
Watch Netflix Famous Last Words with Jane Goodall to get reinforcement of this message.
L
Hi Lynn: My cousin Sonya and I watched the Jane Goodall doc. It was great and we both passed it on to several others who also enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation. Warmly, Trudy
Hi, Trudy!
Canadian Thanksgiving — the perfect time to celebrate the harvest, and older apple varieties like Gravenstein truly capture that tradition. I love their crisp, tangy-sweet flavour, especially fresh off the tree. There’s something special about these heritage fruits — they connect us to the land and to generations past who grew and enjoyed the same varieties.
From my nutrition studies, I learned that heirloom support better blood sugar balance than modern hybrids. A fibre-rich apple a day truly lives up to the old adage — it helps the body naturally eliminate excess acid and supports overall health.
I can just picture a cozy kitchen, filled with the scent of roasting turkey and stewing apples, and the warmth of lively conversation — all set against the backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage outside. How lovely to have nature at the heart of your celebration — a beautiful way to honour the season.
Hi Kate: We all loved your comments about the Gravenstein apples. My cousins are dedicated to the heirloom varieties and aim for one a day. It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving time in a beautiful environment. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. Warmly, Trudy
Happy Thanksgiving, Trudy, and thanks for this lovely message.
A wonderful reminder to stay in the now, stay in a place of gratitude, and keep my mind (and life!) open & flexible even in troubling times.
Thank you dear Margaret. You take such good care of keeping my website safe for visitors and readers. Not to mention your encouraging and thoughtful words. Warmly, Trudy
I don’t need Thanksgiving, though I appreciate it, to be reminded I am always grateful for my life and for my family and friends. Thankful for you Trudy. Enjoy the specialness of your NB people and place. xoxoxo
Thanks dear Janice. There is something pretty special about the Maritimes, as you well know. Thankful for you. Warmly, Trudy