The Gift Of A Next Chapter

April 6 2023

I miss the years of the 70’s and 80’s !!

Great music and no one picked apart the lyrics and became offended.

Great gatherings and no one robbed you, killed you, or attacked you just because they could get away with it.

People were kinder, daily life seemed lighter, and children knew when the street lights in the neighborhood turned on…it was time to go home.

I miss those days so much.

We cant go back in time, but we can still control what we deem important enough to prioritize, and what is just noise. And we can formulate a life that brings our hearts peace.

The trickiest part of that is….sometimes the things, or people we deem important, also come with a lot of unhealthy noise. We have to weigh out how much energy we have to give those circumstances.

What’s really interesting is the further away I get from ‘city life’ the more quiet I crave. When you step away and look back …and observe from the outside in…..you can see how much energy you spent deflecting unhealthy noise. You realize how distracting it was, and how much time was spent just surviving. Spiritually, emotionally, financially…whatever. Life shouldn't be about just surviving or just getting through the day.

As my surroundings continue to become more saturated with people, and noise, and hundreds of new homes being built in very limited spaces….I see the wildlife getting pushed out, the highways widening, and I know how this next chapter plays out. I left this scenario five years ago when I moved from California. I don't want to live that life again. I had purchased some acreage to build a home on when I sell my current home. I have since set my sights on a new piece of property that is much more fitting than the previous one I purchased. It’s perfect.

The mountains and the wildlife provide a shield from the noise of the city on the other side of the river. There is a peace that washes over you when all you hear are the birds in the trees, when the only smell is of pine trees, and the breeze off the river runs through your hair. It’s hauntingly peaceful.

There are plenty of deer and moose on the property…and if a wicked sunset is tossed in with a glass of wine ….it’s all I can ask for.

We each get to decide if and when we are ready for change. The important thing is to know where you are going…….and why.

My decision to create a more private surrounding is the result of several issues, but most recently from what is happening in the world today. People have become more aggressive, food sources are becoming questionable, and the political climate is beyond harsh. Our international leaders are shaking hands and becoming allies against our country and our military leaders have gone on record stating we cannot militarily compete if China and Russia join forces. The bulk of our imported goods come from China. Even the bulk of our pharmaceuticals.

It’s easy to put your head in the sand and I don't fault anyone for doing that. But I cant. My ‘knight in shining armor’ received his wings early…..and if there was supposed to be a #2….he took a detour somewhere…so I am all I have. Of course I have wonderful friends both near and far….but at the end of the day its me…..and with a little luck I’ll have a property full of deer and a few territorial moose to watch my six:)

I will be fortunate enough to create an environment with its own water well, independent fuel source backed up with a home generator, a large greenhouse to grow fresh vegetables, and I’ll have a local farmer to supply meats and eggs directly from his ranch to my front door. Good, pure, clean living. (Maybe learn to make some good 'ol moonshine would be fun too!)

Creating a softer, quieter life feels so right. And it provides a wonderful counter balance to everything else going on.

I finally know where I’m going…..and why.

No matter what happens in our life……there is always a next chapter to build upon. A chapter that can pull in all the special gifts from the past, and all the moments that brought lessons learned to keep us humble We can gather them all up, move into the next chapter and create something amazing!

The gift of life is truly a beautiful thing.

But that’s just my opinion…:)