“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
– Oscar Wilde
(Part 2 of a 2-part series on Reinventing a Home)
I once worked in Boston as a high tech PR executive for an up-and-coming agency. My office overlooked Copley Square. As a 20-something, I tasted the brief thrill of a more sophisticated life than I would find years later in the more introverted solitude I enjoyed in my country home.
Yet, back then I commuted to work via subway from either Newton or Watertown, far enough away to never truly feel in the thick of things. Many of the younger administrative staff lived on Newbury Street in small apartments above the retail shops.
Reviewing my life recently at 50-something, I regretted having never lived in a city, with the experience of being able to walk to many activities.
So when I chose to downsize as an empty nester (See part 1 of Blog Series—Reinventing a Home), I decided to release that regret by moving to Newburyport, one of the smallest cities in Massachusetts. The charm of this vibrant seaside community with its plethora of restaurants and activities is enhanced by its easy access to so much natural beauty, from beaches and parks to biking and walking trails. I thrive in nature.
New friends and connections were waiting for me upon my arrival, many of whom were people I met a long time ago but never got to know. Some of these people expanded my life in new ways—on the dance floor or through cultural activities.
One local woman I met while walking said “Every day feels like a vacation here.” I concur. In fact, disciplining myself to write or market is often a challenge—particularly on a sunny, warm day.
Still, even at work, I am engaged more fully with life here, often meeting my clients or writing at one of the many local cafes. Most of my friends and business prospects enjoy coming to Newburyport for a visit.
Solitude and reflection still have a huge place in my life—only now I find the soulful quiet more by being outside in nature or writing offsite than inside the home.
Each time I step out my door, which is only a few feet from the street, I feel a sense of adventure and openness. When I return home and put my key back in the door, I enter my condo feeling expanded and nurtured by the day in this friendly community.
The joy of walking along the riverbanks versus in the more rural settings of my last home is that I feel “anonymously connected.” I may pass 20 people walking their dogs or doing errands, yet still be in my own world (often “writing in my head”) on my excursions.
Small city living was the “right” choice for this stage of my life. I feel so very blessed.
What change could you make to live more fully? What regret could you release by taking a new action?
Choose wisely. Choose life—and all the ways it invites us to grow.
With joy,
Gail
SUPPORT MATTERS’ BELIEF TIPS ON LIVING MORE FULLY:
1. I allow myself to risk living more fully engaged with life.
2. I allow myself to take an action that would release a regret.
3. I allow myself to expect life to improve with change versus fear it as the unknown.
This vibrant London bookshop window pictured above was photographed by Beth Shedd. The message speaks to the promise of bright beginnings that come from living in a fully engaged way.
IF YOU ARE EXPLORING A MOVE, PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY, OR WOULD LIKE HELP IN RELEASING ONE OF YOUR OWN REGRETS, CALL GAIL TODAY AT 978-325-1911. Or, email her at gailjones@claimyourworthiness.com TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER UNIQUE COACHING PACKAGES.
Gail Kauranen Jones is an intuitive coach, gifted wordsmith and inspiring teacher who has been leading others through transformation for more than twenty years. She is the author of two books, Cancer as a Love Story: Developing the Mindset for Living, and To Hell and Back…Healing Your Way through Transition. Both books were met with rave reviews on Amazon and elsewhere.
She recently appeared as a guest “worthiness coach” on CBS TV’s award-winning talk show The Doctors and on Sirius FM Radio. Her articles and “tips” on worthiness have also appeared several times in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper.
She has taught many leading-edge workshops at top spas and wellness centers. She now leads Zoom group coaching programs and is a guest speaker at many related events.
Gail lives a passionate and simple life writing, hiking, connecting in meaningful ways, aligning in joyful collaboration and thriving in nature.