I’ve been on a hiatus from writing, because after much contemplation, I sold a home in the city center of Porto, Portugal, to move to a historical fishing village about a 30-minute train ride away. The town, Vila do Conde, situated on the Atlantic Coast, offers a favorable taste and sense of the day-to-day Portuguese life, and, to us expats, a lifestyle far from the Americanization we grew up with.
My new abode, 1-1/2 blocks from the ocean, is tranquil. English is spoken (thank God, as my command of this foreign language is still in the beginner’s stage), also including French, Spanish, and Italian. How wonderful it is walking along the 3-mile shoreline (the Atlantic Ocean waves are spectacular), buy fresh fish, or go a short distance a farmer’s markets—without cringing at the costs, and attend year-round city and country festivals.
Another journey I’ve undertaken during this hiatus—a trip back to California— was to attend to some business, reconnect with friends, and hug my dearly missed sister, who is a most challenging Scrabble player. My feelings concerning California are the same. I hope the State’s future agenda evolves into a once more viable place, where dreams are possible. Right now, the State’s problems are one slap in the face after another: AFFORDABLE LIVING. Costs to move from Point A to Point B are unfavorable. But still, in I prefer California to the extreme winters and polarized politics marking a fair amount of the country. There’s no perfect place, not even in Europe. Life choices are a state of mind. The discussion of where to live is a personal choice. I live 75% of time in Europe and 25% of the time in California. I’m not ashamed to call California home.
Finding a soft landing whether in the States or in Europe is hard. I’m still an American, even though I live in another country. I’m pushed and pulled in directions causing many sleepless nights. I watch my retirement dwindle as I rush to reorganize its distribution. I watch the changes in American Democracy in policies and principal, leaving me speechless and wondering WHY?!
I recognize that there are controls I must reclaim and changes I must implement in order to move forward with the life I want to live—and the goals I intend to achieve.
I used to think that the point of being organized was so I could cram more into my schedule. If there was an empty block on my calendar, I’d fit in one more task or activity in the name of productivity. But the older I get, the more I realize: organization isn’t about squeezing in more—it’s about creating space for what matters… space to breathe and recharge.
What I want to do, going forward, is prioritize the simplicity of each day, and let go of the rest. My reasoning is the heart of staying organized isn’t in spreadsheets or color-coded planners—living takes form in the smallest aspects falling into my hand.
In these times of chaos, I wonder how can I get through the day without being defeated and unmotivated to work on writing projects. I’ve gone back to something I developed in my early twenties when living in non-stop Los Angeles. Maybe I was young and naïve, accepting that metropolis, but honestly, its energy was magical. I felt fearless. Below is what I learned back then from a seventy-year-old philosopher-teacher, whose studio was in Leimert Park. He practiced spiritual enlightenment, yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and Christian prayer.
In sum. to be whole:
Big picture: These are the top priorities to make serious progress on or complete that week. Think: big projects, goals, challenges, etc. They can be personal or professional.
Tactical: These are the actual tasks that will help me make traction toward those big picture goals. These are a master to-do list for the week ahead that aligns with my big picture areas of focus.
Prayer: Write down the things in life that I don’t have control over but that are on my mind. In the act of writing them down, I hand them over to God. This releases the anxiety that comes from trying to carry them myself. Know there’s power in prayer.
I know there’s no perfect recipe to a happy stress-free life, but small steps can prepare you for the most important step in your life: TO LIVE.
Cheryl, thanks for this sharing. So glad you have found a place in Portugal that suits you. Sometimes, it’s just day-by-day, even moment-by-moment. Seems we are all being asked to make adjustments these days – so all the best to you with yours. Hope to be in touch once you return to the European side of the pond. Much love, Zoë
Zoe, as you know, because you’ve made a peaceful and satisfying relocation a long time ago, finding the right recipe is so important. What I admire about you is your flexibility to re-tool and make adjustments in your life that moves you forward.
I truly appreciate the words that you have written for it has given me inspiration to seriously think about how I should move forward in my life. I loved the part about writing things down that are out of our control, what a great idea to place them over to God which becomes written prayers!
Dear Gloria, it’s not easy finding the right path, and believe me, it’s trial and error. But I’ve found living a more fruitful life requires change my attitude. Some days are better than other, but I don’t give up and that makes all the difference.
We had a wonderful visit recently. Your generosity of spirit always brings great joy. I know with certainty that wherever you choose to live that environment will be enhanced by the gifts and love you bring to the table. I hope your new home in Portugal by the sea gives you Peace.
Dear Mike, it’s not an easy choice, not giving up when you hit a brick wall, or fall short of what you believed. I’ve learned that absorbing life’s challenges and changing your perspective gives greater value to each day. Many blessings to a very dear friend.
I love this, Cheryl! Thank you for the perspective!!!
Dear Summer, I’m inspired by many things, friendships and life’s observations. I try to be true to these in my words and jesters. Thank you for sharing with me your thoughts and endearing friendship.
We still hold our lovely time together close to our hearts. Your spirit and Tom’s together are a thing to be cherished. Thank you for taking the time to participate in our lives. It left a hole when you traveled south, but we look forward to more times like those. Your place in Portugal sounds fabulous. I wish I spoke that language, too. Big, big hugs. Can’t wait to see what the youthful “story” you’re working on brings. But you know where I’d love to see you finish…. Say no more!
Donna, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, and be proud of what you’ve done, as I’ve lived by this motto for most of my life. It wasn’t until I decided to drastically change my outlook, that I felt and knew…I had missed out on so much. I worked hard for years on a treadmill for a better paycheck and THAT promotion. How little did I realize, I was traveling in a circle, chasing my shadow. Nothing can take the place of lost time. I want to move through the seconds with a more rational cause. I know my words can move people, and that is something I don’t take for granted. Thank you for teaching me this. All the chapters of my life have led me to where I am now…yes, I know what I need to finish…it’s on my list.