This life is transient. Spiritual thought leaders tell us that in the
infinite universe our entire lives are equal to 30 minutes. The blink of an
eye. When I consider that I review, I briefly
scan how I have lived my life thus far. It seems I was just a small girl. Now I am a woman in middle age. I do not take a large amount of time reviewing
the past however. Doing so is not warranted.
Buddha teaches us that to live in the past is to carry a raft after
crossing the river. I do not wish to
carry that raft.
Perhaps the genesis of my letting go of the past,
being mindful of the present yet planning the next steps are due to my present
circumstances. I am in the middle of my
life. Some may argue that I am past that
marker as I have lived 55 years. My father
has left this earth over 12 years ago, my mother is deteriorating due to dementia
and my son is soon to launch into onto his own.
It is time for me to move forward.
I must take responsibility for living my best life.
As such, I have chosen to let go of those material things which do not
matter. I have let go of things,
circumstances and people who do not serve me. Soon I will sell the majority of
my belongings (my furniture, my car, my household things). I will store those
things which really matter: photos of family and friends, my son’s things from
birth to present.
I am moving to Portugal along with my 2
animals. Portugal is exquisite. It is
beautiful with its rocky Western coast along the North Atlantic Ocean and the
warm Mediterranean climate in the South. It is steeped in old world European
charm. Moreover, it is safe for a single
woman and it is quite inexpensive as compared to the U.S. I will be able to live a very good lifestyle on a
modest income. I will take public transportation instead of dealing with a car. Lastly,
it is a place in which my family and friends will be able to visit me and share in the
beauty of this place and its people.
I will be living my life as I see fit. Few possessions/many experiences. Simple, quiet, happy.
