Moving is an interesting paradox. A change of location means new opportunities, new relationships, and, ultimately a chance to reinvent yourself. However, no matter where you go, you still take yourself – and your bad habits – with you. Regardless of those habits, it opens up opportunities for more “yes.”
I’ve been in St. Augustine for only six weeks now. Much of that time has been spent hounding Comcast for service, chasing the moving company down and purchasing furniture (because after a while two lawn chairs just doesn’t cut it anymore). I wouldn’t say I’m settled yet, but I’m getting there. And, because there’s none of “the way it’s always been,” the yes-mindset is creeping into lots of situations. For example, I’m saying “yes” to:
- Listening. Everyone has stories to tell about the town I call home, and unless someone has moved here in the last six weeks, everyone has more history, too. I’m open to hearing how St. Augustine has touched those that have come before me in order to better connect to it and to the people who live here.
Move in day in St. Augustine
- Strangers. When you relocate, unless you’re lucky to have a network already in place, everyone is a stranger. I’m open to accepting invitations and to seeking out strangers via on and off line communities. By reaching out and by accepting invitations, strangers don’t stay strangers very long.
- Accepting. I brought a lot of bad habits with me (like staying up into the wee hours, for example). They continue to be a work in progress, so I’m accepting where I am with them and realizing that every day is a practice. And practice probably won’t ever make perfect so why live in continuous frustration?
- Awe. Just about everything can be seen on the Internet, so it’s a lot more difficult to experience awe while traveling. However, seeing something and living with that something is completely different. I have a 489-step walk to the beach. Every time I do it I continue to be in a state of disbelief. Each day I find something in my new beach community to be thrilled about because this is a completely different lifestyle than the one I left behind in Denver.
489 steps to this … “yes” please!
- Engaging. Do you know people who live near the beach but never actually go to the beach? I’m doing the exact opposite. I’m visiting the beach regularly, eating at the local restaurants and attending the seasonal festivals. I’m choosing to be fully engaged in this new environment to experience all it has to offer. I’m even petting the toad that lives by my patio!
In the coming weeks I’ll be revamping The Adventure Project to reflect offerings based on my new location. Perhaps they’ll be an opportunity for you to say, “yes” to playing in St. Augustine in 2016. Until then, try saying “yes” to a new experience in your own neighborhood.
