My dad had told me that if you ever want to change your life, just move. Change apartments, move across town, move across the country, it doesn’t mater. Much of what we believe and how we act is dictated by our environment. Changing your environment can change where you shop, who you know, how you view the world. I’ve experienced this many times and still believe the truth of it.
The last year or so has shaken my world view in ways I never expected. I moved from a family setting in a large comfortable home to a small uncomfortable sailboat that needed considerable work. Late last year my horizons abruptly changed again as a newer, larger, ready to live aboard sailboat came into my life, located in a different state. To be honest, my thoughts were already focused on moving up north, but thoughts turned to wishes that came true suddenly and with a finality I couldn’t deny. The path was clear, problems solved, windmills slain. This year finds me happy and excited about what is to come.
We have just returned from a two week escape to the new boat, and it was wonderful. Horrid weather with gale force winds, snow and sub freezing temperatures. It was so cold a layer of fresh water froze over the salt water giving the marina a magical touch. We wanted to stay longer, but couldn't. On returning south we both commented on our lack of enthusiasm for being back in a house and all the comforts it held. It seems that Odyssey, our boat up north, had become our new place, providing us with a new view of life and new friends.
I think your ‘home’ is where you go, every other place you just visit. It was surprising to feel my home shifting from one place to another. We went to visit Odyssey over the holidays, but in a very short time it became our new place, our new home. It wasn’t monumental nor a blinding insight. Somewhere on the long drive back to the Oregon coast we realized our world had changed and it was a warm and satisfying feeling.
We made it back ahead of the snow, forecast to make travel over the mountain passes difficult. Not really home, not really visiting, the transition over the next few months will keep us busy. We look forward to heading home soon.
The last year or so has shaken my world view in ways I never expected. I moved from a family setting in a large comfortable home to a small uncomfortable sailboat that needed considerable work. Late last year my horizons abruptly changed again as a newer, larger, ready to live aboard sailboat came into my life, located in a different state. To be honest, my thoughts were already focused on moving up north, but thoughts turned to wishes that came true suddenly and with a finality I couldn’t deny. The path was clear, problems solved, windmills slain. This year finds me happy and excited about what is to come.
We have just returned from a two week escape to the new boat, and it was wonderful. Horrid weather with gale force winds, snow and sub freezing temperatures. It was so cold a layer of fresh water froze over the salt water giving the marina a magical touch. We wanted to stay longer, but couldn't. On returning south we both commented on our lack of enthusiasm for being back in a house and all the comforts it held. It seems that Odyssey, our boat up north, had become our new place, providing us with a new view of life and new friends.
I think your ‘home’ is where you go, every other place you just visit. It was surprising to feel my home shifting from one place to another. We went to visit Odyssey over the holidays, but in a very short time it became our new place, our new home. It wasn’t monumental nor a blinding insight. Somewhere on the long drive back to the Oregon coast we realized our world had changed and it was a warm and satisfying feeling.
We made it back ahead of the snow, forecast to make travel over the mountain passes difficult. Not really home, not really visiting, the transition over the next few months will keep us busy. We look forward to heading home soon.
RSS Feed
