I’ll begin my story by telling you about Tynley, my twelve-year-old chocolate Lab. Wherever you find me, Tynley is sure to follow. If “dog friendly” is the case, count on her presence. She has been my smiling shadow for each of her twelve years. I go for a long walk? Tynley is there. I head to the beach? She’s with me. I make a quick trip to a different room in the house to grab something? Yup, she’s making the trip, too; arthritic Labrador hips can’t stop our bond.
Now let’s revisit this beach thing. Three years ago on a night in central NC, I decided to do something for just me (well, and Tynley). I had never strayed far from my nest of comfort. I could always pick up the phone and quickly find myself near family members or friends. December 19, 2014: it was the first time in my life I’d ever seriously thought of pursuing only my own desires without letting in any what ifs. I asked myself, where would I like to be and what would I like to be doing? This is not necessarily a bold move for many I understand, as a move from central NC to eastern NC can also be considered a game of hopscotch, but stop and ask yourself: how often do you look only at what you want from life without letting any other thoughts in? This is the first step to realizing your dreams, no matter the end-goal. Plans can always be tweaked as you move forward. This encouragement to ask “What do I want?” certainly does not suggest selfish thought, but merely is a nudge toward looking at what leads you to a more fulfilling journey. This happiness will trickle into the lives of those you love as well as they become aware of your contentedness.
So, I embraced change and adventure. Making the move to the beach, my small yet large step leading to a new outlook, was one of the best choices I’ve ever made because I allowed myself to go where my heart is happy. Like many others, I crave sand, salt water, and sun, except for me, this calling seems to run through my blood as a necessary component of my vitality. Do I make sacrifices by having a longer drive to attend family gatherings? I do. Is video chat a tool I use more often to see the smiling faces of those I love? It is. Did I place myself in a new location without the security of “having people”? I did. Did this change lead to personal awareness and gratification along with adding smiles to the faces of those I love because they want to see me happy as well? Most definitely. Fast-forward to landing in a perfectly-situated home, and Tynley and I now embrace exploration on a daily basis, with one difference being I am now the grinning shadow; her excitement means that she pulls and I follow. I chased a dream and now Tynley and I live in paradise every day.
December 19. It’s a day I choose on the calendar that is meant for creating personal change. Anyone who knows me will quickly jest, Anna, out there on the Internet? Sharing personal thoughts? That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard! Here I sit, though, in my super special beach spot (yes, Tynley is here), not on April Fool’s Day, preparing this message. This message is my personal reminder and a recommendation to others. Embrace change, challenges, adventure, and life!
My new daily mantra? I have the same 24 hours as everyone else. How will I spend mine? Time is free, but once it’s lost, I don’t get it back.
So, my question for you is this: where is your happy place?
Annnnd post….