Way back in January 2012 I wrote a post entitled All I Need To Know in which I said that all I needed to know was in the story of Noah’s Ark.
Since then I have become even more convinced of the wisdom of Old Noah. In the two years since I wrote that post my life has been totally turned around. I no longer live alone in my old villa. Instead, I live in a brand new house with my partner.
I re-read the post and thought how well my life has gone in the past couple of years and how apt Old Noah’s thoughts and actions are still to us in the 21st Century. We can all learn from him.
In the earlier post, I listed what I had learned and now I would like to comment on some of the items in that list.
- I did listen to the voice within when friends told me I was making a mistake selling my house and going away for an indeterminate time. I went to Florence and
- I followed my intuition.
- I made my preparations in advance – I put the house on the market, contacted the travel agent and booked an apartment in Florence.
- My life was built on a strong foundation and my little house had withstood all that had been thrown at it for more than a hundred years,
- Even though my possessions were in a storage unit that was set alight, the things that were important to me were stored in heavy plastic boxes and they survived.
- Well I have chosen my companions well and
- I love my companions and fellow travellers.
- And some of these travellers aka my children I set free to return as and when they wished.
- Yes, I did listen to other people’s opinions but always made my own decisions.
- I learned that it is better to live with somebody else than living alone. But I also learned to be selective when making such an important decision.
- I make time for quiet meditation which nurtures my soul.
- I embraced many new experiences since writing the original post not least being alone in Florence and not speaking the language.
- I was brought up in England and have always loved the feel of the gentle rain on my face.
- And I also love the sunshine and notice how differently people behave when the sun is shining.
- I volunteered at the Hospice and continue to believe I got more from the experience than anyone at the Hospice did.
- I have accepted the assistance offered by others – I hope this acceptance has been gracious.
- I know that there will be hard times interspersed with the sunshine and light.
- I have known for a long time that we share this planet with a myriad of other creatures both large and small, and we
don’tmust share the bounties with them - I continue to nurture an attitude of gratitude. I am very aware of how very lucky I have been all my life.
- I know that one wo/man with a strong belief can overcome and succeed in spite of the odds – here in New Zealand we have Beverley Pentland who was an advocate against fireworks sales and had legislation brought to Parliament – raising the minimum age for purchasing fireworks to 18 years – restricting the sale period to four days from 2 November to 5 November – limiting the decibel level a firework can produce to no more than 90 decibels.
- And I love fish.
This proves to me that I can and will continue to learn for the rest of my life.
Great to take stock now and then. You are an inspiration, Judith 😀
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Thanks again Cat
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Wonderful things you’ve learned! The attitude of gratitude will take one far in life for it is the key to happiness.
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I have always known about the attitude of gratitude and use it often as I can
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Hmm did you mention that you also know that by the way you choose to live your life you also inspire others – just speaking personally here you know! 🙂
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Hi Chris. How are you. Thanks for your comment and did you get my email the other day?
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No Judith I did not get an email but did watch for it. I will check in case it went to spam.
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I’m glad your life decisions are leading you into some great adventures. Love the end quote about the butterfly.
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Apoloies for the delay in responding Patti. As with everyone else, life here has been frenetic over the past few weeks. But now I hope to settle down so that I may continue on my blogging journey.
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Learning is a constant process, I think. How wonderful that you had a written record of your thoughts two years ago so you could see your evolution in the time since then.
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Thanks Janna. I have printed both these blogs and will use them a a guide for this year and years to come. So sorry for the delay in responding to your comment.
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You are amazing and an inspiration to me as well. My hubby and I are venturing into uncharted territory and I will keep your post in mind!
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Hi Darenee. thanks for the comment. I am really excited about the changes you are about to make in your lives and look forward to hearing/reading all about them. Best wishes for the New Year.
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Hi Judith, nice to meet you! Love your post, full of inspiration. I love the butterfly quote, transformation!
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Thanks Elizabeth Nice to meet you too.
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