Live in the present, not the past. Strive for the future. Past, present, future. One you can’t change, one you can, one you can plan for.
This week, reflections, events and plans unite the past, present and future. The swing from yesterday to tomorrow can be pretty powerful.
Seventeen years ago, my first daughter was born. Fifteen years ago, my second daughter was born. Ten years ago Dad died. Four years ago I had a major health scare. Last year triggered my new adventure.
Every year this week flips between the best and worst memories. Celebrating the birthdays of the two most amazing people in the world. Reflecting on memories of my Dad. From calm and quiet to buzz and busyness.
The memories never go. Memories of the different birthday celebrations. Parties, cakes, presents and celebrations. The excitement of my daughters celebrating birthdays. Every year added to their age is a massive deal for them.
This year, I sat in the passenger seat of a car with my daughter in the driving seat. That is a memory that will stay with me forever. L-plates on. Fortunately, she found the brake pedal, didn’t stall once and managed a three-point turn. All in her first time out in a car. In due course, it might help if she remembers she needs to still steer when she changes gear!
To me, it’s the personal things that create memories rather than the big fanfares. While I try to wear the extrovert badge on my sleeve, the introvert t-shirt is much louder. Appreciate some people struggle with that and don’t understand. Tough.
Future planning
Remembering the past is important. The experiences influence the present and future. However, at times, I do hold myself back due to past experiences. I’m learning better to do that.
Future planning is what is driving me at the moment. Part of me wants to draw the line swiftly and just move on. Some things prevent me from that but I am closing the doors fast that I know are the things I’ve either held on to for too long or those I just want to slam shut.
While reflecting on the last week, I’ve also got clarity on the Visa and tax requirements of moving to Portugal. I am confident that I can put ticks in all the correct boxes. But we’ll have to wait and see.
Planning has also started for a research visit later in the year. With Portugal entering the final phase of lockdown and the UK beginning to indicate that travel will be allowed from June there is a possibility that it might happen. A casting eye on India brings a little apprehension but I have to worry about what I can control or action.
I’ve done more desk research and have identified some areas of Portugal that I want to explore further. But as we all know, seeing and reading stuff on the internet isn’t the same as it is in the flesh. It looks, feels and smells different. But it’s a start and it’s progress.
A couple of other ‘books’ have closed this week too. And the final chapter of another has also started. At times it feels strange. But confidence is high and I am in a good place.
Marc
Footnote: The plan for OurFarmPortugal was to document my preparation, relocation and a new adventure in Portugal. I expected a record of the practical steps of moving to Portugal, but it’s much more of a lens for all aspects of my new adventure.
Look to the future picture by kind permission of Benjamin Davies
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