The final countdown! One week to go!

I can’t believe it.  I have one week to go before I head off to Portugal.  Where has the time gone?  It feels like the fast-forward button is being held down.

The next major stage of my adventure is now almost upon me.  I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous.  But strangely, the butterflies in my stomach validate that I’m ready for the adventure.

Over the last fortnight, I have spent time on holiday with my daughters.  We had an amazing time.  Leisurely and relaxing.  We weren’t racing around trying to do everything we possibly could.  Much of it was lounging around by the pool and just taking it easy.

I really appreciated spending so much time with them, as every minute, hour and day are precious when they are sixteen and eighteen as they have so many other things to preoccupy their time.  Getting Dad time has been superb.  I believe they also really appreciated the week too. 

On returning, I maxed out the washing machine.  Fortunately, as we’ve had record temperatures drying the clothes was as quick as washing them.  I’ve also powered through clearing and cleaning the house.  Three rooms are now finished.  I thought about sealing each room with a huge plastic sheet after I cleaned it so no one could enter the rooms, but that would make it a little “CSI”.  Maybe not.

Since I finished work at the end of June, the first couple of weeks were busy with “administration” and more logistical planning for my move.  Sorting the house out has kept me occupied.  Despite feeling I had planned so much and had been sorting things out “little and often” for many months, I realised the magnitude of the task still at hand.

I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.  For thirty years I have been collecting “stuff”.  The final push to minimalize has been worthwhile.  At times, it’s been tough.  I’ve definitely another trip to the charity shop and the recycling centre.  My planning has been so precise that I’ve even managed to schedule handing the keys back about an hour after the final refuse collection.  Honestly, this has only happened because they have changed the collection day, but I’m happy to take the credit!

Now, as I start the final week before I leave for Portugal, I’m spending a few days with Mum for her birthday.  Happy Birthday Mum and thanks for supporting me in my next adventure. 

Because I’ve been occupied over the last few weeks, I’ve not had time to reflect on how much my life has changed in recent months.  It hasn’t really sunk in that I’m now on a career break (or retired?).   I understand now how retired people question how they found the time to go to work.

When the occasional thought does flit across my mind, it is often a flicker of fear of the unknown.  I have never had any doubt.  But the enormity of the change and disruption I am going through does make me think.  Maybe I didn’t quite expect things to turn out how they have, but I’m now moving towards the next chapter, and I’ve done my best, and won through.

I feel the sun is shining on me (literally) and I believe it is time for success, joy and happiness.  I feel confident and full of vitality.  I’m entering a period of positive action with huge potential.  I am full of self-belief and feel empowered.  It’s time to show everyone exactly what I’m made of, and I believe I will soon be enjoying the rewards of my past efforts.

As with any period of ending, there are many opportunities which will present themselves and the choices I will make will have far-reaching implications that are changing my life dramatically. 

But I will keep charging ahead.  I am sure the outcome of all my planning for my new adventure will give me the fulfilment, satisfaction, and enjoyment I desire.  

Portugal.  Watch out!  Here I come!

Muito obrigado

As always, I’d like to thank everyone who reads my blog.  I am humbled by your interest in my little world.  I write for myself and I write in the way I read.  Please do get in touch or reach out by adding a comment below.

Muito obrigado.

Marc

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Thank you. Muitio obrigado, Marc