The fourth attempt to get to Portugal is just over two weeks away. The count down is closer than ever.
It’s all systems go.
I’m holding my breath though as until I’m on the plane, someone else can pull the plug. Our “friends” in the government, border control or the airline. Or a positive Covid test.
The red and green travel lists are updated tomorrow. The signs are encouraging. Portugal has double vaccinated more than 80% of the population and single vaccinations are more than 90%. This appears to be one of the statistics taken into account when making a decision so I’m hopeful that there won’t be an immediate u-turn. But that’s what our government are famous for – u-turns.
While I am not an honorary member of the good luck club, I’m hoping my temporary membership will suffice and there will be no problems.
Although it is now totally outside my hands.
First, jury service
Two weeks jury service to survive first though. But, I’ve not been ‘called’ so it’s back to work on Monday. Because of Covid, you don’t need to attend until instructed. If you are needed, they contact you. No contact equals not required.
I don’t envy the role of the team who need to arrange and liaise with all the jurors. I guess it is a challenge at the best of times. Add in Covid makes it more tricky.
The unknown as to whether I am needed from one day to the next means I can’t really plan. I’ve cleared the work diary for the next fortnight and managed to get as much completed in the expectation that I won’t be around for two weeks.
The added complication is that I’m then on holiday for the following two weeks. The possibility of not being at work brought different challenges. At least it could be planned for.
But at the same time, it’s another step to changing my mindset.
My commitment to do the best I can in everything I do, not let people down and exceed my own expectations, I have, yet again, put pressure on myself to get things done.
It’s crazy that over the last week I’ve gone back to starting work between six or seven, and often not finishing until six or seven. Two days I’ve commuted as well.
Why am I so conscientious that I put all that added pressure on myself? It’s my nature. It’s my high expectations. It’s also my determination to do everything possible for the beneficiaries of the charity I work for.
However, I know that my work ethic and style aren’t conducive for everyone and one conversation I had this week helped me reflect on this.
Co-coaching
I have a couple of people I speak reasonably regularly with. We call it co-coaching as it’s beneficial both ways. Hybrid counselling if there is such a thing. Usually, we just talk, share thoughts, feelings and experiences, and consider solutions. That is where, in my opinion, differs from previous counselling I’ve had.
Returning to this specific conversation, I have been reflecting on how my actions are received by others and the impact that it has on them. I have got better at wearing my heart on my sleeve because keeping everything to myself or “keeping it in” isn’t healthy for me or those I work with. But now I’m more transparent and authentic, I need to work harder at helping others understand me so they can get the best out of me.
I need to pause and really think about that.
But what I don’t need to think about further is my ambition to start my new adventure.
The countdown is progressing. Every day there is one more thing ticked off the to-do list or another action confirmed for my scouting trip. There is still a lot to do. Some things can’t be completed until the week before. Mainly because Portugal is on its annual summer holiday so trying to arrange appointments isn’t quite as straightforward as I’d intended.
Welcome to Portugal and the simpler life. Appealing isn’t it!
Obrigado por ler.
Muitas felicidades.
Marc
Featured image by kind permission of Aron Visuals
Keep in touch
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I spent a fair chunk of my morning reading your blog posts from the start. Not so sure my boss will be as impressed as I was if she found out what I was doing.
You have a very engaging writing style. But then I was already very engaged in what you had to say, as I am going through the same process – although I am starting my ‘next phase’ from Australia.
Your journey is much like mine. I was in Portugal in March 2020 and had to exit very quickly when borders started closing due to Covid. My month of exploring the various areas I was interested in viewing a list of properties was quickly turned into a rush to get to the airport and wait anxiously for days to see if I can somehow get on a flight out of there.
Although I would not want to relive that experience, it has in no way dampened my enthusiasm for Portugal. The past 18 months I’ve spent walking the streets on Google Maps, trying to narrow down the area where I want to settle. Although it is an amazing tool, it is no substitute for the real thing… In the meantime, I’ve sold up or given away mort of my possessions and packed what I plan to take with me.
Hopefully I’ll be on the ground, looking for my slice of land in the next 6-9 months.
All the best of luck. Keep on posting – it’s great reading!
Thanks for your feedback and kind words. As I progress with my adventure, I am connecting with so many other like-minded people who are on their own journey. It’s great to hear of people’s progress, ideas and plans. I agree that walking the streets on Google Maps is interesting, but as you say, no substitute for the real thing. Keep in touch. Thank you for your support. Muito obrigado, Marc