On 7 Years In Portugal
I recently celebrated 7 years to the day of moving to Portugal. That same day also happens to be my daughter’s 2nd birthday. So, not only have I lived in Portugal for 7 years, but I am also the mother of a 2 year old(!)
I don’t quite have the words, atleast in any form of brevity, for capturing the immensity of either of those realities except to say that both simultaneously feel like yesterday and that I’ve lived lifetimes in the past 7 and 2 years respectively.
A friend recently sent me this photo. When I look at that version of myself sitting there in that Seattle apartment with her last remaining pieces of furniture I see now so clearly and with so much admiration that SHE WAS SO BRAVE.
The experience of taking big life leaps all at once (new country, new language, new relationship, self-employment) have made me particularly sensitive and attune to other people’s courage and readiness for change - atleast I notice resonance with my 1:1 clients and an ability to sense + recognize when they are on an EDGE OF KNOWING something more awaits, a READINESS TO STEP INTO SOMETHING NEW.
Sometimes those things are big leaps, sometimes they are small steps. Either way, they take COURAGE and SELF-TRUST I love being with people amidst those moments of transition, clarification and stepping forward.
On 7 Year Chapters
I was once at dinner, and someone put forth the idea that life happens in 7 year seasons or chapters. They then posed the question/s:
Where are you right now - beginning, middle or end of 7 year chapter?
And, what would you name the 7 year chapter you are currently in?
My answer: Having just celebrated 7 years of life in Portugal, I’m ending a chapter which I’d name Big Life Leaps & Self Trust and embarking one a new one. It’s a little harder for me to name this new chapter as it’s only just beginning, but in the spirit of the prompt I’ll give it a try. It’s working title is: It’s Working Out & You Won’t Mess It Up.
I’d love to know what 7 year chapter you are amidst?! And, next time you find yourself with a willing group, friend or partner maybe pose this question, the answers are so fun, revealing, and even clarifying.