‘Happiness doesn’t have just one address.’ Anonymous
If ever there was a quote to aptly apply to my rather nomadic lifestyle, it must be this one.
Unlike many one liners, there’s a depth of truth to this that packs a punch. For those who’ve followed my writing journey, particularly over the nine years that I’ve been writing this blog, you’ll be aware that I have travelled a great deal spending time particularly, but not exclusively, in South Africa.
Over the past six months I’ve been in England, Switzerland, France, Northern Ireland, Kenya and Zimbabwe. My suitcases have served me well.
I write this from Cape Town as I prepare to return briefly to the UK again before heading west to the USA for a month, where I will see my son and (I hope) take the requisite photo by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco. I’ve never been to that iconic city and am looking forward to seeing the harbour and Alcatraz. Even from a distance I understand it’s impressive. I remember being captivated by the 1979 film starring Clint Eastwood.
I was last in the States in the summer of 2023 and things everywhere have changed significantly since then. Doubtless I will find out exactly what that looks like across the pond soon enough.
As a UK summer approaches, I will be back in England, preparing for my five year check post-breast cancer and hoping to be able to stop taking some of the medications I was prescribed and have been taking daily since that unwelcome diagnosis and the May 2020 mid-Covid op which followed. One of the side effects of the tablets is interrupted sleep for which I am not well suited. When combined with the frequent change of beds which is so much a part and parcel of travelling, this is a challenge. A full night of sleep is a luxury to which I am very much looking forward.
Long time readers, or curious passers by, may have read my ‘about’ information and the very first blog post I wrote in April 2016 [you can read it here] which explains the reasons why I first called this spot Dancing Through Chaos. There I wrote about the pace, pattern, purpose and partner in the dance of life. I chronicled the importance of recognising how seasons of life change and the choice we all have to be grateful and happy in our circumstances which, for multiple reasons, are so often less than ideal.
Having re-read that first post I can see that while many things have changed, the fundamentals have not. I can still choose how I respond, as can you. Life throws us curve balls, tragedies, dilemmas and obstacles which we navigate according to our personalities but, more importantly, according to our deeper convictions which shape our personal culture.
Happiness is often dependent on circumstance whereas joy can be based on less transient factors. Nevertheless, it is certain that happiness is never defined by geography. Wherever we go, we take ourselves with us so it pays us (and those around us) to spend time in self-reflection and ensure our convictions are well-grounded. Obvious, and yet profound.
For me, faith is the cornerstone of all of this and as Easter approaches I have ample opportunity to ponder the old truths of Jesus’ sacrifice, forgiveness, resurrection, grace, restoration, new life, assurance and certain hope.
May the path to choosing happiness, gratitude, a soft heart and a selfless attitude become a well worn one for each of us as we embrace these truths and live out their reality each day.
[All images: Pixabay]
dancingthroughchaos 