Sometimes what you need is not what you thought you wanted.

My immediate thought would be to the Stones…

”You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes
You just might find
You’ll get what you need ”

On a slightly more serious note in life all too often we put our expectations , “Wants” far ahead of reality.

Is it right or wrong…depends!

It’s always relative, relative to personal drive, abilities, good fortune even.

Without setting the bar higher we run the risk of complacency, the despair of looking back one day at unfulfilled ambitions. Alternatively, it makes perfect sense to be satisfied with, embrace and accept what we have, to make the most of that ?

What makes the decision easier you might wonder.

I guess part of what makes us humans is the ability to keep reinventing ourselves , technically , culturally, philosophically…

Furthermore, from a modern-day perspective I guess society places the expectations (if you let it) on all of us. Get a job, get an education, get a haircut….live the perfect life…I’m sure we have all heard those prompts at some stage in our lives.

But do these expectations drive or inhibit us ?

Why is it that most of us feel compelled to work like slaves to get to a point of “enough” before trying to “enjoy” life with what we have left a (time and health). In the greater scheme of things, I really admire those strong enough to make that decision early in their lives , the artists and poets, musicians, philosophers, writers, travelers, explorers who stand strong in their choices to live their lives with what they have.

I also have a lot of respect for the career corporate crusaders-able to deal with the politicians and psychopaths (😊). There too is the challenge of when to quit. Some never do.

I also know that some people take quite some time to find what they really need in life, often times after they have left the rat-race and embraced their creative side , think of the potters and painters that kick themselves at the thought of the years “wasted” before they find solace in their art.

Regret …perhaps not.

Life has a way of giving us what we need when we need it most.

I look to my own life now , accepting where I am right now but also thankful for all the things life has given me along the way to getting here.

I was fortunate to have travelled, extensively.

I have been able to work with various people around the world, learning from different cultures while I travelled and worked. Along the way I survived a few near misses too- reaffirmation that my journey is/was not over yet and that “ Life” still has plans for me.

I was steered towards coming to the Netherlands, landing in a small hamlet , surrounded by smiling cows and picturesque pastures…why you may ask ?

Good question!

For this portion of my journey the settings are my medication. I am able to enjoy each day (it’s no walk in the park…I wish it could be) but my furbabies love it and I am able to manage my surroundings.

 I am able to take Helga out (weather permitting!) and let Jake enjoy the back-roads. Despite him doing his best to pull me into the fences along the way out to the fields, it is enjoyable.

I have found solace in writing my memoirs for my girls, the blog was a natural progression, but it gives me purpose ( Even if just for myself!).

My days are filled with music and lyrics (No, not the movie!), good tunes that I try to force everyone to listen to ! (You know you want to …)

It just so happens to be #6…again…

 I have managed to reconnect with several friends that I have tried for decades to reconnect with, I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in.

I don’t regret where I am in my life (it could always be worse)

I trust that I am where I need to be.

Life has given me what I need.

 “What good is it having a belly if there’s no fire in it. Wake up, drink your passion, light a match and get to work.”