Decisions, decisions...

A little over a year ago, I traveled to a strange and wonderous place.  One of my girlfriends invited me for a weekend at her cottage by the river.  What I’ve learned about myself in recent years is that I’m spontaneous and adventurous, so I happily accepted.  Little did I know how much this weekend would change my life. Another thing I’ve come to realize is how each decision directs the pathway in which we go.  It could be minor decision as to which store to shop that could make a huge shift in directions.  

I hadn’t seen Shannon in years.  I happened to be shopping at one of those box stores when we ran into each other.  She told me she had heard about Joe and was sorry.  Told me she and her husband purchased a cottage and asked if I’d like to join her one weekend.  As with most invitations to go places, I thought it would never happen.  Shannon proved me wrong.  We met a few more times to reconnect and finally ended up at the river in her beautiful cottage.  

The decision to go with Shannon saved my life.  My way in dealing with stress and heartache is to get busy and stay that way.  If I were busy, I didn’t have to think about what else was going on.  How many times can you clean a house?  What else can I say “Yes” to?  How many days can I get to the gym?  That was my life.  My goal was to be so exhausted that I didn’t have to think of anything else other than sleep.  It was working, so I thought.

 Shannon and I went to Colonial Beach and stayed at her and her husband’s home by the Potomac River. One of the first things we did was take a golf cart ride.  Shannon drove all over the place explaining the history and viewing the water and all the lovely homes.  Shannon, by the way, is a wonderful tour guide.  She began to explain how she came to discover Colonial Beach and why she chose to go there.  Only a year of sporadic weekends, Shannon already knew so many people by name.  I was impressed.  She showed me all the homes that were for sale and how the town was beginning to turn around.

 We dined at a local seafood restaurant and relaxed by the water.  I went for a run and really took in the peacefulness of the place.  We were invited later that evening to a party on a pier.   I had never been on a pier to party, only to fish or lay out.  It was another choice that directly affected my life.  That choice to meet new people, enjoy music, and relax was what I was missing.  Community is what Colonial Beach is.  That’s what I experienced and that’s what I wanted.  Everyone was so friendly and seemed interested in who I was, not what I am. This community truly gives.

 What I realized is that giving is so necessary in our quest in sustaining joy.  Giving of time, energy, and assets bring much fruit back to the giver.  Just over a year ago, I purchased a house at Colonial Beach.  What I now realize is that more than the house purchase, what I cherish most is the community.  I purchased the community of Colonial Beach.  I’ve been a part of some really awesome volunteering opportunities.  The volunteers make this small beach community come alive with music, arts, and activities for all ages.  

My life would be different had I not ran into Shannon on that day.  I believe everything happens for a reason and a purpose.  At the time, it’s often difficult to see the lessons to be learned, especially if those experiences are difficult.  Think about the choices in life.  How will it affect the future?  Are you saying “Yes” to opportunities in growth?  No one should stay still in life.  Life is a fluid motion for growth and chances.  What will you say “Yes” to?  In what areas can you use some growth?

 Health bite:  Even small decisions can have a huge impact on life.