Back On Board - Adapt and Adjust

It has been almost two months since our return to Maine. What may have seemed like poor choices, (at first glance), actually became blessings in hindsight. The campground job that brought us home to Maine, while the tail end of winter was still in the air, grounded us in one of the reasons why we love Maine - it's sheer beauty in  its white gown.

We were cold and uncomfortable after arriving from the South with its sunny and 65+ degree weather. We had to adapt to our surroundings and adjust our attitudes. We were happy to be home; yet a sense of depression crept in. The only pastime Jill enjoyed was creating - she made abstract designs and wrote her art blog to keep from slipping into total insanity. Dave did as much photography as possible, but the sheer isolation of the area only led to so many opportunities. We had to walk further and further each day to gather more material. We ventured down numerous side roads and took in the countryside, farms, barns, domestic livestock, as well as colorful residents.

Like the seasons, things changed. We both realized that after a month at this KOA campground, we were too isolated. We also missed the kids and grandchildren, and they were too far a distance to see even on an occasional basis. By mid May, Dave landed a full time job (and one that he actually likes - working with cars) in Rockland. We pulled up stakes in Richmond and are staying at a good place very close to the ocean. Dave can walk to work, and we can walk to numerous stores as well as the ocean. Much more convenient!

It is a known fact that many species of animals use this very same tool, called migration, for survival. The snowy owl was seen as far south as Florida, which is extremely rare, this past winter - doing what we did - searching for life necessities, along with a warm, safe, dry place to nest. I wonder if the "local" birds welcomed them into their territory or not.

There is plenty of everything on this planet. There is no need for fierce competition, fighting, or demanding more than what one needs. Customs and norms of the locals in any particular area can be hard to understand. Many people keep to themselves and it can be mistaken as rude or standoffish. People are people and we need to accept them where they are at.

While at a Memorial Day picnic, our 7 year old granddaughter joyously flits by and says, "Grandma; you know what?" 
"What, Honey?" I replied.
"I'm happy to be alive!" she shouts.

What will it take for us or you to be happy and to be alive. A wall hanging said: "Happiness is when one's spiritual needs are met by an untroubled inner life. Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others."

Out of curiosity, Jill looked up what spiritual needs were and found that there are seven:
 1). Experience the healing and empowerment of love - through God, self, and others.
 2). Renewing times of transcendence - moments that expand us.
 3). Beliefs in meaning - hope in the midst of losses, tragedies, and failures.
 4). Values, priorities and life commitments - based on justice, integrity, and love - that guide us in personally and socially responsible living.
 5). Discover and develop their inner wisdom, creativity, and love of their trans-personal / spiritual self.
 6). Deepening awareness of oneness of others and the world full of living things.
 7). Everyone needs spiritual resources to help heal the painful wounds of grief, guilt, resentment, unforgiveness, self-rejection, and shame. We need spiritual resources to deepen experiences of trust, self-esteem, hope, joy and love of life.

Journey on, fellow travelers...
Until next time,
The Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave