I took this photo the other night at Newport on the Levee
I recently read somewhere that those people who adapt to change more easily or readily, are the happiest. I”ve gone through a lot of change in my life. By the time I left home at the age of 18 to enter the military, I had been moved 18 times and have since moved an additional 24 times. I’ve been married three times, twice to the same man (rocky) and have finally made the long-awaited decision to divorce him again. The last time it wasn’t really me that made the decision for divorce (I don’t want to share too much publicly). I went through a year-long custody battle for my only son when he was six years old, 19 years ago, and was awarded full custody. Experienced single motherhood for four years. More recently, both of my parents have passed away. I’m currently unemployed, or rather could take some job, but wanting to work at something I love and have passion for. Other more stressful events have taken place in my life, or to be more exact, in the lives of those I love.
I’ve learned a lot through all of these experiences (no regrets) and feel fortunate that I have a positive disposition. I know they say being positive is a choice, but I believe some people are more prone to being either positive or negative, easy-going or worriers, by nature. I’m not by any means saying I am not hurting or feeling afraid, but as I acknowledge these feelings, at the same time I’m not obsessing about everything that can go wrong (such as running out of money and having to ask for help) or denying myself the freedom and right to enjoy life, even while going through these trials.
Simple things, like looking out of my home office window at the beautiful trees and sun shining bright…
Admiring the work I’ve accomplished lately…staining the deck, painting the deck furniture and potting flowers…
and, of course, taking photographs…
I was supposed to go to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park this weekend, but everything came to a head, and I decided to let my son and his girlfriend go. I told him to take a lot of photographs. He paid me for half of it (he’s a college student) and his girlfriend has never been to the area, so I’m so happy they’re able to enjoy it! I’m able to enjoy the great outdoors right here at home, whereas they live in an apartment.
I’m considering a lot of options for my future…such as moving somewhere. Perhaps Colorado or North Carolina. I’ve even entertained the thought of somewhere out of the country, such as Spain or Ecuador. I’m quite sure I don’t want to have many possessions at this point, so I’m going to sell most of my things (somewhat scary thought). I’ve been minimizing possessions for the last few years and like the uncluttered feeling. When I envision what I’d like my immediate future to look like, I see either no fixed address or perhaps renting a room in someone’s home. I rented a room to a female about five years ago when my husband and I were divorced last time. There are organizations to join where one can house sit, or couchsurf, which I’ve done recently. To enable this nomadic life style, for employment, I have a variety of options, such as Tour Directing, TEFL, and monetizing my blog. I’m not going to overwhelm myself by forcing decisions for every thing right now.
It’s funny, as I am writing this, I’m listening to “Spotify” and a song by Gavin DeGraw –“Change is Gonna Come” is playing!
To finish up for now…I’m going to try to let the Universe (i.e. “God”) lead the show, instead of me, and see where it takes me! Send me good thoughts and/or prayers please. No…actually let’s also pray for the people who are truly suffering…in extreme pain, poverty, and/or anguish! I have so much to be thankful for…thank you!!
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Sherry Lachelle Travels 
Fabulous post! The first sentence of your last paragraph says it all – let God lead the way, IOW go by intuition. Don’t push for decisions. Decisions are easy make themselves when the time is right.
When Don and I made the decision to sell our house/possessions and become nomadic it arose from writing morning pages – just 3 pages of stream-of-consciousness every morning. Sometimes it’s just bla bla bla, then something gets written that’s so clear and powerful you can’t ignore it. Nomadic is still stressful at times, but really pushes you to let go (tho it sounds like you’re pretty goos at that already).
Blessings from us
Alison
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Thank you Alison! I do want to let go! Blessings to you also!! ~Sherry~
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OMG just re-read my post. Some day soon I’ll remember to read it over and fix the typos *before* I hit ‘post comment’ lol 🙂
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🙂
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What you are feeling right now is a good thing. Catch that wave while you have the opportunity! The only things in life you should regret are the things you don’t do…
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Good point…thanks!!
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WIsh you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. I totally relate with what you say. Im in a different position in life but having the same thoughts or very very similar thoughts right now.
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Hoping for clarity for you also!
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Thanks!!!!
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Sherry,
My thoughts are that you are an expert at “The Art of Change”. I have always envied your free spirit and ability to adapt where ever you are. I know it is always difficult to move on from a long term relationship (especially if you have tried more than once) but at least there will be no custody battle this time and your son seems to have grown into a wonderful caring human being. You will always have those wonderful girlfriends you share with us who will be on hand when a friend is needed. It seems it is now your time. To thrive and build your life the way you want to without having to worry about someone or something else. It is wonderful that you felt you could share this personal journey with us your adoring public and I for one look forward to seeing what is just over the horizon for you.
You are blessed, Sherry.
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Hi Michelle – I have been holding myself back from making changes because before my son was born, I switched jobs and boyfriends every one to two years. I think you know me pretty well and what a nice compliment! Thanks so much and I so appreciate your support and kind words! Sending you blessings!!
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Hi Sherry, Thank-you for sharing this very personal life situation…..You are honest & You are real. I know that you deserve happiness and I support you in whatever decision you decide. I would definitely look into a career that you LOVE…….maybe taking photographs for a magazine, writing/blogging, being a tour manager & traveling the world, teaching people how to be healthy via exercising/staying active/eating well…..the list can go on & on……you are very very talented! Take this time for YOU! Again….thank-you for sharing. I embrace you in Love & Light! XOXO
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Hi Sherry – Thank you! I so appreciate your continued support! Sending you love!
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Sherry, what to say? 1. you travel and blog so well that I see someone paying you to do it.. a magazine or the likes. 2. Possessions mean nothing so long as you have friends… Having lost everything in a flood, we realised that all we’d lost was worldly goods. 3. You seem so strong with all the adventures you take (i.e. Africa where I started to follow your blog) .. I have no doubt that you will bounce back with a vengeance… 4. Your Happy disposition precedes you and looking at the posts, you have many friends.. use them to ease yourself through the tough times. .. 5. I just know you will bounce back on your feet.. 6. I will pray for you and your future ..but really I think you’ll be ok. 6. having been married for 40 years …can’t comment on the divorce stakes .. seems I was lucky 1st time… and wife 2nd time… but if you want, you will find some one that will be with you forever, if that’s what you want… please just don’t stop blogging I so enjoy yours..
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Thank you for imparting some of your wisdom! That must have been horrible going through a flood. I promise to not stop blogging!! 🙂
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Thank you sharing this personal transition with us. Like so many others I have been inspired and delighted by your blog. We feel we know you by letting us see the world through your eyes. You mentioned that sometimes you wished you could be satisfied with a normal life. In my opinion, just like being born with a more positive, or more negative disposition, some of us are born with more curiosity and more need for change and exploration. Now you are even more free to invent your life and reinvent it as many times as you wish. (If you haven’t already, read about Leni Reifenstahl.)–Shirley
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Hi Shirley – I just checked out Leni R. and she was amazing! I agree with you that I was born with a need to explore. Thanks for taking time to comment and hope to see you soon!
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May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on.
I heard this meditation many years ago and I want to send it along to you, Sherry.
Safe travels, my friend.
Beth Frye
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That’s so special Beth! Thanks so much! xoxo
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The alternative to many changes and many experiences is being stuck in one place. Life is a journey, not a destination. Take care….
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That’s true Barbara. Thanks!
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You’re good and you’re strong. You’ll be fine!
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You’re right Anneli…I am a survivor! Sometimes I don’t feel like being the strong one though.
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I know what you mean, but at least you know that you can do it if you have to, and sometime, when you`re ready for it, you can let someone back into your life and take away some of the burdens. Meanwhile, why not enjoy the plus side of a single life. You have lots of friends and they`ll stand by you when you`re feeling down.
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That’s true…thanks Anneli!
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Change is good. You may be surprised by how freeing it is to let go of possessions and set off on a journey. Perhaps you’ll never look back. Wishing you many discoveries and happiness. You’ll find the right path. -Maureen
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I have let go of many of my “things” already and it is a freeing feeling. Sometimes I wish I was satisfied with just a “normal” life.
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Go on an adventure! You can always return to a “normal” life. Why settle for normal?
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Yes…adventure sounds good!
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The world awaits you.
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Sounds like you are in a great spot for new adventures! I will pray for your safety and positive experiences on whichever path you choose. Kudos for simplifying; though I am a sentimental person, I make it easier on myself when giving away/selling my things, if I hold onto the memories more than the objects themselves — and I think about how helpful those things could be for others. Great post, and very nice work on the deck, btw!
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Thank you for the positive thoughts/prayers and support!
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I hear you on the divorce. Third time’s the charm for the wife and I. I hope you find the right place for you in the future. 🙂
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A close friend and former coworker of mine is on his 3rd wife. He’s her 1st husband; they’re both in their 40s, but they seem really happy together now. In fact, serial marriage seems to run on both sides of his family; each of his parents has been married at least 3 times. So has 1 of his sisters. I kidded with him several years ago that he just needed to settle down, stay divorced and do what I do: order out.
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Haha…I’ve never heard that — “order out”!
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Thank you so much!
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Sherri, thanks for sharing that with us! I’m sorry, but how strong of you to determine what is best for you. Twice to the same man, I’ve heard of that. I have loved reading your posts and seeing your beautiful photos. I have grown so much on the net these past three years, it’s been unbelievable. But I do think it is because of something I wanted, something I’m looking for in life. Maybe soon I will find it or it will find me. It is an adventure. You are so sweet. Happy weekend up there. I need to do a post and I’ve a great gif pic~so we’ll see.
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Thanks Kim! You’re so sweet and I appreciate you reaching out! You have a wonderful weekend also.
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“Change is Gonna Come” was a song that I played often under my toughest days under my cancer treatment … I understand how you feel now – anyone that listen to that song …. have a troubled mind …. so sorry, for your situation – you have a lot on your plate – I have never been without work, but I can image the pressure that creates on anyone.
Love your decking – what a fantastic job you have done.
I have a blue and white cat … just like yours -belonged once to my aunt Thea .. mine has flowers instead …but sits on the same way. You have a fantastic apatite on life and you’re so positive in your nature. I wish I could promise that everything will be okay.
I wish you a wonderful weekend, Sherry
You should work with nature reserving .. or animals rescues somewhere in the world.
Spain has too much of economic problems just now and people that moved there are moving back. The world is your’s if you want and if you dare.
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Thanks Viveka! Love everything you said!!
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Don’t be afraid to let go of the possessions. This crowe now only has a bed, a fold-up camping table, and a few appliances. It’s liberating to be free of all the junk! As for Colorado, it’s utterly beautiful (thus all the critter pictures on Helios Journal), but the winters can be harsh sometimes.
Flexibility = flowing. Just what this world needs more of in coming years!
Enjoy yourself, for happiness is your birthright!
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Hi John – Thanks so much for the support…I definitely need it right now! As for Colorado…that is the one thing I worry about…cold. I definitely like warm, but like snow and sunshine.
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Colorado is the way to go. I have live many places- midwest, south and ultimately Colorado. We may get snow, but the bone chilling cold is rare. It is a beautiful place to live, just sat out on my porch (Colorado Springs) and not one bug. Hot days, cool nights….
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Thank you! I’ve been skiing a few times in Colorado and just went out two years ago during the summer and loved it. The Durango area. I’m a little nervous driving around mountainous roads…but I guess you get used to it.
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It sounds like you have a strong desire to actively engage life and pursue the adventures it can bring. With that attitude I suspect that your life will remain full and interesting. It is energizing just to read about your possible plans. I look forward to reading about your journey.
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Thank you! Yes…I have an insatiable urge to explore!
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Wow! Sounds like you’re going through a lot right now, Sherry. I know the feeling. I hope everything works out for you. You’ve come this far in life, so don’t stop!
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It does seem like a lot in some regards and then not near as much as what many people go through. I don’t intend on stopping life! 🙂
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