Changes In Life
Becoming the woman you were meant to be
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Change
By: Susan Lines,
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I returned home from Nova Scotia four years ago after helping with family matters. I drove my Toyota Carolla, “Nellie Bell” right across the country to Vancouver Island, BC. What I ride! And the best part was, I was coming home.
Upon arrival, I stayed with my eldest daughter and her family on their beautiful five acre piece of property, which was on a small mountain. It was very remote but still rural. I bought a 29 foot, 5th wheel which was set up not far from the main house (I had permission, of course!) The site was very peaceful and quiet, surrounded by wildflowers and birds. There were also bear and elk. I needed to retreat and heal from a particularly grueling nightshift job I had back east, looking after physically and mentally disabled people. The job had taken its toll on my health, both physically and mentally.
While in Halifax, I studied Tibetan Buddhism. I took the Shambala Training that is offered for those who want to learn the meditation that was so necessary. It has taken a long time to heal and it is still ongoing.
I brought my own water and had a composting system set up for toilet. This is a very simple procedure found through Mother Earth, which worked very well.
There were many hikes up in the forest, picking berries and looking for wild mushrooms and wild plants for tea. There were lots of photographs taken and walks with the dogs, as well as helping with various things around the farm.
Eventually, it became too much to do. The light in my tiny abode was always too dim to see properly, and things were becoming difficult in the cold weather. There had been hope that a roof and other things be done. However, with costs and certain by-laws, it became evident that it was time to move.
My family had become increasingly worried about my arthritic condition and a few other medical issues so they had been hinting that perhaps it was time to move.
This was difficult to accept, but I decided to put my name on a list at a fairly affordable quite nice building in town. I was told that there would be a six to eight month wait and I thought that would work. I could enjoy the garden I planted last year and be in before winter. So I put my name on the list and before I knew it, six weeks later, a spot was available. I had to accept this, as to turn it down would put me on a year or two wait list.
So here I am. My new place is a bachelor pad, which has a full kitchen and a bathroom with a tub. It has been arranged very well, and although small, it’s actually perfect for me. And I have been told that I will never have to move again, as the place is independent/assisted living. When I reach that point, there will be help.
My family is very relieved and happy, and I guess I owe it to them for putting up with my crazy antics over the years. The building itself is right downtown, in an old part of the city. It’s on a very pretty park that has something for everyone. There is a community garden as well. Everything is within walking distance. There is a farmers’ market on Saturdays, a library, coffee shops and funky restaurants to visit with friends and family.
Still the change is huge, and I’m thinking it will take a bit to become used to this new lifestyle.
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