“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home… it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” – – Chuck Palahniuk
That is how I have lived nearly my entire life. So, after moving (two years ago) into a lovely newer home that was perfect, why on earth did we move again? It’s simple really. The house, as perfect as it was, was not in a perfect situation. I found the wall of 100 foot trees a mere 30 feet from the house prevented visible sunshine and, worst of all (to me) it prevented me from seeing sky. Living in that lovely home but guarded by those immense trees, I ended up feeling choked off from light and the open spaces. Yes, I love trees and would never wish to live without trees. The problem was the immensity of the trees, how they hid the sky, and their proximity to the house. The emotional effect of feeling hemmed in clouded my sense of joy. So, long story short, we are back in the wide open spaces with full view of the sky. We even have a tiny ocean view as a bonus.
Heidi too is delighted with the new digs. In the previous place she would never go outside by herself — only if one of us accompanied her. Occasionally I’d make her stay outside while I was busy inside thinking the fresh air was good for her. But she was never pleased at those times, always sitting and waiting patiently at the patio door wanting to be let inside. From day one in the new place, where we have a backyard that is open, with sunshine, lawn, and open spaces, she has been spending oodles of time — the majority of each day — outdoors. And, she goes out there on her own, quite willingly. So, even the dog is happier and full of joy!
Sitting in the shade on the patio after some fun in the backyard
“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home… it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” – – Chuck Palahniuk
Have you made a significant change in your life to choose joy?
Wow, great that you acted on the situation so quickly because I know moving is not fun. Glad that Heidi is happier, too, and a bonus ocean view, how can you go wrong?
I’m glad you recognized what didn’t work in your previous place and acted upon it. Inertia is hard to overcome. The photos of Heidi made me smile.
it’s good to hear about your new home and surroundings. as we have moved, we also found a cat or a dog who loved the new home and only then did we realize the pet had not liked where we had been living. i suppose they are just like people, in that they have personal preferences. it seems that Brady doesn’t care for his current back yard even though we’ve spent a small fortune making it safe and clean for him.
as for your photos, i absolutely love, love, love the greyscale of Heidi with the sandals. i can imagine it printed, framed and hanging.