ONE MONTH ‘TIL MY 57TH BIRTHDAY

Deborah L. Wade Photography

April 17, 2022


One month today, I’ll turn 57 years old.

The change of age, I feel, won’t be the only element of change in my life. Bringing in a nautical reference, or Mary Poppins, it’s a safe bet to say there is change comin’ in the wind.

The predictable change of geography for this time of year is fast approaching. I soon will be packing up my Jeep and heading back to the Rockies for my annual work-related summer migration (it’s such a hard life!). Even more change, however, is heading my way after the summer. And, deep down, it is necessary and welcome.

Independent of the annual commute, I’ve admittedly been in a slump these past few years. Too much predictability existed, day in and day out. I’m tired of predictability. It’s uninspiring and causes me to spend way too much time inside my own four walls, being utterly unproductive.

Dare I say, life has become (and I detest this word) … mediocre?

My life needs shaking up. It needs some ‘newness’. It needs to have the cobwebs blown out and room made to let the sunshine back in.

A plan is already in place.

After this summer, I am temporarily relocating to another town for the winter and spring (same province; different region). I need new territory, new excitement, new invigoration. I need to get out of my predictable four walls and the town where those walls are located. Newness is the theme (some might call it a good old-fashioned kick in the butt!).

With aging parents, I have the perfect excuse to transplant myself to another part of the province (I’m going to where they live). I am, after all, only 56 years old. It’s never too late to put back into life the enthusiasm and sparkle so obvious in younger years. I’m not too old for change.

If, according to Einstein, the only thing that’s constant in life is change, then I’m long overdue for new directions and new inspiration. Bring it on, I say! Let’s put that sparkle back in my life by living in a new town with all its new experiences. Apart from the 7 years spent sailing the Pacific Ocean, I’ve been in the same coastal BC town since 1994. A change of address will do me wonders.

The past couple of days I’ve been with my parents, in this ‘new-to-me’ town. I’m seeing everything differently, from the perspective of a resident rather than a visitor. I’ve met my new landlords, checked out the local rec centre, poured over city maps to find out where trails and parks are located. I’ve discovered that in addition to the highly reputable regional symphony and community theatre, there is also a city ballet company! It’s gonna be so much fun checking out all of this! All with my parents and a high-school girlfriend in the neighbourhood, too.

I’m excited for this change. Perhaps even a wee bit giddy with anticipation!

Wish me luck.

I wish you luck, as well, for whatever change the wind is bringing your way this year. May it feed your soul and provide plenty of laughter.

Deborah L. Wade Photography