Go For The View

I am originally from Boston, MA. I grew up in a suburb about 20 miles northwest and I spent lots of time in the city from an early age. It seemed only logical for me to move right into the city after high school, plus I ended up studying at a couple of the fine academic institutions (among hundreds!) there. I love Boston, however I also love to travel.

Boston is a great place to call home. For me, I really enjoy all the museums, theatre, concerts, and history, just to name a few of the attractions. I also love that we have a major, international airport and that it's easily accessible as it's right in the city. When I'm about to embark on a journey, I don't want the first several hours to be tied up in just getting to the terminal.

I'm also a bit of a gypsy and for the last few years, I've been on the move a lot. In fact, I've designed my life so that I can experience many different locations during the year. At the same time, I've been getting the call to settle down, just a little, and to create a home base. It doesn't mean I won't keep exploring, it just means that I can take the few things I have in storage and put them all in one place, waiting for me each time I "come back". The only thing is, I'm not sure where to locate that "nest".

A few weeks ago I indulged in one of my favorite activities ... I attended a retreat in Austin,Texas. One of the topics that came up was where some people, also in transition, wanted to move and make their home. One of them mentioned that one of her mentors once asked her,

"Do you like the view when you look out your window?"

What a great question! How would you answer it?

I've been writing a lot about Midway Women recently as I've realized that's who I am and that's who my tribe is. I love people of every age and the peeps with whom I can really identify are the Midways! We've already had quite the ride and we know there's more to come. We're also at a bit of a cross-roads -- it's part of a natural progression to have kids (if we had them) moving on, possible retirement looming ahead, and changes in relationships. It's a time for reflection and it's full of possibility! It may be that you've lived in the same house for the past many years and even if your life's circumstances had you more on the move, it's a great time to look out the window and see if you like the view. Does is excite you, stimulate you, comfort you, or make you wish you had a different one?

In the past you might have chosen your home based on school districts or commuting time, for example. Now, this might be changing. Where have you always hoped to live? Are you drawn to the city or a more rural setting? Or, maybe both?!? Do you love the stimulation of an urban environment but also know that you need that connection with nature from time to time? Do you prefer mountains or lakes or oceans?

Spend some time gazing out your windows. Maybe you're right where you want to be. If not, this might be the perfect time to think about a move. Also, remember this could be a metaphor for almost any part of your life. We have many "windows". Notice where you are, take an assessment, and see where you might want to make a few adjustments. This is your time. This is the hour of opportunity. This is what I wish for you to know.