“Sometimes, finding peace isn't about adding more to our lives; it's about making room for what truly matters.”
Are we ever truly settled? I'm not sure. Perhaps being settled isn't a destination we eventually arrive at, but rather a feeling we create along the way.
Recently, though, I have found myself feeling more settled than I have in years. A move to a new home, a new community, and a new space has brought with it a refreshing sense of possibility. I am surrounded by the things, people, and experiences that bring me joy. There is something incredibly liberating about letting go of what no longer serves a purpose or adds value to your life.
Donating, selling, and giving away the things we no longer need can be surprisingly powerful. Creating space, finding a home for everything, and having everything in its place bring a sense of calm that extends well beyond our physical surroundings. It is a reminder that sometimes we need to let go of what we have accumulated to make room for what we truly value.
“The more we let go of what we don't need, the more room we create for what we love.”
White Rock, BC
This summer has been remarkable in so many ways. It has been filled with celebrations, connection, music, family, friends, and reminders of what makes life so special.
One of the highlights was celebrating the marriage of my eldest daughter. What an incredible celebration! To be surrounded by family and friends, sharing in so much love, laughter, music, and dancing was truly special. These are the moments that stay with us. The ones where we pause, take it all in, and appreciate just how fortunate we are to share life's milestones with the people we love.
There were also some amazing festivals, bringing people together to sing, enjoy incredible performances, and experience the simple pleasure of live music outdoors. There is something wonderful about these gatherings. Different people, different stories, and a shared appreciation for music, community, and being present in the moment.
Another meaningful occasion was celebrating the life of my beloved aunt. While these gatherings come with sadness and reflection, they also provide an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, bring family together, share stories, and remember the impact someone has had on our lives. It was a beautiful reminder that the legacy we leave behind is often found in the relationships we build, the memories we create, and the lives we touch.
“Life isn't measured by the number of days we have, but by the moments, memories, and connections that give those days meaning.”
While there has been so much to celebrate, it is impossible to ignore the world around us. There is no shortage of external noise, uncertainty, and events that can feel scary, unprecedented, and beyond our control.
When so much is happening around us, I think it becomes even more important to find perspective. Sometimes that perspective comes from stepping away from the noise, getting outside and reconnecting with nature, doing the things we love, or simply spending time with family and friends.
It is easy to become consumed by what is happening around us, what might happen next, and all the things we feel we should be doing. But perhaps we need to remind ourselves that we don't have to carry the weight of everything all at once.
We can choose where we put our energy. We can choose what deserves our attention. And we can choose to make time for the things that bring us happiness, balance, and a sense of belonging.
Life can often become a long list of shoulds, coulds, and have-tos. We convince ourselves there is always something else to accomplish, somewhere else to be, or another item to check off the to-do list.
But what if we gave ourselves permission to pause?
What if, instead of focusing on everything we should be doing, we focused a little more on what we need?
There will always be another task, another commitment, another email, another project, and another item on the list. The list rarely disappears. But the opportunities to enjoy the present moment, connect with people, explore something new, or simply do absolutely nothing are not always as plentiful as we think.
Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is step away from productivity altogether.
Take the afternoon off. Go for a walk. Meet a friend for coffee. Listen to music. Spend time with family. Get outside. Travel somewhere new. Or simply sit back and enjoy the space you have created for yourself.
“You don't have to earn the right to enjoy your life. Living it is the point.”
Perhaps being settled isn't about having everything figured out, having the perfect home, or finally getting through that never-ending to-do list.
Perhaps it is about feeling comfortable with where you are, appreciating who you are surrounded by, and being intentional about how you spend your time.
For me, this new chapter has been about creating space, both physically and personally. Letting go of things that no longer serve me, embracing new surroundings, celebrating the people I love, reconnecting with friends and family, and making time for experiences that bring genuine happiness.
There will always be uncertainty. There will always be change. And there will always be things we could or should be doing.
But maybe the real opportunity is to recognize that we have choices. We can choose to slow down, to be present, to find joy in the everyday, and to make room for the things that matter most.
So, are we ever truly settled?
I'm still not sure. But I am learning that perhaps it isn't about getting settled once and for all. It's about finding contentment in the journey, appreciating the moments along the way, and remembering that there is always an opportunity to pause, take a breath, and choose what is good for us.
After all, there will always be time for the to-do list. Don't forget to make time for life.
🎵 Songs of the Week 🎵
Joey Ramone - What a Wonderful World
Nathaniel Rateliff - And It’s Still Alright
The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Fuck What They Think / Strung Like a Horse
💿 Being’s Blog Playlist 💿