From sand to sea

After 3 months in California, I'm back in Vence.  This last time in Palm Springs left many good memories.  It was the first time in a long itme I spent a period of time in the desert, my place of birth, and enjoyed it.  I did Bikram, practiced veganism, visited Goodwill (many times), hiked at the Tram, and went to Joshua Tree (for the first time!!!!).  Being away from a place gives perspective. And I've been away for almost 10 years...spending periods of time in P.S. during transitions.  A panoramic view reveals sand dunes, towering mountains and deep blue skies.  All of this seen in a different light.

Back at the edge of the mediteranean sea, Vence, is beautiful as ever, but different.  I'm happy to be back in a place I love so much with someone I love. But can't help to ignore questions and feelings...Is home where your heart is?  Where you rest your head? Where your family is?  And what do you do if your heart is stuck in place that has no place for it?  And what can we do when heart is pulled equally in two directions? 

In this experience of "growing out" I've done alot of growing up and with my 28th bday in sight growing older affirms tha surely Ive grown out of some things... but which ones?

Santé

First of all, cheers to all who are reading this.  More than likely this means that you are someone close and dear to my heart and for that I raise and glass and salut to you all because your awesome!

Secondly, Santé is the French word for health. Over here we say it when we toast/cheers. Just an FYI (wink wink)

Thirdly, over the lsat two years of growing out, Ive grown up a bit as a result.  My santé (health) has benefited and overall I am calmer, softer, more patient, open, appreciative, and thankful, and most important happier. The only thing that has not improved is my acne.  But maybe hes having a hard time adjsuting to all this happiness... who knows?

We all know health is physical, mental, spiritual and relational. And as we grow healthy in each individual area we grow wholely as a result. So we need one as much as the other. The interconnectedness is intricate and complicated, but what is harder to see is that growing in each area is so much simpler than it seems.  Living in France has given me the excellent opportunity to grow out (of the U.S. life, identity, ideals, lifestyle, and bubble)  and up (in the traditional sense of maturity, patience, and wisdom).

Thanks to all who supported me, Aside from continuous appreciation and love, here are a few things I can offer back

Ideas for growing out, growing up, and improving Santé.  Super important: Gain perspective.  Idealy this would be going on a trip to somewhere new to experience life completely different from the one you live everyday. The grass is always greener feeling is sometimes reduced when you walk on that grass next door... BUT not everyone has the time, finances, or opportunity to go spend 10 days with a family in a small Italian village (as I have recently-more on taht later) so instead try one or some of these perspective changing activites.
    A.  If you live in apartment or work in an office building walk up the stairs to the last floor. See what your street or neighborhood looks like from up there and feel what it feels like to walk up that many stairs. If there is a hill or mountian near by, climb it! See where you live from up above! wham-bam perspective and excercise at the same time. Or in other words mental and physical Santé two for one deal.
    B. If your single spend a night with a couple. Watch how they interact, what works and what doesnt. Maybe you'll learn something to take to the next love affair.
    C. If you don't have kids, spend an afternoon with some. Ask a friend to borrow theirs. I guarentee you, everyone will profit. First the parent or parents, because once you have kids an afternoon without them is a real treat.  Next, you.  Being responsible for something as important as little human beings is scary, empowering, humbling, and above all so much fun. Your not their parents so you can do all the fun stuff! And then the kids.  Naturally they will benefit from this with an ice cream, a late night up watching movies, or maybe something a silly as jumping on the bed for a few minutes. Either way, there is nothing to lose. Except maybe a kid, so be careful in any case!

Above all, I try to rememberthat nothing is what is seems.  Nothing lasts forever, ni the good, ni the bad. And what is life if it is not enjoyed.