I’m back from my trip and learning how to make the best of where I am. For much of my life, I looked to change circumstances to feel better, believing I needed things a certain way in order to be happy. Lately, I spend more time looking for the good in where I am and being grateful for what I have.

Being back east with my family was good practice for me. Hanging out with friends for a birthday celebration, they commented how I seem more at peace. I’m feeling more content with less need to change my circumstances, other people, or waste my time on complaining about things. Instead, I focus more on the present moment and how to make the best of it.

We all need to feel at home. My new apartment continues to give me an outlet for nesting and creating home where I am. I spent much of the weekend pruning bushes and planting flowerpots since we aren’t allowed to plant in the ground. I’ve also been helping neighbors with their pruning and general cleanup around the pond.

I’m very grateful for my home, neighbors, health, plants, and time with family.

Linda has the only in-ground garden allowed in our complex as it was installed before the new owners changed the rules to prohibit gardens. Only potted plants are allowed now. Thankfully, Linda is happy to share her garden and even some plants.
May you find ways to nest and feel at home.
Lovely post Brad. I feel a real sense of peace and contentment in you. 🙏
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Thanks Miriam! 😍
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Thank you for this sweet blog post, Brad. I like the view of and from your patio area! These sentences jumped out at me in particular: “Lately, I spend more time looking for the good in where I am and being grateful for what I have.” May your wisdom ripple into all of our lives… Think of how many trillions of dollars of advertising dollars (and creativity and psychological research) are devoted to making us feel dissatisfied with our lives — how we look, where we live, how we decorate our homes, what we eat, what kind of car we drive, where we vacation, etc. etc. etc. Your wisdom is an antidote to all of that!!!
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You’re most welcome Will. I’m grateful that my words can help guide and soothe you. Yes, our current system seems designed to keep us divided, dissatisfied, and buying stuff we don’t need. Let’s choose love and unity. 🙏
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Such a beautiful and invaluable share Brad! I love this so much and couldn’t be happier to feel your peacefully centering into the nature of you. There is so much to be grateful for and we’re grateful for your beautiful spirit lighting up the world. Thank you for being a guiding light toward unity and love.
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Thank you dear Tania. I’m grateful that you see the best in me. I hope to live up to your beautiful vision! Hugs my friend. 💕
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Serene and beautiful post, Brad. So much peace and calmness is there in the whole environment. Thanks a lot.
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Thank you Kamal. It’s been a good move for me.
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Yes for sure Brad. Always welcome 🤗
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So beautiful Brad! I am glad you are nesting in such a lovely place.
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Thank you Cindy. It feels like a nest or sanctuary for me.
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That space you have landed for yourself is just wonderful feeling…It’s calm and beautiful. So glad that worked out for you, it seems like a positive move forward for you too…Love your intentions with your life. It is all about what we make of it now isn’t it? Well done Brad. Enjoy your summer ahead…VK 🙂
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Yes, it is a wonderful location VK, which has greatly helped me to nest, rest, and be grateful. To enjoying and practicing the presence. 🙏
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Hi Brad,
This is a great post! It is great when we realize that we can be happy right now, right where we are, with what we have.
You new place is lovely. You have the best view, and it does seem you have great neighbors too! I am so happy for you!
Blessings!
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Thank you Ana. It has worked out very well for which I’m very grateful.
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This is a wonderful post. It’s uplifting and I love the photos you shared as well. Thank you for the smile!
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You’re most welcome Tara. I’m delighted you enjoyed my photos and words. To more shared joys….
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Yes!!
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Your Neighbours garden looks lovely as does yours Brad… So pleased they allow potted plants…
It feels as if something within you has shifted a little Brad that has allowed you to live in that moment and release and let go more….
Living in gratitude brings a sense of peace for what we have…
While it was so good to visit your mum, its always good to come home.. 😀
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Exactly. You summed it all up very well Sue! 🙂
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Your photos are beautiful, Brad. The sense of peace you feel is evident in your writing. How wonderful. ✨
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Thank you Michele. 🙏
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You are welcome, Brad. It is nice to read that you are in this peaceful place. 🌼
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What clear, gorgeous photos so alive with color!
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Thanks Jaya. Hopefully, my photos reflect my love for nature.
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Ah, I tried to comment yesterday but WordPress wouldn’t let me. I hope this one is allowed! I do love the view from your patio, Brad! It’s gorgeous. And your Zen flowerpot garden. I am glad you are feeling more contentment and peace!
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Thanks Wendy. Yes, I have a lovely view for which I’m grateful. Peace out! 😋
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So much peacefulness in this post, Brad. Your home looks like it’s nested in a beautiful place. Linda’s garden is a treat. Nice neighbor! Enjoy tending to the natural beauty around you. It rubs off. 😀
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Yes Diana! It’s a nice apartment in a great location so I can sit, enjoy the pond, and nurture my soul. Hugs…
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🙂
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So good to read this Brad. You are in a different part of your journey and taking care of your own needs. When our needs are met, we find contentment 💛🙏🏼💛
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Thank you Val. Yes, taking care of myself is part of the balance or dance. 🙂
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Such a beautiful home you have, Brad, and I love your attitude of gratitude. Kudos! 💜
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Thank you Natalie. Yes, I’m in a good place, physically and mentally after a long hard spell. 🙏💕
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Wow, what an utterly beautiful sanctuary you’ve found for yourself, Brad! There is a sense of calm radiating through your words and photos, I hope you continue to nest well…
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Thank you Kim. The setting is great. The apartments are so so.
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Our apartment is in need of a refresh…I was imagining yours as beautiful as the setting…
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Sorry, twenty-year-old cabinets & fixtures with new paint and flooring.
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Well, we’re in the same boat, sigh…
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Beautiful space! Looking for the good is always an important endeavor. Thank you for the reminder to focus on the good.
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Agreed Bridgette, and I often need the reminder too!
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Hi Brad, I am glad you are contented. For me, to be content is to be happy. It is strange to me that residence of your complex can’t plant gardens, why ever not?
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Yes, contentment is good! Rules of the owners.
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I can feel the peace in your voice and your space sure reflects that Brad! It’s so gorgeous and how lovely to feel at peace and at home! 💖
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Wonderful Cindy! I’m delighted you can feel and share in the peace. 🙏💕
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I did indeed, thank you!
💕
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Yay! 🤸♀️
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“Be the change” echoes so beautifully through your reflections and new residence Brad. Thank you for sharing these parts of your journey with us. Your words give me hope and peace. In this together “walking each other home”. Andrea 🌺💞
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I love your associations Andrea and have always loved the idea of walking each other home on this life journey. Thank you for the reminder to hold each other with care and sacredness. 🙏💕
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You sound grounded and the trip home seemed to clarify that for you. Love this Brad. Enjoy summer. Donna
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Yes, the trip helped me realize I need to make the best of my life, not keep waiting to see what will happen with mom. Thanks Donna. 🙏
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I’m heading “home” to help my mom as we speak. Always refers to see her (and my dad) but always good know I am exactly where I am meant to be.
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I’m sure they appreciate your help and visits.
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Yes. The seasons of life as my mom says.
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Beautiful writing and photos (your neighbor’s garden is wonderful). There is so much truth to where one puts their focus ~ ignore the negative around you and complaints and unhappiness tend to vanish… and it seems you are enjoying those small (but many) beautiful pieces of a day that can add up to something special. A great read, but an even better lift to the spirit to see you so well. Cheers ~
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Thanks again Randall. Yes, I’m learning to embrace more of good and beauty around that helps me move forward in these challenging times. I’m glad you found something to lift your spirits here. take care,
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Can’t believe I missed this post! Love the photos!! Great post and love your approach and attitude!! My best to you!
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Thank you for the kind words Kirt. It’s been a process nesting here.
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I feel calm and peace from reading this post, Brad. Good you got to spend time with your family. Sounded like a good time. Really liked how you say this, ‘I focus more on the present moment and how to make the best of it.’ There’s only so much we can get out of worrying about things or complaining as you said. Like you I have been focusing on being more present and what I can do with my time right now.
Good to hear you are enjoying your apartment. To me, ‘home’ is ambiguous given that I don’t feel I belong anywhere. Then again, I do like a space where I can rest and relax each day, so I guess that’s home to me. Hope you are well and enjoying summer, Brad 🙂
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Thanks Mabel. I’m delighted that you found value in this post and can relate. I had many years of angst over living in this town and finally realized I needed to accept it or move. I chose to stay and make the best of it. I believe it’s important that we feel belonging and “at home”. I hope you find or create that. 🙏
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Glad you got over your angst, Brad. Sometimes you just have to make the most of it to find peace within you, and often the answer is within. Looking forward to more posts about your area and perspective on life 🙏
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🙏💕
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