“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are” – Marianne Williamson

Some people will say we are lucky to live where we do, but I believe it’s not just luck. We make our own lives, and we are trying to make it our best life.  So every day I make an effort to find joy, and to be thankful.  So the theme for 2022 has been “Joy”.   I have experienced so much joy over the past year.  Sometimes it’s created, sometimes it’s presented and sometimes you have to find it, but there is always something for which to be Joyful.   So, I bring to you the highlights.  

Family

The big highlight for us was enjoying time with Kirk and Eric at Christmas this year, the first one together since 2019.  Snowmaggedon arrived on the day they were travelling here, but with some intensive web searches and phone calls, they made it.  We were thankful they did not have to spend Christmas in an airport like so many others did.  The visit was short, but so worth it!

We found joy in reconnecting with family, both on Bill’s side in Alberta this summer, and with my Dutch roots in Amsterdam with my cousin and also my brother Mike, who just moved there.  I loved sharing the joy he so clearly has in his new home, sharing stories and memories, and creating new ones.

And I treasure the joy brought to me by my family, Nicky and Derek, here on the Island.  Countless special days biking, hiking, watching football, walking the beaches, cycling Tour de Victoria, and and just being together is very joyful.

Friends

Finding like-minded friends, in a new home, is special.  We shared so many adventures and experiences this year.  Travelling and glamping in Loytää, with Bubbles brought us to wonderful places like Buttle Lake in Strathcona Park, Cortes Island, Victoria, Tofino, Broken Group.  Each trip has brought us to a new place, where we could learn about, and enjoy, scenery while we hike, paddle or bike.  There was great joy in forging and cementing new relationships.  Sharing evenings around the fire, talking, laughing and singing, our hearts out were very special times.   Or we just spend a day close to home in our boats or on our bikes.  

Travel and new experiences

Our trip to Portugal, while it didn’t end up the way we hoped, taught us to find joy in what we have.  We spent 2 wonderful weeks together seeing, experiencing, and learning about a new country.  We focussed on the memories and joys experienced, not the ones missed.

Travelling for 2 weeks through the Rockies this summer was another highlight.  We were back in the mountains and we were rejuvenated by the sheer beauty, and being able to spend time on the water, on the trails, and on our bikes, creating joy in our hearts.

Retirement

I used to find great joy in my work but this year taught me to examine what really brings me joy, and I realized that the onsite contracting does not do it.  So I have closed that era, and now can concentrate on this phase of life of full retirement.  The memories I have of the clients I worked with, the places I saw, the successes and challenges faced, will remain, and that does bring me joy.  

Daily Life

Living here, and being able to experience all the wonders this life style brings creates joy for me every day.  We are truly blessed to be able to do this and be able to share with others.

Here’s to 2023

I close out 2022 so thankful for the joy it brought to Bill and I. We look forward to 2023 and wish everyone health, happiness and joy in 2023.

Happy New Year!