Flexibility in Values

I recently took a solo trip to Newfoundland to visit my family.  Living on opposite sides of the country makes visits rarer than we would like, so spending quality time together is treasured. This time, in particular, came after some health issues for a family member, making this trip hold even more significance for me.

This visit was to my childhood home, where I spent time with my parents, brother, and his family. Trying to stay connected with the distance between us can be challenging, particularly when trying to be a part of the lives of my niece and nephew, who are two and five years old. No kid wants to sit and chat on FaceTime; that's completely understandable, but it can weigh on me that I'm not a regular part of their day-to-day life. This visit was focused on connecting and creating lasting memories.

To ensure I focused on connection and some adventure on this trip, I had to let go of some of my typical self-care and desire for a sense of order. I was (gladly) at the whim of my five-year-old nephew, from playing soccer to catching frogs to building legos. My usual exercise routines and eating habits were out the window as I didn't have access to my usual exercise equipment, ate comfort meals prepared by my Dad and generally let the group plans guide my schedule. But I felt good about this. I was viewing this time through the lens of connection and meaningful experiences.

This trip was a beautiful example for me of how we sometimes need to shift our usual priorities and be flexible. If we're truly living in alignment with our values, we aren't focused on a particular outcome; we're letting what matters to us be at the forefront, guiding our actions and grounding us in a way of being that is fulfilling. Recognizing this allowed me to truly be present for the experiences and connect with my family in a meaningful way.