Easy come, easy Go! - Reflections in the afternoon sun in Catalonia

Sitting in the warm sun of the Catalonian countryside, I watch the geese and chickens go about their day. Resting comfortably in my chair with my feet propped on a tire, I notice the delicate spider webs stretched across the grass in front of me. Nearby, three little dogs lie peacefully, taking a break from their morning scurry.

I just enjoyed a very satisfying omelet of grated potatoes with salsa, and a slice of bread topped with a Swiss-style basil and cheese spread. Feeling relaxed, I decided to write—but as I grabbed my computer, I accidentally tipped over my tea. Oh well, easy come, easy go! No stress there is more where that came from. 

The moment reminded me of my morning. I woke early, as usual, but today—December 20, 2024— one day until the december equinox and the start of Capricorn season I felt a the need to be active and get out for an early breakfast. 

I ventured out to the nearby town of Sils, treating myself to a croissant and coffee, curious to experience the morning rhythm in the Spanish country town. It was much like mornings in Liddes, Lausanne, and Marseille: croissants, coffee, and the friendly chatter of locals picking up their daily bread.

But something inside me was different.

As I approach 54, I’ve set a new pattern for myself. I left a 9-to-5 lifestyle and I'm staying and volunteering, trading my time for accommodation and food. My basic needs are met, and now my focus has shifted to nurturing meaningful connections, preferably with mature people who go beyond superficial things.

As I make a list of what I would like to have in my new life, I feel the lesson of "oh well... easy come, easy go" make its mark. Did I leave my well-paying job, a respectable career, and a comfortable house for something that is a dream—or maybe a nightmare?

Sleeping in my car, being dependent on other people for food, and having to navigate their lifestyle—is that what it will be like?

The amazingness of this lifestyle change

Just yesterday, I was telling someone how amazing it is to sleep in my car, unbothered by others’ energy. And there are people who see it and start to pity me. If only I could tell them this is the best thing I’ve ever experienced—being humbled and free in a way that very few people will value. The key difference? A lack of expectations and a newfound gentleness with myself.

I’m learning to accept where I am without harsh self-criticism. Life feels lighter when I allow it to unfold naturally, without forcing it.

When it comes to connections, I am appreciating what others cannot give me—attention to myself. But next week, there is also change coming. I’m am adding a second address to my helpx experience, and I sense a stronger alignment with the host there compared to where I am now. How rich we are to be able to offer to more then one family, our helping hands and loving presence. 

Isn’t that what the world needs these days? 

How Losing becomes a winning game

Along with the loss of a phone, access to two other email accounts, a platform for non-synchronous coaching, and the incessant email streams from LinkedIn offers for website design and help with marketing for my coaching, there is a peace that has set in.

And more love, care, and attention to the outside world and what it mirrors back to me.

Back to my breakfast: as I ate my croissant, a piece of chocolate fell to the floor. Again, easy come, easy go—just like the tea, just like so many projects and careers that once felt promising but slipped away.

These days, I’m practicing contentment. I’ve promised my spirit guides to nurture this feeling for the next four weeks, until January 18. Can we truly take life as it comes, embracing the spills, losses, and unmet expectations? It’s a challenge, especially when big dreams seem to have passed me by. But perhaps the lesson lies in what I’ve overlooked while craving something else.

For now, I’ll pause, reflect, and appreciate the present. Life is always teaching—if we’re willing to listen.