Rediscovering Simple Joy

With today’s struggling economic conditions, many of us here in Lake Tahoe are experiencing the same stressful and life-altering circumstances as those found throughout the country.  As real estate professionals, we are finding that just about every aspect of our profession is filled with a heavy intensity that we haven’t experienced in years.  Yet we are finding, much to our delight, that with these new realities are rediscovered joys.  

Lately I have been reflecting on how these changes in our lives remind me of the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffett song, “Changes in Latitudes.”  When you think about it, nothing does remain quite the same.  And if we didn’t laugh, we just might go insane.  So, in looking for ways to continue laughing while changing a lifestyle in which dollars flowed with a bit more ease, we have been discovering not only wonderful alternatives to lifestyles, but a great deal more joy and laughter.  Following are just a few examples.

Dining out has been replaced with potlucks.  Yup, good old potlucks.  And guess what?  Potlucks provide a better environment to visit with loved ones and a heck of a lot more laughter. For example, a few years ago, a group of friends got together to form a “gourmet club.”  Once a month between Labor Day and Memorial Day (opposite season of Beach Night Dinners – see Beach Night Blog) we gather for a scrumptious, off-the-charts, pot luck dinner.  Themes have varied from country cuisine to famous chefs.  And for very little expense, we all indulge ourselves into a fantasy meal with lively conversation (no waiter shushing us) and no tips to cough up.

In lieu of movies and shopping, we have find ourselves spending more time canoeing (free & exercise,) walks in the forest (free and exercise,) reading juicy novels (free and stimulating) and partaking in those artistic endeavors we all said we “would like to do if only we had more time” (free and no one has to see them.)

One of the great advantages of living in Paradise has been the shifting of vacations from far-away travel to backyard excursions. We discovered “commuter camping” (more details in Commuter Camping Blog) which involves going to work during the day and heading out to a campsite or cabin in the afternoon to spend the night.  You’ve got to try it. We even spent a week in the tranquility of the High Sierra’s sleeping under the stars and soaking up the quiet bliss.  (Okay, we’re old now and we had mules carry in our luxuries.)

Best of all, we find ourselves spending more time with family and friends  And, quite frankly, there has been nothing more joyful than rediscovering the awe and wonder of the world through the eyes of our one and a half year old granddaughter, Aubrey.  Oh, and what eyes they are.

Indeed, less is appearing to be more, each and every day.