As the autumn leaves fell, we found ourselves exploring the diverse landscapes of Europe, creating memories in unfamiliar territories. However, there's a special place that holds our hearts – the serene island of Madeira. Nestled in the Atlantic, this Portuguese gem welcomed us home after our European adventures.
One of our favorite pastimes on Madeira is walking the levadas, a network of irrigation channels that crisscross the island, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Today, we embark on a journey through the eastern part of the island, starting our walk from a highway adjacent to the charming city of Machico.
Unlike the high peaks or coastal edges, this levada walk offers a unique perspective, gradually ascending above Machico. The views stretch from the cityscape to the vast expanse of the ocean, creating a perfect backdrop for contemplation and connection with nature. Interestingly, the walk shares its name with a quaint neighborhood near its beginning, a reminder of the close-knit communities that dot the island.
The terraced houses cascade down the mountainside in Portugal, each outdoor space meticulously used for gardening. Planters and vegetable patches line the levada, a testament to the locals' dedication to harmonizing with the island's natural beauty. Leslie, revels in the unique garden designs, bringing a sense of simplicity, fulfillment and connection to the earth.
Yet, as we reflect on our European escapades and the peaceful levada walks, we recognize the resistance many face when contemplating significant life changes. The allure of routine, familiarity, and the fear of the unknown often prevent individuals from pursuing their dreams.
Change, as we've come to understand, is not easy. The human mind, wired for self-preservation, often resists stepping out of the comfort zone. Excuses become the mental barriers preventing us from taking that leap – "I don't have enough money," "What about the grandkids?" or "I love my house and neighbors."
Breaking through these mental barriers requires acknowledging that excuses are merely disguises for underlying fears. It's about challenging the status quo, questioning preconceived notions, and exploring options that were once unthinkable. Life is short, and sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to live beyond the confines of our comfort zones.
To facilitate this mindset shift, we invite you to join us on our journey. Through shared experiences and lessons, we aim to inspire and encourage you to pursue your dreams and embrace change.
Lastly, we emphasize the importance of adaptability. Life is inherently uncertain, and an adaptable mindset allows us to approach challenges with creativity, view uncertainties as opportunities, and build meaningful connections with others. Moving to a new country, like our Madeira adventure, requires adaptability, and learning to navigate new circumstances is an essential life skill.
As the days, weeks, and years unfold, we challenge you to:
1. Have fun learning the new lessons life brings your way.
2. Embrace change with an open mind, exploring options beyond the familiar.
3. Identify and confront the fears masked as excuses.
You can join us on our journey by subscribing to It'll Be Fun YouTube, Patreon, along with these postings on our It'll Be Fun website.
Life is short – embrace the challenges, pursue your dreams, and savor the beauty that each new stage in life brings. Life awaits!
As kids we revel in adventure. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to seek out new experiences. Too bad many of us replace that sense of exploration over time with expected social norms. "Grow up", "When are you going to settle down?", "You need to get a 'good' career!" are just a few things many of us have probably heard in our lifetime. Though these things are necessary for many reasons, they often suppress or sadly kill our childlike sense of adventure over time. And once our childlike sense of adventure is on life support, like you point out here, our brains can think of plenty excuses why it's not safe to adventure out anymore.
Let's start dreaming…