Life On A Rock – Being Thankful

So here we are living life on a rock. Things move slowly here and we initially found that it can be a bit of a challenge trying to set up another new home. It causes us to reflect and remember how easy it was to get things done in Canada, and in Mexico for that matter! So after a deep and thoughtful sigh we come back to reality and know that our minor challenges are just some of the small trade-offs that come with being here. It's good to look at things from the lighter side and just take each day in slow motion while pondering more important things - ever notice that our rock looks like a "Shmoo"? :-)

We are forever grateful and thankful that we have been able to embark on our adventure at this time our lives. We certainly enjoy the many blessings that come to mind as part of living on the top of a rock way out in the ocean and calling it home:

1. The Weather:

Without a doubt, one of the top blessings is our island weather. There are many who have to save and scrimp for years to reward themselves with a few days in this sun, and we have started to notice that we it for granted - sometimes it's just another day... Then we see the newbies come to the pool - chalky white and frostbitten - and eyeing our year round tans. We know they are looking for a hurried overload of vitamin D to hopefully last them for the next year, and they have applied some sort of oil in preparation for soaking up every last drop of sun offered on day one. Little do they know that the following few days will be spent in the shade with aloe and Solarcane / sunburn cream. I have done that myself.... But we have now become so accustomed to the sun that we hardly use protection in our daily outings, and yet we still get burnt. We sometimes forget what it was like to long for the heat of the sun on our pale skin...... Consistent / perpetual warmth is a true gift and we feel very fortunate to be here.

2. The Food:

When we look at the availability of local seafood on this rock, we can’t help but be thankful, as those exotic items that would usually cost an arm and a leg to import can be found at our fingertips when we snorkel. We have enjoyed many amazing meals with the likes of sword fish, mahi mahi, octopus, scallops, and flying fish. Now that we are tropical rock dwellers, there is always something that can be picked, washed and eaten right from the trees. Mangoes, plantains, bananas, avocados, cherries, apples, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables form a part of the basic landscape for the average property owner here. Farmer's market outlets are located in every town and fresh local veges are plentiful. We need to change our diets to reflect the local offerings and we feel fortunate that we can do that.

3. The People:

Without a doubt, island folk are the friendliest people you will ever find. We find this where ever we go. For some newcomers, it may be a bit of a shock to have people engage with you, and then they smile and look right at you to say hello and actually wait for a response (rather than look right through you and act as though you are not there). Everywhere you go, the greeting is the same and everyone has a pleasant smile on their face. There is always a willingness to be of assistance, especially to those from overseas who may still be finding their first few days on the rock a bit confusing.

4. Island Time:

I know this one will be a bit hard to believe but being on island time can be a blessing. Sometimes we comment or complain about the slowness with which things are done here. But we have found a hidden health related gem in what was previously deemed frustration. Our old life was fast-paced, stressful and demanded instant gratification in whatever we were pursuing. If you continue to expect that while living on a rock, it would be so easy to become stressed and angry with every little thing that comes your way. But you eventually realize that life here makes you slow down and become more laid back, and then you realize frustrations start to disappear and island time forces us to slow down. It's very therapeutic.

5. The Beach:

Stepping outside and walking a few counted footprints to get to the beach is amazing. This truly is the place of tropical postcard images, and where many office day-dreams originate. We can literally grab our beach bag, and within minutes, be floating face down looking down at amazing coral and multi-coloured long-finned fishes. The amazing hues of turquoise blue waters, sparkling white sand, deep blue sky with white fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze to help keep you cool while sipping on your rum punch - amazing. Yes, this is the stuff of honeymoons and second honeymoons. This is where the sun sets in spectacular conglomerates of colour and silver lined clouds. Then the inherent fizzle of the ocean as the last bit of light disappears beneath the horizon, while palm leaves grace the fringes of every spectacular view and photo. Yes, we are fortunate to be here.

These are just a few of our new island blessings for which we are thankful, and which we hope we never have to feel guilty for taking it all for granted. When we find ourselves enjoying beach time, or savouring a flying fish sandwich, or being lulled to sleep in a boat in a quiet teal blue bay, or just relaxing at ten o’clock in the morning because you don’t have to go out to go shopping before noon anyway, we remember that we are grateful to be here on this rock and be able to call it – HOME.