Every year, the space between Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday carries a familiar heaviness, raising questions about leaving, belonging, and the paths we choose.
Molly - Thanks for your comment. I try not to take “Out of sight, out of mind” personally, but I confess, I'm not always good at that. Thank you for the birthday wishes. - CW
I so relate to this! I've always loved the holiday season and there's so much to love about it here in Portugal. BUT it never matches up to my internal expectations and once it's gone, I'm left with this feeling of sadness and incompleteness. It's my first January in Portugal and I think that is definitely having an impact on my mood (rainy and cold and flu season!). Thanks for sharing!
Margaret - Thanks for your comment. It's good to know that others feel the same way. I am happy here in Portugal and for nearly 20 years, Arizona as well! - CW
I guess it’s just me but Jimmy and I do not dwell on things as deeply as you do
We are truly happy that (so far) our health is (good) not great and we just do what we want to do which isn’t anything great but we’re happy with it, we like to work in the yard, definitely go out to eat and travel when we can
We have lost two of our group of 6 travel companions, which we find very sad as we traveled together for a very long time together so that is a huge adjustment for us
But life goes on and we adjust in a different way
Jimmy turned 75 in December and I turn 75 in February and we are both finding that turning 75 bothers us
So we carry on to see what this next chapter brings
In May we are going to St. John and in November we are going on a Caribbean cruise
We also have our summer home in Wells, Maine that we visit during the summer months
Ellen - Thanks for your thoughtful response. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to lifestyle. If your life makes you happy, that's exactly where you should be. It sounds like a fulfilling and a peaceful one! - CW
My birthday is January 27th - and I’ve always felt it’s either too close to the holidays or too far. I do always feel the pressure of the New Year, though - you know, a new year and a new birth year - what can I do differently this year? I always feel like I have to start anew - especially on my birthday.
Chris - Thanks for your comment. Yes, I know how you feel - as if we have to reset our lives when the New Year approaches. I think that's what's expected of us as a society of humans. But then, I think that the New Year is really just a moment, just another day. - CW
Carol, This was one of your best written newsletters. AI won't be able to replace you. I sometime wonder if we, that move around so much, are just gypsies at heart? As soon as I left Portugal I was planning on where I was going next. Xoxo to you and Paul.
Mary - Thanks for your comment. I think we must be restless, kindred spirits, my friend! But I will always be grateful that our paths crossed here in Portugal. - CW
Amen! It's so easy to get caught up in everything that is going on around us. What's more difficult is to step aside and take the broader perspective of life. Experiencing life outside of our bubble or comfort zone usually helps improve our perspective when we are exposed to differences in cultures and people. Our journey abroad has certainly allowed us to breathe and enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you for sharing.
Nicely put. I think that we who have come to Portugal all have our own reasons, baggage, whatever, and it's enlightening to hear and think about those thoughts. As one who has moved around pretty much my whole life, and one who goes quiet in the winter, I can really relate and appreciate what you wrote. Obrigado, eu. Fica bem.
This is just beautiful. There is something about that liminal space between the holidays and the real start of the new year. A time for reflection but also a time perhaps to quiet your soul.
Carol, I absolutely love this post and relate to it on many levels. Thank you for writing and sharing. Happy Belated Birthday Carol :)
I need to say this: “Out of sight, out of mind,” it turns out, is very real." is felt by many. Although difficult, one cannot take it personally.
Belated Happy Birthday.
Molly - Thanks for your comment. I try not to take “Out of sight, out of mind” personally, but I confess, I'm not always good at that. Thank you for the birthday wishes. - CW
A candid post, one I can relate to in many ways. Thanks for writing this.
Parallel journey…I get this completely. Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart.
I so relate to this! I've always loved the holiday season and there's so much to love about it here in Portugal. BUT it never matches up to my internal expectations and once it's gone, I'm left with this feeling of sadness and incompleteness. It's my first January in Portugal and I think that is definitely having an impact on my mood (rainy and cold and flu season!). Thanks for sharing!
The holidays were the same to me. This was expressed beautifully.
I am happy you enjoy one of my two adopted countries.
I also lived in AZ many moons ago before I moved here. ♥️ 🌵
Margaret - Thanks for your comment. It's good to know that others feel the same way. I am happy here in Portugal and for nearly 20 years, Arizona as well! - CW
This is a very deep and thoughtful post.
I guess it’s just me but Jimmy and I do not dwell on things as deeply as you do
We are truly happy that (so far) our health is (good) not great and we just do what we want to do which isn’t anything great but we’re happy with it, we like to work in the yard, definitely go out to eat and travel when we can
We have lost two of our group of 6 travel companions, which we find very sad as we traveled together for a very long time together so that is a huge adjustment for us
But life goes on and we adjust in a different way
Jimmy turned 75 in December and I turn 75 in February and we are both finding that turning 75 bothers us
So we carry on to see what this next chapter brings
In May we are going to St. John and in November we are going on a Caribbean cruise
We also have our summer home in Wells, Maine that we visit during the summer months
That’s our story and it is what it is
Life continues on and we go along with it
Enjoy 2026 !!!
Ellen - Thanks for your thoughtful response. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to lifestyle. If your life makes you happy, that's exactly where you should be. It sounds like a fulfilling and a peaceful one! - CW
My birthday is January 27th - and I’ve always felt it’s either too close to the holidays or too far. I do always feel the pressure of the New Year, though - you know, a new year and a new birth year - what can I do differently this year? I always feel like I have to start anew - especially on my birthday.
Chris - Thanks for your comment. Yes, I know how you feel - as if we have to reset our lives when the New Year approaches. I think that's what's expected of us as a society of humans. But then, I think that the New Year is really just a moment, just another day. - CW
Carol, This was one of your best written newsletters. AI won't be able to replace you. I sometime wonder if we, that move around so much, are just gypsies at heart? As soon as I left Portugal I was planning on where I was going next. Xoxo to you and Paul.
Mary - Thanks for your comment. I think we must be restless, kindred spirits, my friend! But I will always be grateful that our paths crossed here in Portugal. - CW
Amen! It's so easy to get caught up in everything that is going on around us. What's more difficult is to step aside and take the broader perspective of life. Experiencing life outside of our bubble or comfort zone usually helps improve our perspective when we are exposed to differences in cultures and people. Our journey abroad has certainly allowed us to breathe and enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you for sharing.
Nicely put. I think that we who have come to Portugal all have our own reasons, baggage, whatever, and it's enlightening to hear and think about those thoughts. As one who has moved around pretty much my whole life, and one who goes quiet in the winter, I can really relate and appreciate what you wrote. Obrigado, eu. Fica bem.
This is just beautiful. There is something about that liminal space between the holidays and the real start of the new year. A time for reflection but also a time perhaps to quiet your soul.
Beautifully written. Perfectly described. Completely understood. ❤️