Living Life Fully

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“Some pursue happiness, others create it.” – unknown

Writing a going away card for our neighbors that are moving back to England forced me to put words to what makes them so special. When they moved here three years ago and their kids were 5, 7, and 9 years old, what was most noticeable were their charming accents.

But their charm ran a lot deeper than that. They came to Seattle with a spirit of adventure. The dad’s job allows him to work anywhere in the world. I heard the mom describe their decision making process of looking at the whole globe and choosing Seattle. The water, the mountains, the green drew them in.

So luckily they landed in our neighborhood – right on our street! I met the kids when I was helping out with school picture day as I escorted anyone that was new to the school or out sick on regular picture day down to the photographers. In the process I met these three delightful children who were verbosely happy and excited to be here.

But here’s what was so inspiring about them. They weren’t just happy and adventurous people when they landed. They maintained it for the three years they lived here and by doing so they enraptured our whole community.

I’d see them after a break and they’d have taken a road trip down through Oregon, California, Nevada and back up through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. The mom would joke that they’d rolled in at 11pm the night before school started again so she wasn’t going to win any Best Mum awards for that.

They did things like climbing to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier, and spending one holiday at a dude ranch. One holiday they went to Las Vegas and let each of the kids pick a show to see for their night. Then they spent the rest of their time exploring the wilderness near Red Rocks.

It was like without the ruts of having lived in the area long enough to know their favorites, they were free to bounce around and try everything. And the same went for friendship. Not knowing anyone meant that they were open to meeting everyone.

The Buddhists and Stoics talk about contemplating our demise as a way to live more fully. It strikes me that my neighbors exemplified an aspect of this. They likely knew they’d return to England at some point so they lived this adventure to the fullest while they were here.

Here’s what I finally landed on for their going away card. This family with their adventurous, happy and authentic hearts was a gift to us and our community. They reminded us how many wonderful places, experiences and people are around when you are willing to look. And because openness translates to any language, a blessing wherever they go.

May we all be.

(featured photo is mine)

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram @wynneleon

I co-host a author, creator and storytelling podcast with the amazing Vicki Atkinson. To tune in, search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or Pocketcasts (and subscribe) or click here. Or the YouTube channel features videos of our interviews. Please subscribe!

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about collaboration and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

64 thoughts on “Living Life Fully”

  2. Beautiful and important, Wynne. The family’s spirit of adventure was a model for us all.

    Your own attention to the question of death is essential. It may not always make us adventurous, but it will improve our use of time.

    We always refer to “a waste of time.” We say less often that there is no time to waste.

    Liked by 3 people

  3. Gosh, Wynne, you will miss them. They sound like amazing parents to me. Maybe you can visit them sometime? It would definitely illustrate that you’re remembering and living their very message.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I found this post inspiring – thank you Wynne. You shared and described very clearly the aspects of fully experiencing life by this family.

    I caught your clever wording that they knew they wouldn’t be here long and it rang clear to your audience I believe that none of us are.

    Live life where we are planted, don’t save your adventures for when you have to go to an airport first.

    Hugs from a Canadian who admires you. – David

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Don’t you love people like that? People who make their own fun and adventure. It’s like their spirit and kindness is contagious. We have good friends like that who we’ve known for years. Love when we get together with them. I’m always re-energized! Hopefully you’ll be able to stay in touch. Maybe a trip to the UK in your future Wynne! Ha ha

    Liked by 1 person

  7. it sounds like they fully embrace life wherever they are, lucky for you that they landed in your spot for a while and you and your family shared that with them. how lovely and refreshing .

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Your departing delightful neighbors exemplify one of my favorite quotes about living each day we’re blessed to be given to its fullest Wynne . . .

    “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserve body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, what a ride!”

    Ride on lady! . . . and . . .

    Keep Looking Up ^ . . . His Best is Yet to Come!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. I loved this: “It was like without the ruts of having lived in the area long enough to know their favorites, they were free to bounce around and try everything.” Those ruts… When we get stuck in those ruts, especially the deep ones, it takes some creative ingenuity to get out.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I respect any parents who give their children such rich experiences. What better education is there than visiting new places?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Funny that you said that because when my neighbor joked that she wasn’t going to win the Best Mum award for their travelling to the last minute trip — I kinda thought that was exactly what she’d win the award for!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Our lives are blessed when we get to meet amazing people, no matter how long or short these encounters may last. This family sounded wonderful adventurers and I’m glad you found the words to express your feelings to them. Sending them all my best as well. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

  20. What a warm hearted, encouragingly positive post Wynne. It sounds as though this family took full advantage of what the Seattle area had to offer and passed on their unique gifts to many in the community resulting in reciprocal benefits and pleasure. I hope you get to visit them.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Nothing better than being around neighbors with positive energy. You were lucky to have had time with them and I’d would guess will think back fondly on them, and their example, for the rest of your days.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you are right that they will have fond memories of this time and place! You are right – nothing better than neighbors with positive energy! Have a great Tuesday, Ally!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Wonderful to meet your neighbors. 😊 Through your storytelling, a gift for all of us.

    Coincidentally, my brother can work anywhere in the world and just moved to Seattle. Can’t wait to visit!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Thank you for sharing with us about this amazing family, Wynne. What an inspiration–to BE the joy, and not wait for it to come to you. You might tell them that their positive influence in your Seattle neighborhood has now spread across the country, perhaps around the world, through your post!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, what a great idea, Nancy! They flew out last night and we played with them as much as we could in these days preceding their departure. When we walked them to their door yesterday, the kids turned around and said, “See you sometime.” Ah, so bittersweet! 🙂

      Like

  26. What a wonderful description of your friends. It sounds like they will continue having wonderful adventures wherever they go, and leave many happy memories behind for those who knew them.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I like how you ended up “They reminded us how many wonderful places, experiences and people are around when you are willing to look,” proving the quote at the top about how your neighbors created their happiness. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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