I’m still away in the States but we head back home tomorrow evening after running our first US parkrun on the outskirts of Boston. In fact, we extended our trip just so we can add another flag on to our parkrun tourism country collection!
So far, during our trip Jon and I have visited several iconic New England destinations - Martha’s Vineyard, Providence, Newport, Jamestown, Narragansett and Boston - each offering its own charm of scenic harbours, vibrant cityscapes, dramatic seascapes and impressive Ivy League universities. It’s been a lot of fun spotting some of the locations where several of our favourite films like Jaws, Good Will Hunting and Meet Joe Black were shot
Spending the last 10 days in the States has been a wonderful reminder of what really matters to me - making memories with family and friends which I get to treasure always. Last week I had a double celebration two days apart first with Thanksgiving then my milestone 50th birthday. Both were perfect occasions to celebrate the special people in my life an these two moments of joy intertwined beautifully as family and friends gathered together. The celebrations were a blend of gratitude, laughter and heartfelt connections.
Thanksgiving began with an early 5km charity pie run / turkey trot for five of the ten of us then we came back, prepared and tucked into a fabulous thanksgiving feast. Around the table, we each shared our reflections on what we were grateful for which varied from good health to the simple joy of being together.
For my birthday, we wrapped up and ventured outdoors for a long coastal walk alongside the Atlantic ocean. The sun was glorious and took the edge of the bitterly cold wind. Together we explored the granite rocks and marvelled at the tiny ecosystems within each of the rockpools which had formed in the dips between them. I wrote my birthday date in the sand and then watched as the waves washed it away. In the evening we went down to Newport harbour, dined in an outdoor heated igloo which was fun then watched the boat parade before heading home to finish off the evening with birthday cake and family games.
These gatherings have been a great reminder that life’s milestones are best celebrated with those you love as they leave you feeling grateful for shared moments and eager to create more. Talking of which I am excited to head home and continue with more birthday celebrations with friends and family which will then take us all into the next holiday of Christmas. More opportunities for many more fun gatherings.
These gatherings have been a poignant reminder that life’s best moments and milestones are best spent with those you love. As I head home, I’m eager to create more of these special shared moments and especially look forward to birthday celebrations once our children are back home from university. Here’s to reflecting on wonderful memories of friendship and to creating new memories.
Focus on Gatherings. Focus on Why!
ACTION POINT - Who will you plan your next special gathering for?
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