You know how some kids are a perfect blend of the best qualities of their parents? New Brunswick is one of those beautiful children.
This province combines the flatness of the Canadian prairies (you can see eternity!) and the wildness of the Pacific Northwest (rugged coastlines, wild waves, hidden coves and beaches). Loud squawky birds—a cross between a peacock and quail—wander the neighborhoods in Moncton.
Since New Brunswick is officially bilingual, the locals speak French and English fluently. At Value Village two men were speaking perfect English. One guy’s phone rang and voila! I’m in Quebec. “Allo?” he says. “Oui, je suis French French French.”
Of course she has flaws. City roads are terrible. The stores—even big box ones like Superstore—are closed on holidays. A lady told me they’re lucky the gas stations are open Sundays. Online advertised hours almost never match reality; many places don’t even have websites.
And yet New Brunswick not only has my approval, she stole my heart.
My Biggest Regret
Do you ever wonder what your biggest regret will be? Pretend you’re 85 and looking back on your life. What will you wish you had tried, done, risked or experienced?
Here in Moncton I realized I’ll regret seeking people’s approval. I was trained as a child to conform, fit in, be good, please people. Colour inside the lines and get good grades.
I’ll regret shackling myself to my fears and other people’s opinions, instead of being open and sensitive to the spirit of God. I’ll regret not being more open to the living presence of the moment, to suppressing my childlike joy, peace, freedom and enthusiasm. I’ll regret focusing outward instead of inward.
In Living With Disapproval – Stealth Camping, Engagement Rings, & New Beginnings I share how I’m learning to live with disapproval, disappointment, criticism, and even dislike. I’m learning to speak my truth, even if my voice shakes.
Today I’m driving to Hopewell Rocks and the Bay of Fundy. Maybe I’ll even make it as far as Fredericton! But even if I don’t, I know New Brunswick will approve of every step I take. And even if she doesn’t, I have my own approval and love. 💖
With pleasure (Avec plaisir!),
Laurie
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I am amazed that you just sent me a kindle book free. Thank you for your concern and generous gift. This Christmas has not been good and just ran across your book about letting go of someone you love. Almost 55 years but enough is enough. I am terrified but the mental and verbal abuse has gone way to far. My daughter has begged me for years to leave her father. Pls pray I have strength and courage. Pat
You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Pat. May you lean on your faith, and trust that your life is unfolding just the way it should be – even though you’re going through a painful time right now. Leaving someone you love is difficult, but I believe you have the strength and courage you need to get through this season of your life.
Take good care of yourself, Pat. Be gentle and kind to yourself. You are doing the right thing! It hurts, but the right thing always does.
With love,
Laurie