Following Your Bliss
July 13, 2012 
My mother is moving. Well, what's up with that you might say. I suppose not too much except she's moving from a tiny town in the wilds of Western Australia to another small town i the Rhineland-Palatinate area of Germany.
She is 71+ and her spouse is over 80. They are picking up, lock stock and barrel (and maybe the dog - that's a bit up in the air).... to go follow their bliss and indulge in a little more adventure while they can.
I'm crossing my fingers and hoping all goes well as this giant step was in part prompted by a conversation that I had with my Mother some 18 months ago now, when she was having a case of itchy feet, bored with her sewing circles, craft groups and craving new things, new places and some new challenge and I in a moment of "brilliance" (or will it later be construed as madness?) said to her - well why not move to Germany? (Not such a mad idea as her husband is German.)
Well one thing led to another. An 8 week vacation over there last year determined that this mad idea might in fact work and now.... tickets are booked, the packing people come next week and they will be off early next month to settle into their new little house that is ready and waiting for them.
What is even more amazing is that much of the work and preparation for this fantastic endeavour has been undertaken by my Mother - OVER the Internet if you can believe that! And this accomplished by someone who not too long ago could barely use her computer for little more than checking mail.
As you can imagine, there has been much eyeball rolling and nay-saying from the sidelines from various friends and family about this move, folk who can't imagine why they would possibly do THIS kind of THING at THEIR AGE....
I on the other hand am proud and pleased for them, for having the courage to seize their dream and making every effort they can to see it come to pass.
And of course I am looking forward to being able to visit in Germany! So much closer than Australia!!!
Are you ever too old to follow your Bliss???
Reader Comments (20)
Gotta love it Marie!! I - too - have a mother who does these kinds of wild and crazy things..who takes giant leaps of faith and follows her heart and gut. What an inspiration to all of us. Wishing her (and you) all the happiness in the world as she begins again. Really - it's just amazing!!!
Well done to your Mum and her partner, long may they continue to be adventurous and daring. This is a major move, and big culture shock, and winter will be worse. But I'm sure they will cope. and if they don't - well, they can always move again to southern Spain or Portugal. Good luck to them.
Now I know where you get your grit and adventurous spirit from! I think it's remarkable that they have the courage to step out and do a major course change at a time when others are so locked into the routines that have become their lives. Makes you think.
I say, "Good on her!" At 70 I respect that people see me as older, yet inside I have the spirit as a young woman...just not the same desires:) If she is strong physically and mentally then this may help her stay that way.
What a good role model for you, Marie.
It's always great to hear about anyone taking charge and making changes in their life at any point and age. Good for your mom, sounds like a wonderful adventure ... and I love this image so much!
This is absolutely marvelous! Despite my own mother's moves to Kansas City and then to Texas, she never was happy with the necessity or the reality of it all, and made sure everyone around her knew it! I understood her, but always was a little sad that she couldn't take full advantage of the good health she was blessed with.
If your mother and her spouse are blessed with the same good health, they could have a couple of decades ahead of them to enjoy new adventures and the delights of a new country. Good for them! It certainly sounds as though they'll be able to deal with any challenges that come their way!
I think it's wonderful and hope I have a similar adventurous spirit at that age
Great post! So glad to see your mother is not afraid to take on a bit of adventure! I also have to applaud you for supporting her and not trying to keep her in a rocking chair!!!
How wonderful that they are able to do this! No, no one is ever to old to find and follow her/his Bliss.
Ohhhhh, WONDERFUL, Marie. How can I not say that, after doing somthing similar, except only a bit younger. Astrid is 9 years younger than I, so we understand the importance of doing these blissful things NOW, if not sooner. BRAVO. And YOU will reap the blessings, too, I just know it. Thanks for sharing. And I LOVE the accompanying image!
NEVER EVER too old!! What an inspiration they are at their age and what role models for all of us! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful update.
Respect !! Love it.
Absolutely fabulous! Nice to see the role reversal with you being the role model for your mom.
And I thought I had made a big change when I moved to a different state at age 63. I'm impressed with your mother's determination and courage. She's in for some GREAT adventures!
Thanks everyone for your kind comments on the post. Marie
Kudos to your mom and her husband for having the guts to start something new and follow their dreams and bliss. It's wonderful that they do that, and those people who say otherwise are probably just envious that they don't dare to do something like that themselvs. When my aunt and uncle moved to Berlin in their late seventies, there was much talk in the family - and they are happy as a clam! Soyes, you're never to old to follow your bliss (I hope!).
What a wonderful story, how lovely to follow their dream, your Mum sounds amazing.
Well! This is a stunner! I mean, I love it that they are older than I probably will ever be, and they are Doing IT! This is great. I don't remember who said this, but it's worth repeating:
Life is a grand adventure, or nothing.
No, you are not too old to follow your bliss. I wish I was going to Germany too...
Wow, I think it is a wonderfully fabulous thing to do "at their age!" Good for them!
You are never too old to follow your bliss, it makes me smile to hear of your mom's adventures!