Tonight is the last Saturday that my family spends in this house.
We’ve lived here for coming up on 5 years.
And now we move on.
In celebration, we decided to have a bottle of red wine and watch one of my favorite movies from the past; Garden State.
It’s a story of a twenty-something … that returns home for his mother’s funeral and reconnects with his old world, old friends and life that once held his attention. After working through some emotion blocks, he is faced with the need to follow through on decisions that he knows will change his life for the better.
It’s one of those movies that highlights what I call ‘the pivot.’ Those times in our lives where big changes happen and while we are in it we don’t know exactly what those changes will bring.
In this moment, I am in the middle of a life event. My most recent ‘pivot’ and (to be honest) it’s a pretty emotional affair.
*Sigh*
Back to my thought.
I identify with the story of Garden State.
Even though I didn’t have my mother die and I didn’t experience any huge loss.. we are moving and our life will be completely different. Even though we don’t see the full repercussions of this decision; we know that things are coming that will impact my family forever. Our choice is a good one, but we still don’t know all the things coming.
It’s thought provoking to say the least.
In some odd way, the home to which we’ve lived for the last 5 years has played a huge role in my life. I consider it a personality that’s aided and abetted me through the overcoming of some major, life event challenges.
This house was the home I returned to after I was diagnosed with cancer.
This house was the home where I was served papers for the first time I was sued. And the second. And the third (which was the last; thankfully).
It was the home to which I’ve overcome countless challenges; including changes to my body, my business, my being and my relationships.
So many great parties. Bonfires. People that we love surrounding us in joyous celebration under one roof.
It was also the home that I focused on in gratitude as a safe beacon that my family needed. My journal includes pages upon pages of writing where I isolated these walls as a blessing that kept my family protected. We have lived here far longer than we technically could afford; but it always worked out in our favor.
It’s been a true blessing and I unequivocally declare that the only reason we’ve been here as long as we have is because of the unified focus of gratitude that Amie and I have devoted to our dwelling.
I love this home and I thank it for being a soft place to land for 5 years.
Anyway..
In addition to these thoughts about the ‘pivot’ that have come up, I’ve recognized that the movie Garden State played a huge role in the music I’ve enjoyed over the last ten years.
It has one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard.
Check this out..
“Don’t Panic” – Coldplay
“Caring Is Creepy” – The Shins
“In the Waiting Line” – Zero 7
“New Slang” – The Shins
“I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” – Colin Hay
“Blue Eyes” – Cary Brothers
“Fair” – Remy Zero
“One of These Things First” – Nick Drake
“Lebanese Blonde” – Thievery Corporation
“The Only Living Boy in New York” – Simon & Garfunkel
“Such Great Heights” – Iron & Wine
“Let Go” – Frou Frou
“Winding Road” – Bonnie Somerville
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Coldplay, The Shines, Zero 7, Iron & Wine, Nick Drake..
Simon and Garfunkel..
What?!? So many great artists. And the flow of the album is an easy listen top to bottom. If you’re not familiar with it, GET FAMILIAR with it.
Back to my point.
Music is a bridge for me. There are life experiences that are deep in the well of memory and are only accessed when a certain song prompts it’s recall.
It’s a powerful tool; especially when partnered with writing.
My point in sharing this is that your own personal ‘pivot’ is accompanied by great music. Even if you don’t know it, the tunes are there.
What are the tunes that have been the soundtrack for your pivot?
I’ll wrap this up with a link to a song that is technically in the Garden State movie, but not on the soundtrack. It evokes such a calmly emotion for me that I feel grounded listening to it’s prose.
I hope you enjoy it.
