To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn
A Season of Yes: Reflections from Sesimbra, Portugal
There is a season, turn, turn, turn,
And a time to every purpose under Heaven…
The last few days here on the beaches of Sesimbra have been nothing short of euphoric. Yoga, hiking, and a two-hour Tai Chi massage with a master who studied in Thailand, all surrounded by serene, endless ocean views.
This morning began with an invigorating run-walk, thanks to my new amiga Becky. It was exactly what my spirit needed.
On one of my many walks, I wandered along the beach, followed the boardwalk past the boatyard filled with fishermen, and made my way toward the lighthouse. That’s where I met Becky, the run-walker.
We connected instantly.
We talked and walked all the way back to where we were both staying. Later, we sat outside for a late lunch and toasted to new friendship. Becky is a native and currently lives in Lisbon. She has two loving parents and is sandwiched between two brothers. She was also generous with local ideas, history, and recommendations.
But more than that, we shared something deeper.
We talked about goals, plans, and what we strive for in life. It was the kind of connection that feels rare and unexpected, the kind where both people leave the conversation feeling grateful that the universe placed them in the same moment.
Two days before I met Becky, I met Susana.
We hiked together and found ourselves on a secluded beach, where we shared deep conversations about life, beliefs, and the winding paths that shape who we become. Susana has conquered fear in ways that are both bold and inspiring, from airplane jumping and plunging adventures to pursuing her Tai Chi massage certification in Thailand.
She has a gentle soul, a health-conscious spirit, and a reverence for Mother Earth that makes you pause and reconsider the way you’ve viewed life until now. We shared things with each other that we hadn’t shared with anyone else. It felt like a sacred exchange, the kind that reminds you that human connection is one of the greatest gifts we’re given.
I share all of this because the past six weeks of this journey have been filled with extraordinary people.
From Paris to the villages of Southwest France, from Cognac, Angoulême, and Bordeaux to Lisbon City Center, to the surrounding towns, including the westernmost point of Europe, and now to Sesimbra, Portugal, I have met such beautiful souls along the way.
It has felt as if every door has opened.
As if the universe has been perfectly on point.
A series of yeses.
And at every turn, turn, turn, another remarkable person has appeared, offering kindness, conversation, support, or simply presence. A mutual kinship. A quiet appreciation for one another in the moment that is now.
Julie in Paris, whom I would call my sounding board abroad.
Ilene at the Paris airport, sharing a ride and breakfast together, both of us feeling lucky to navigate our arrival side by side.
A warm group from the UK who opened their home and hospitality to me over Christmas and New Year’s.
Max, one of the kindest history buffs in all of Southwest France, who somehow had an answer for every one of my countless questions.
Oui, oui, the booster in Jonzac, thank you.
The artist in Blaye who gave me reason to pause.
The embassy notary, thank you.
Mark, “the car guy,” who fixed my little car just in time for Christmas, and asked, “Do you miss Boston?”
To which I replied, “No,” because if I did, I would not be appreciating this moment that is now.
Charlie the roofer, who truly nailed it. Charlie dropped everything during the holidays to fix a couple leaks, and said, “Be there in 12 minutes.”
Thank you.
Carla, who welcomed me to Portugal.
The yoga teacher who invited me into the quiet deck den of the studio, where we spoke for over an hour.
The woman who had dinner and drinks with me simply because we were both traveling solo, and who now wants to become my travel buddy.
And lastly, Becky and Susana, both amazing, strong, powerful women.
(And yes, my little frog companion traveler too.)
There have been so many others, too many to list, but each one has left their imprint on my heart.
I am deeply appreciative of every person who has been part of this journey.
Because loving ourselves is more than working out, eating healthy, getting massages, and getting enough sleep. Those are the fundamentals. The baseline. The necessary structure of taking care of ourselves.
But loving ourselves is also looking in the mirror and respecting who you see.
It is admiring the essence that is uniquely you.
No one else has your essence. Only you.
And what comes back in your reflection is what you put out into the world.
These people I have met along the way have reflected pieces of myself back to me.
They are love.
And I will forever cherish them.
If you are reading this, thank you for being part of my reflection on this journey. We were drawn together somehow, family, friends, and kindred spirits. And I appreciate you deeply.
Much love and light,
jMf
Scenes from the Journey
A glimpse inside the Sesimbra Maritime Museum
A bench where the older fishermen trade and barter in the early morning
Snapshots Along the Way
Boston
Until Next Time
Love & Light,
jMf
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