Simplicity & Connection Thought Leader: Kay Newton
On my recent trip to Sweden, part of my walking stick got left behind.
Leave Something Behind:
It is a long story and irrelevant to this post, other than it inspired the contents. Everywhere I go, I intentionally or unintentionally leave something behind, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. Leaving something behind is often seen as being careless and creating consequences. Yet what if those consequences are neither good nor bad – they just are?
Soul Sista One – Yin and Yang:
Kuel Life founder and thought leader, Jack Perez had invited me from Spain to play. We have talked online over the past six years. Last year, we spent a few days at my home in Mallorca. Gothenburg was our first time in a new city together (and I dragged along my husband and guardian angel to keep us out of total mischief).
Together, we realized that the connection deepens every time we are physically in each other’s presence. We are both so different, yet the same, and we complement and enlighten both worlds. We leave behind a ripple in the universe, an experience that will always be ours. It is neither good nor bad – it just is and will be forever ingrained into the history of the life of Kay and Jack.
Please note that 2024 will be no different, but you can expect a Tsunami rather than a ripple when we pick up where we left off!
Soul Sista Two – Synchronicities:
When I knew the Gothenburg trip was happening, I contacted an acquaintance, a lady I had met in Zanzibar in 2016. We had only shared 90 minutes together as we admired the stunning sunset.
The irony of this meeting was even more profound when Madlén told me she never meant to be at the Nungwi venue. She had not been wearing her glasses when leaving the airport and had got in the wrong taxi and ended up on the wrong side of the island!
Even in such a short time, this lady had left an impression. We have been friends on Facebook ever since. Over the years, Madlén’s travels through India, book writing, and photography skills have been followed avidly and admired from afar. It was so wonderful to reconnect again after such a long time.
“It was so wonderful to reconnect again after such a long time.”
Insider Knowledge:
Madlén kindly became the group’s two-day city unofficial tour guide, and it came with a magical ability to connect to the city in ways I would not have without her presence. There is no better than local knowledge of places to eat, the shortcuts across the city, and public transport routes. What I loved the most was watching an artist at work, simply collecting stories through the lens of her camera. Listening to her talk about what she sees opened my eyes (pun intended).
And again, the physical presence, being together in the same space, left a lasting impression. I am happy I made the effort to reach out. The next chapter of our story has only just begun. Call it fate/synchronicity, the universe has a plan, and we will gladly accept the challenge.
Simplicity Of Leaving Something Behind:
When we realize that our possessions are the memories we craft and the narratives we embellish in our unique ways, every decision – even the absence of one – is a choice. In the wake of our journey through time, we leave traces of our magnificence behind.
Author Bruce Coville aptly notes, “Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.”
Have The Growth Experts Got It Wrong?
Self-growth pundits often advocate shedding the past, forgiving oneself and others, discarding old thoughts and habits, and stepping out of comfort zones to propel our lives forward. These are commendable endeavors, yet can we distill it further?
What if we simply focus on two elemental steps: perpetually reaching for moonlight and nurturing our hearts to fill them with love? In midlife there is no better time to create a purposeful celestial dance of moonlight, to cast a serene glow on our existence, illuminating the path of our journey with simplicity, purpose, and boundless affection.
My Excuse To Go Back And Leave Something Behind:
Would I recommend a mini-trip to Gothenburg? Yes indeed! If you would like to know the usual tourist blurb please reach out. I am more than happy to answer questions about – what to do, see and where to eat. This city took a piece of my heart and a section of my walking stick, left behind for eternity or until I use them both as an excuse to return!
PS: Whilst typing this (no AI involved), I have been playing Paul Young’s song ‘Every Time You Go Away.’ A serious blast from the past! – https://youtu.be/nfk6sCzRTbM?feature=shared
P.P.S – Images provided from Madlén Hjelmroth.
Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.
About the Author:
Kay is the founder of Midlife Strategies, an award-winning International Speaker, and enthusiastic author. She is an acknowledged expert guiding women to find their mojo, through the Midlife Squeeze.
Kay’s books include:
- ‘The Art of Midlife Stress Busting – Seven Steps to Declutter Your Mind Without Pills or Potions’
- ‘How to Clean Your Home Organically – De-Stress Your Surroundings’
- ‘Tips and Tricks For Stress-Free Downsizing – A Step by Step Guide to Moving On’
- Co-author of the six Kindle books in the ‘Quick Fix For’ series, and a contributing author to ‘Hot Women Rock’ and ‘A Journey of Riches’.
Today, Kay lives a simple life next to a beach in Mallorca, Spain. You can find Kay here: www.KayNewton.com.
