“Count your blessings; be better at counting your blessings than you are at numbering your complaints” – Psalm 66
Transitioning from a vibrant Trinidadian lifestyle to the more serene rhythms of living in Barbados has come with its share of contrasts. It’s been a journey marked by both ease and struggle, and though some days feel like they brim with obstacles, we have resolved to count our blessings and maintain a positive outlook.
The gentle 25 miles per hour breeze, which is characteristic of a flat island like Barbados, has compensated somewhat for the high temperatures at this time of the year. Trinidad: cheap AC running costs. Barbados: choosing from among multiple spots to catch the delightful perennial breeze.
In fact, this approach has been the key to smoothing out life’s bumps – except, of course, for the literal potholes scattered along our roads, which are slated to be fixed as part of a long-term project that will require a deep well of patience.
This mindset has helped my spouse and I adapt and thrive in this final quarter of our lives. We are learning that each day offers opportunities to give thanks rather than to grumble. Instead of dwelling on frustrations, such as the more than two-month wait for our personal belongings to finally arrive by sea, we remind ourselves to be grateful for what we do have.
While our new home remains partially unsettled and my office setup is reduced to a small laptop screen, these inconveniences are softened by our sense of appreciation, adventure and humor.
Health challenges have also cropped up, testing our patience and resilience. Dental emergencies, the frustrating development of hearing loss, and even the unnerving experience of a retinal hemorrhage could easily become sources of prolonged stress. But we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of family and friends who have helped us navigate the Barbadian health care system. Their assistance, combined with our determination to address each health issue systematically, has made these moments far more manageable than they would have been if faced alone. It is yet another reminder of the importance of community and the healing power of human connection.
And then there are the numerous opportunities to nurture our spirits by enjoying events and gatherings that uplift the mind, body, and soul. From attending cultural shows to spending leisurely afternoons at beachfront cafés, our social calendar has become a bountiful resource, ensuring we don’t get bogged down in focusing on what’s missing or imperfect. Our days are enriched with activities that inspire joy and deepen our bond with our new home.
One unexpected blessing we’ve discovered is the relief of not owning a car. At this stage in life, we thought not having a vehicle might make us feel stranded or limited. But the reality has been quite the opposite. We’ve gained far more than we lost. For starters, there are the financial savings – no car payments, no insurance liabilities, no gas expenses, no surprise repair costs. Instead, there’s priceless peace of mind: no night driving, no worries about parking availability, and a greater sense of safety. We’ve learned to optimize the use of taxi and hired car services and enjoy the simplicity of a slower pace and letting others “take the wheel”, using our time to explore our surroundings on foot whenever possible, which is also a bonus to our exercise program.
Every day in Barbados brings something new, whether it’s a reminder to let go of what we cannot control or an invitation to appreciate the simple pleasures of island life. We are grateful for every lesson, every friendship, and every moment of quiet contentment. The transition may have its rough edges, but as we reflect on where we are, the blessings far outweigh the bumps. And so we continue forward, hearts full and ready for whatever comes next.
(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com).