“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” – Rumi
Alex and I had a home on Lake Nacimiento in Central California for close to 20 years.
This was our little “get away,” where we were nurtured by Mother Nature herself… no internet, no cable, no malls, no movie theaters, no restaurants. We were entertained by the most glorious oak trees, deer, birds of all sorts, mice, the lake and great neighbors, who not only became our dear friends but also the lifeline for lake living to most of us who had vacation homes up there.
During its heyday, we would bring our children up to the lake on their school vacations. As you can see from the photo, riding jet skis and four-wheelers were probably the highlight for our kids. Although we all enjoyed playing games and watching movies on DVD, our home was truly special because of the beautiful lake.
I recall waking early one morning, coffee in hand, walking outside and seeing someone water skiing on the pristine surface of the water while the boat towing him was blasting Annie Lennox and Al Greene’s “Put a Little Love in your Heart”.
I thought to myself, what a resounding song to hear first thing in the morning… not sure if late sleepers appreciated it, but I certainly did.
Time passed…
and unfortunately visiting our lake house took a backseat to the children’s school schedule, friends, our aging parents, pets and other life commitments. My husband would get up there more often on his own – for maintenance and perhaps some much needed time alone – and the two of us would try to go up a few weekends per year, but it wasn’t all that frequent. This past year, we realized that our home was becoming more of an obligation than an inspiration, and that is was time for us to sell it.
Bittersweet is the perfect word to describe the feeling I have about the sale of our home. Letting go isn’t always easy, however I have the fond memories that will always remain in my heart; all while knowing that another family will get the chance to create their own wonderful experiences, like we did.
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Maria Shriver & Jean Trebek discussing spiritual and mental tools they use regularly and their desire to uplift, inform, inspire those around them.
THANK YOU, ALEX
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Jean’s beloved husband, Alex Trebek
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By JEAN TREBEK
Jean is a Professional Religious Science Practitioner, Reiki Master and Sound Healer. She grew up on Long Island, NY, and now lives in Los Angeles. She has two wonderful adult children, Matthew and Emily, with her beloved late husband, Alex. Jean enjoys taking long walks, watching movies, and traveling. She is very grateful for her family, friends, Luna (the dog) and good coffee.
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Hi Jean, I really related to your beautiful post this morning about “letting go” of something that is dear to you. Last year my wife and I reluctantly “let go” of the one bedroom Santa Monica rent control apartment she lived in when we met 25 years ago. We,too, had so many fond memories, especially walking along the beautiful SM bluffs and breathing the wonderful brisk air. But in recent years, we found ourselves rarely using it–it was not on our minds because our focus and time commitments were elsewhere–and felt it was time to let it go
and let others enjoy it. Warm regards, Danny
I find it difficult to remember sometimes that it’s okay to let things go. I often want to hold on to things because they represent a memory that I don’t want to forget. However, I have to remind myself that the memory will always be there with or without the item that I’m clinging to so dearly. Thanks for the reminder that when we let go we allow others to hold on to something new, enjoy and hopefully create equally good memories.
Letting go is not always easy, My wife passed away guide suddenly 7 yrs ago at age 47.She had a bleeding ulcer that we were both unaware. She told me she was sick to her stomach and felt she was going to get sick and vomit. She went into the bathroom and when she came out she was as white as a sheet.He breathing was abnormal and within 1 minute she stopped breathing and her heart stopped beating.I was 61 at the time, in other words I was considerably older then her. I hope that Alex and u are able to spend many more years together, if at anytime now or in the future u feel the need to talk feel free to contact me via my email.Sincerely Richard P Woida Sr
Bittersweet is a feeling that
That when we cling to it for awhile, we are able to sort things out in our mind and feel comfortable with our decisions.
Thank you for reflecting on this.
Wonderful
Hi Elaine…you’re so right, taking time to feel right with our decisions is so important.
Love you!
I loved your story. Bitter sweet indeed. But I know we are always making space for more good. Things shift and change and love remains.
Hi Maureen,
Thinking of you with love and gratitude…thanks for all your support.
XOXO
I can only imagine how difficult this decision was. So many memories made there. Anytime you feel the need to return to lake life, I can hook you up at our family retreats in NC and GA but you’d get me in the deal 🙂
Thanks, Lynn…
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Jean
Jean, your post really resonated with me. I hate letting go of places that are dear to me. I am very sensitive to my surroundings and get over-attached to places. Intellectually, i realize that what i am really attached to is the love they represent, but emotionally that doesn’t always help.
Also, i love, love, love the photo.
Thanks, Beth! You especially know the little girl in the photo 😉
Love to you.
“Letting go” does not have a good reputation in our world. The “good rep” goes to “achieving,” “collecting,” “accomplishing,” and “accumulating.” The thing is I feel a bit hypocritical to acknowledge that “letting go” … which might seem a Godly act .. is actually of achieving … peace; collecting … memories from the past to enrich the present (and future), accomplishing an act that celebrates we are more than our things, more than our memories (when they enrich the present (or future) and accumulating choices that free us from encumbrances that no longer remnant with us. Bravo, you, Jean. I trust letting go of obligations such as this property of memories also allows you and your family to embrace … peace and upliftment. Please keep sharing your perspectives with us. Yours, Living in Concert with Life!, Dean
Thank you, Dean…my dear friend.
That’s one of the greatest life-hacks, applicable to many situations— how to let go graciously.