This past Sunday night in Dubrovnik, there was a fireworks show. It was to celebrate the opening night of their summer arts festival — a festival of music, exhibitions, dance and theatre. The evening was pleasant and breezy.
I watched the display from the balcony of my Airbnb. Situated on a hill, looking toward the old town, I had a direct-line view. I held my iPhone on the balcony railing to keep it steady, then hit record. And for once, I decided to ignore the screen and watch the entire show in real-time.
I enjoyed the colours and variety of fireworks. I noticed the family who had gathered on the street below. They’d timed their dog walk to coincide with the show, and the dog didn’t mind the noise. I noticed the lineup of cars that had stopped along the zig-zag mountain road that leads into town, their headlights reminding me of a string of lights on a Christmas tree. Their view overlooking the Adriatic and the old town would have been lovely too.
I noticed the voices from nearby homes chatting in Croatian with the international firework language of oos and ahhs.
I wondered what memories the loud explosions brought back to those who lived through the war here not so long ago. I’d seen a photo exhibition depicting the preparation to try to save treasured buildings and artifacts from the inevitable shelling. It also showed some of the damage caused over the worst days of the war, which lasted from 1991 to 1995. Yet now they’ve rebuilt. Holes have been repaired. It’s hard to imagine anything other than peace and celebration in this city that feels idyllic and safe.
I marvelled at it all and thought, as I have countless times over these past ten months, “This is my life!” I’ve been mindful of being present and in the moment, not letting this experience simply wash over me but cleanse and rejuvenate me. I’ve been learning, experiencing, and enjoying it all.
When the show ended, I looked down at my phone to discover I’d missed hitting the record button. Not a moment was digitally captured.
Thankfully it was indelibly captured in my heart.
This week I invite you to notice when you’re fully present and when you’re not. What moments will you want to remember that you’ll miss if you’re not careful? What moments do you want to create that you’ll regret if you don’t start soon?
If you’re ready to start listening to and trusting the whispers of your heart but aren’t sure how to begin or you’d like some guidance, I invite you to take my on-demand course called, Write To Your Heart. It will help set you on the path to a heartfully happy life. To learn more, click here.
