Here I sit in the sunshine on a rooftop terrace far, far from home. While people noisily go about their business on the streets below me, I feel both relaxed and energized. I feel calm and content. I also feel excited, ready to explore this new area where I find myself. Bring it On!
The last few weeks have been difficult. We have had a few surprises that affected us negatively. One thing after another. Hard to keep a positive attitude. But, with a trip already planned and paid for, we decided it was alright to go ahead and Get Away. Problems will still be there when we return. But, taking a break seemed like an OK idea, what with money having already been spent.
Isn’t it interesting how Getting Away can calm the nerves and offer perspective? Somehow, being in a different place allows me to let go of the tension, the fear, and the lack of control. Breaking up my routine helps me to concentrate on things at hand in my current location, most especially when those things are new to me. Figuring out how to navigate the waters in unknown territory helps to give focus and occupy the mind. It’s a bit like stepping outside of myself and living in the moment. Not a bad remedy for the troubled mind.
I don’t put the troubles completely out of my mind—I don’t forget them. But, I let them descend to the middle of my thoughts, sometimes, even the bottom. When I take a minute to consider them, I feel as if I can look with a somewhat lighter heart. A refreshed brain. Being away is not a solution unto itself, but it gives me a chance to take a break, entertain new thoughts, and enjoy myself, despite the situation that is waiting for me to return. Ever had those feelings?
At this temporary homestead, with unfamiliar things all around me, I find that even my stuff looks different in this new environment. Want proof? Have you ever been involved in moving? You might meticulously pack your possessions, taking care to put things together in ways that make sense. Then, when the boxes are transported to your new location, all of them, while labeled, take on a different look, like who packed THIS way?? And, despite those descriptive labels, you can't find anything you are looking for. It’s as if an alien, who had no sense of earthly ways, packed the boxes. Has that ever happened to you? Or is it just me?
In vacation surroundings, my stuff looks different. I can't go on autopilot when I shower & dress, because I have to actually look within my collection of 3.4 ounce (100ml) or less bottles for the toiletry items that I want to use. And search through all of the clothes for the one item that I need, but can't remember if I packed. Later, walking out the door of my vacation home takes a minute or two. Deciding what I need to take with me for the day's adventures, and wondering how I will fit it into my limited choice of excursion bags. How will I make do with the items at hand? Keeps me on my toes. Paying attention, making decisions about what would normally be automatic everyday maneuvers.
Maybe that's part of the reason that going on holiday makes me feel like a different person. My focus shifts, not only when I take in new sights, but when I choose from a varied selection of cuisine, when I try to determine the best way to get from HERE to THERE, when I absorb context clues and try to fit into the local scene, when I evaluate how to let me be me in a (sometimes drastically) different environment.
I am a person who loves to explore new places and to experience what each location has to offer. No sitting around for me. I take full advantage of the opportunities at hand. I know how to have a good time, and, on this current trip, I certainly will. I certainly am. Right now, I relax on the rooftop terrace while I contemplate tomorrow’s activities. I have had sporadic communication with those who are still at home. Small decisions discussed, but no major action to be taken while we are away. No big worries of the moment. I know that there are situations for which there are no easy answers, no simple solutions. So, I pray that things will work out for the best. And, for now, I fully immerse myself into the culture and the activities here before me.
I know it’s not always possible or advisable to Get Away. But, when it is possible and appropriate, I’d encourage you to take time to go. Explore, Learn, Investigate, Receive. Whether it’s a regular spot for you or a brand new location, I think the benefits of traveling are important to help give life balance. So often we get stuck in our same-ole routines with our same-ole attitudes. Mix it up a bit. Challenge yourself.
I needed this Get Away. Very badly. If you want to find out where I am, sorry to say that you’ll have to wait. But, not for long. I’ll be blogging about this awesome location before you know it.
Where do you think I am? Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Lol.
That's all for now. I'm fixin' to get busy on some awesome plans. I will be otherwise occupied. So, like I said, please, Get Away. G'head, Get Away.