As I write this, I am at the airport, awaiting my international flight to Paris. It’s my first international trip since I have begun a full time job 9 months ago. Although I’ve had mini holidays the past year, nothing of this extent. I will be gone for ten days. To the old free-spirited wanderluster, this amount of time is nothing, but to the me in a full time job, it’s a lengthy amount of time. There were so many little things that arose last minute to prepare for the weeks leading up to it: confirming with work, clients, fellow staff members, dog sitter, shuttle company, neighbors, family and friends.
I made the final touches to my luggage this morning. As I closed the zipper on my backpack, my Black Madonna keychain broke off. Automatically, it served as a reminder the journey was officially starting. There was no turning back.
Experiences are amplified when you take a long haul trip, and in this there is a realization you have to let go and allow the trip to unfold. Some things may go as planned, some may not. But in a time crunch, you must surrender that the travel guides and gods will protect you on your journey. You will be watched over and it will be what it will be.
There are mysteries that arise on journeys that may not be understood until reflection. Life will go on back home without you, but time will be stretched on your trip. Regardless of how much stress a trip may cause, the experiences gained are generally worth it.
It Only Takes A Smile 