Life is a journey. Take the road less traveled. Not all who wander are lost. Philosophers, poets, and authors alike would like the message to sink in: life moves with or without us, so take the journey and have an adventure.
Sometimes, the journey takes us on wild goose chases, detours, U-turns, treacherous paths, and even dead ends. This can lead us to believing that the Universe, God, and the entire galactic population has stacked the life-journey deck against us.
Every now and then, we get stuck in neutral, idling away while we choose a new direction or recommit to the current one. If I am honest with you, I have been idling in the garage of my life for a while now. Running as fast and as furiously as I can, going around in circles, I just could not get unstuck.
I once heard that if you want to change your life, take a trip, a big one. The last big trip I took, well, it changed my life all right. I believe the trip was a sign that I was going in the wrong direction. The Universe put obstacles and barriers in my way throughout the journey. It was one of the most difficult and disappointing experiences in my life. I was incredibly sad that it was not only a disaster, but it signaled the end of a partnership that I wanted but was not meant to be.
Finally, the burn of that epic trip cooled and healed over time. When my good friend and business partner said, “You wanna sail on the Mediterranean coastline?” I did not hesitate to jump onboard, figurately speaking.
For the past twelve months, we have been prepping, shopping, researching, and planning the absolute bucket-list trip of a lifetime. Believe me when I say I need this journey! Heads down in work, education, and business building, I have given myself limited time to socially venture out and do life. Do not get me wrong, I spend copious amounts of time with my friends, attend events, and get out in public (ew…), but being away from more than a couple of days for work has not been on my agenda.
The great Playmaker in the Sky decided I had become a big ‘ol yawn to watch from above. This trip dropped into our laps, and the stars, moon, and planets aligned to make it happen for us. An eleven-day cruise with fourteen destinations, including extended time in Barcelona (launch) and Venice (disembark) with various delectable locations in between.
As our departure date is near, I am giddy with excitement. No longer does the sting of my last great adventure mar my spirit of curiosity, my desire to wander, and my reaction to wonder.
The road rage of my life has subsided, and I am back on asphalt, in the correct lane, headed in the right direction. I have forgiven, not forgotten, the betrayals, disappointments, and hurt that kept me stuck. I have realized those problems do not belong to me and it is no longer my business whether those involved group their poop and atone for injurious behavior.
Heading to the airport next week, I will be dreaming of my upcoming trip with a smile on my face, joy in my heart, and a lust for life that I was certain had vanished.
Truly, not just a vacation, but my own personal road to happiness redemption.
Ciao Ciao
Senora Mia