one month.
and my life takes a turn in yet another direction . . .
we've been loosely planning it, we've been looking forward to it. now it's actually H.E.R.E.
my family and i become global nomads in one month.
with a "grand opening" adventure of 6 countries in 5 weeks. we're traveling to the european continent for an extended field trip. spain, france, switzerland, italy, monaco, and portugal. we will delight in as many adventures as we possibly can. while driving endless miles and encountering unknown situations.
we've been journeying to various places in the world for several years. we've visited many u.s. cities and states. we've driven down the alaska-canada highway, through the yukon territory and british columbia. we've spent time in vietnam, and also in china. several south american countries have become favorites. (especially argentina and our apartment in the sky.) but those have all been test runs. rehearsal trips for the real thing. we've always had what i'll call a simulated life to return to.
one that often felt like playing house to me. as if it wasn't permanent or real in some way. a make-believe attempt at a traditional life. that somehow never completely fit my style.
and i think it's because the essence of who i am is different. it always has been. it's taken me awhile to discover and embrace it. i've tried to fit in. i've also laughingly shunned the crowd. but i wasn't being true to myself in either case.
bottom line? i don't usually do things the way others do things. so now? i am fully and without apology ME.
it's okay for me to dig up my roots and open my wings. because it's who i am. i know that i don't manage as well when i stay in one place. and i don't have to try anymore.
a permanent residence is no longer part of the landscape. we've made the last break from conventionality. and are free to live the untethered lifestyle that we've been craving. this decision hasn't been without its hiccups though, like:
seeing my 15-year-old son occasionally hesitate to come on board (with the wild ideas his parents devise)
leaving behind the pets that we adore sometimes (while ensuring their safety and comfort)
witnessing my two sons approach life in unique ways (which allow them few commonalities with their peers)
feeling overwhelmed at the minutia and the logistics (despite my notebooks filled with lists)
keeping up with an online business (in terms of personal discipline, technical issues, etc)
homeschooling wherever we happen to be (which calls for a certain amount of imagination and flexibility)
supporting my husband in his entrepreneurial ventures (even though he's quite experienced in this area)
we've all learned to adapt and survive. and we'll continue to adjust as needed. everyone is different. this way of life may not suit other people. and i understand and appreciate that.
but i have found my essence. and i feel content. and purposeful. and alive. and happy.
how do you define your essence?
have you been able to integrate who you know you are with the way you interact with your world? maybe you're just about to take the plunge. or perhaps you're still holding back, unsure of how to proceed.
i understand each step of this internal expedition.
contact me if you'd like to explore a bit further, if you would appreciate gentle guidance. i love assisting others as they make this thrilling discovery. i so enjoy the thoughtful comments i receive from you. thank you. and please feel welcome to say more. tell me about your essence quest. [maxbutton id="1"]