I’ve been on the road for the last three weeks straight. Amsterdam, London and Singapore.
Hyde Park, London. A sunny winter walk
Amsterdam: bikes and canals
Singapore at sunset
Five years ago, if you had told me that I would travel around the world (literally) I would have mused “I wish.” I knew I wanted it, was putting energy and focus to it, but it wasn’t happening yet. Since then, I’ve been to ten countries. Mostly for work, but I always take a what free time I have and explore. Each city has a character all it’s own. Sure there are sights to see, and food to eat (all amazing). But I love learning the character of a place. What is the energy, what is the smell, pace, the personality. Every where I’ve been, one thing rings true: humans are more the same than we are different. I’ve made friends all over the world and my life is richer.
Home sweet home
The other thing that stands out to me as I travel is the need for home. The innate need for a place that is yours! That sense of home is different for everyone and can be filled in many ways, but everyone needs their spot. The spot where you land and don’t have to work hard to be there. For me, it’s my SO, my family and my house in Atlanta. Today I’m sitting on my front porch on a warm winter day, listening to the birds, watching my dogs laze about, enjoying the blooms on my favorite tree. When I was walking to yoga in my neighborhood this morning, I was stuck by how much being present to this place helps me be present to the other places I travel. I have roots, so I feel I can stretch taller and grow wider.
Some may say that home and travel contradict each other, but for me, both of these things can live, even thrive in my BigLifeVision. It’s about energy and focus. When on the road, focus on the growth, the opportunity and adventure. When home, focus on the sense of belonging, the peace and the safety. When on the road, remember where you belong. When home, focus on where you want to explore next.
Today I celebrate the balance of home and travel in my life, and I know it’s the result of my focus, my belief, my BigLifeVision.
What’s your vision?