Travel as Reinvention

Road Worthy Thoughts On The Process of Change

Posted by Kathy on Jun 1, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

Pat and I have been traveling for almost a month now and as we were discussing what we had received from the journey,  the following thoughts came to mind:

First, although we got off to a rocky albeit expensive start, we were reminded that any journey is not without hardship and that it is in the struggle that we re-discover pieces of ourselves we had forgotten or taken for granted.  We have resources.

Second, after the hard, jaw clenching obstacles are behind you and you don’t give up, the pioneer spirit hits you.  You are more courageous than you think.

Third, the road begins to speak to and your heart begins to listen.  You tap into the part of our brain that was blocked by all the useless, life-stifling-stuff that sometimes seems important.  Your heart cracks open.

Fourth, you are blown away by the magnificence of nature, from the ocean to the Rogue River, the bear and the bald eagle, the fish in deep waters and the sea lions that eat them.  They are all in the ebb and flow of life–all connected to a larger drama. Your soul is filled and you begin to see a larger life.

So I am seeing travel as a tool for reinvention in my life. A place to take stock of our resources, take courage, let our minds take flight, and take in the big drama that is so close you can touch it.  Reinventon is all around us and life is too short to stay stuck wondering what may be around the corner.  To huddle in fear  that it won’t be safe.  I can assure you, it is not safe to stay safe.  So this Summer,  jump off the edge of your map, rediscover the girl that has resources, a heart that risks and a new way of seeing!

In memory of my cousin, Beth Boice Easterling,who possessed the heart of a great explorer.  Sail on sweet Beth.