Today’s tidbit: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett

In April I finished my last South Africa post and in May I shared my Western Caribbean cruise. What amazing adventures! I could not agree more with today’s tidbit. 2013 was, and 2014 has been, full of big changes and challenges that forced me to grow, learn to let go and move on. Since coming back from SA I haven’t felt like myself. I’ve been in between, not content. Craving something more, something new. When I came back many friends and family said I’m not the same. I wasn’t sure how to take it but after a few months to reflect I realize I shouldn’t think of it like a bad thing, whether that’s how it was intended or not. I think it’s good I’m not the same as when I left. I saw, felt, experienced and learned so much in those few weeks, how could I not change? It was my first real international experience (aside from Germany and India when I was in elementary school). You come face to face with things that in an instant change the way you think. Change what you value and your priorities. Change your ideas of living and what it can be. It changes you. And change is not easy but it is good, and necessary.

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” — Miriam Beard

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

{reason. confusion. trust. moving forward}

I do believe things happen for a reason. There was a reason why the SA trip came together last minute. Why I met the people I did and formed relationships. Why it all hit me so hard… so hard I couldn’t understand it myself or explain it to others. But it did. And there’s a reason for this confusion and in between…

We feel confused and sad at times so we’ll start looking for the right path. If we never question the space we’re in, how will we ever move forward? Confusion is good. Sadness is good. Questioning is good. Change is good. You may not feel it at this moment but one day you’ll look back and appreciate what you’re going through. I finally am. I’m learning to trust what’s happening. Trust that you are doing the best you can right now. Keep moving forward. There is beauty in this space if in between, too. This is all a blessing.

 “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — E.M. Forster

“It’s funny. When you leave your home and wander really far, you always think, ‘I want to go home.’ But then you come home, and of course it’s not the same. You can’t live with it, you can’t live away from it. And it seems like from then on there’s always this yearning for some place that doesn’t exist. I felt that. Still do. I’m never completely at home anywhere.” — Danzy Senna

I am grateful for this journey. What about you, do you agree? Have you had an experience that really changed you and/or left you feeling in between and craving more?

And with that I’ve got my next international adventure booked and in 6 days I will be on a plane! Check back later this week as I announce where and share some lessons I’ve come to learn. Have a wonderful week!