Gratitude for Travel

Winding down my trip and ready to be home

This trip has been so wonderful and nourishing. It has reminded me that I don’t spend enough time in nature, and I need to change that.

On this trip, I spent time in the jungle, at various beaches and ocean shores, on the side of a volcano, at an alpaca farm, at a lavendar farm, and out on and in the ocean.

I also used my body in more ways than I normally do.

I’m re-committing to getting some kind of exercise outdoors every day, whether a walk, a bike ride, rollerblading, kayaking, or paddle boarding.

I also should be doing my 20-minute yoga routine 2-3 times a week as it includes stretches, strength training, and some abdominal strengthening. I don’t know why getting motivated to “exercise” is such a challenge for me. I always feel great after I do it, but I think it’s that I think I should be doing something else with that time. When, in reality, there is nothing else I should be doing that’s more important than staying healthy. As I age, I must prioritize staying strong and healthy. Otherwise, what is the point?

I’m ready to be home now and do some hibernating with Libby. (I’m not used to spending this much time around another human.) Joe has been amazing, though, and is a great host! We’ve had so much fun and so many great meals together. His dog, Bailey, has been a great snuggle partner to help me miss Libby less.

But I’m ready for some true alone time to get organized and focused. Focus has not been the theme of this trip! In fact, quite the opposite. It’s been a time to not think about all my goals and the tasks that need doing.

One thing I decided to do while I was here was give Free Hugs. I didn't bring a sign, but I had my t-shirt and walked around with it one day in Wailuku. These two girls in a juice shop were so excited to hug me. ❤️

I’m inspired to give Free Hugs in every state now. This was the hardest one to get to! So that’s going on my list of life goals. Two down. Forty-eight to go.

I have a lot to think about with regard to what I’m going to do this year and what I want my 6th decade to look like.

I want to be seen as a leader, but in what? Joyful living, perhaps. I was actually contacted while on this trip about a valuable opportunity that I hope comes to fruition. It is in line with where I want to go, and I think the timing is impeccable. Stay tuned for more details on that as I get them.

I didn’t do much work on this trip but need to jump right back in when I get back as I have a few projects to finish. I’m grateful to have gotten a few inquiries lately and hope to secure a few interesting projects this spring.

As it turns out, my laptop crashed 3 times in the weeks before I left, so I didn’t bring it with me. This was fine, but I need it to be functional as soon as I get back.

My amazing bestie who lives in my building was very kind to deliver it to my computer repair guy who diagnosed it with a bad battery and should have it fixed by the time I get back. I’m so grateful to the amazing people in my life, without whom I could accomplish nothing.

By the time you read this, I should be home decompressing in my sunny sanctuary.

Land Bound

As it turns out, Hawaii is one of the most remote places in the world. For this reason alone, I probably wouldn’t have come here without some reason. It’s the longest distance I’ve ever traveled (4600 miles) by plane.

With my van coming in June (hopefully), I will probably not be flying again for a while. I mean, I’m getting the van to go on road trips, and I want to do that. I can’t be traveling too much each year because I have a cat, and it’s not always easy to work on the road. So I want to prioritize this van as it’s been a dream to travel around the country for like 25 years!

So this trip to Maui might be my last hurrah for a while as far as “exotic places.” Having said that, there are a lot of exotic places I can drive to! And I can bring an inflatable paddleboard with me. And snorkel gear. And my bicycle. And all the gear I need to spend quality time in the great outdoors. I can have so many adventures right here on the mainland of the good old U.S. of A.

Currently

Sitting on the porch of Joe’s condo looking out at the space between three islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Already starting to think about out how I will Tetris all my stuff (including way too many things I bought) into the bags I have. Between my Delta credit card and the fact that I splurged on Delta One on the first leg of the way back, my suitcase can apparently weight up to 70 pounds! But I don’t think 70 pounds worth of stuff will fit in it! Oye. I’m still weighing whether I should buy a sturdy duffle bag as a second checked bag (also free for me on this trip) or just improve my tetris skills and make it work. I do have a second checked bag that currently has some of my purchases in it, but it’s kind of heavy. My problem solving skills will be put to the test!

Wondering if maybe I should finally go in the pool because it’s so humid today. Better late than never.