Living in the Moment- LL

Wow! Just WOW! It is hard to believe that the trip around the world that was just a dream in early 2017, is now a reality...and has come to an end.

I have SO.MANY.EMOTIONS. It is hard to synthesize them into a blog, so I’ll say right upfront that I am “still processing...”

We moved at such a pace that there wasn’t much time to sit and ponder. I began many blogs that were partially documented thoughts not fully formed into publishable content, or I finished a blog four countries after we’d “moved on” so I didn’t post it. Instead of trying to maintain a constant blogging presence, I released myself from that pressure so I could really live in the moment. ‘Letting go’ is an acquired life skill that has taken me half a century to discover.

My heart is SO FULL right now. My brain is full, too, and I know much of it will ultimately make it to pen and paper (and the website) as I fully process all the experiences the last three months have provided. For now, my contentment is simply basking in the memories as they flood my mind.

While reflecting on the amazing places visited on this transformational journey, many of the incredible, interesting and resilient people I encountered come to mind.

Like the lady on our tour bus to Giverny, who was widowed after only a month of marriage and taking the trip that was originally supposed to have been for her and her husband. Throughout her journey she kept finding hearts everywhere - in nature, on signs, all around. Love messages from her husband in unlikely places.

And the bright young woman who was our guide in Kathmandu. She shared all the pertinent info about the sites we were visiting, and as the day went on she also opened up about herself, the caste system she lives within and the arranged marriage that awaits her, as well as her desire to finish her education - though that is unlikely. She didn’t complain as she shared these things, yet I could physically feel her wistfulness.

It was such an enriching blessing to encounter so many diverse people all around the globe...from enthusiastic young backpackers and helpful hotel owners to a flamboyant Parisian chef and a journeyman bartender whose travels included places not on any bucket list I’ve ever seen.

You have to veer off the daily path to discover new things...about yourself, about others, and about the world. This fall was a big “veer” for me, a life-changing one that I’ll be pondering and learning from and sharing about for a while to come.

I'm living in the moment

I'm living my life

Just taking it easy

With peace in my mind

I got peace in my heart

I got peace in my soul

Oh, wherever I'm going, I'm already home.

- Jason Mraz, Living in the Moment