What is it about travel? A change of scenery can change your perspective. Getting out of your typical routines and problems can change your focus. And sometimes, you just need a break!
Chad and I tend to travel to larger cities that have more to see and to do than Peoria... yet we relax in these environments.
I think we are better able to let go of the problems and challenges we face everyday because they fade in comparison to how large the world is. When we travel, I witness people who have far more than we have, but also people who have much less.
Traveling opens my eyes to so many possibilities. It reminds me that choices result in the changes your life takes, the form of your existence. It makes me feel smaller yet stronger. The world is huge, and there are so many things that can capture your interest and abilities if you just let them.
New York City is enlightening to me. Maybe it's because of all the culture and the constant activity. Maybe it's because of the history and the incredible amounts of immigrants who approached our country for better opportunities. Maybe it's because we get to visit family members who live there and we get a glimpse of the city through their eyes.
I believe it is because of all these reasons and more - wrapped up into one marvelous long weekend.
I am at a crossroads in my life, but I live in Peoria and capable of making things happen. Seeing others, strangers as well as those I love, move on, grow and endure great changes to do so is inspirational. It may not be my time right now to change cities, but I can benefit from the possibility that it may happen someday.
Changes are constant in everyone's life, whether they are chosen or not. Witnessing people leave behind families and friends, risking everything, it helps me believe that I can continue as well. I also gain appreciation for what I do have and that I am able to strive for more.
I completely agree. My trip to Milwaukee this weekend took me back in time, but also made me discover some new things. I realized that I am a different person now than I was then, and am looking forward to sharing my new-found experiences with my kids!
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Amy.
ReplyDeleteI am different now than our first trip to NY five years ago, as well. Personally, I think OUR growing and changing ultimately is the main thing we need to share with our kids.
=)
Very well stated Marni. Yes, of course, I am inspired daily through Carl in the "larger" scheme of things and yet through Caleb in the "smaller" scheme of things. The intertwining of changes within our family that may happen because of things outside our family can be quite fascinating. Life is like a puzzle that seems to fit together better when you roll with the changes and learn from them.
ReplyDeleteThank you - it's true that there are global influences as well as local ones.
ReplyDeleteThe key, I think, is holding on to the changes that you feel and letting them continue to affect you and your life.
I see too many people just revert back to habit.