It is not necessarily at home that we best encounter our true selves. The furniture insists that we cannot change because it does not; the domestic setting keeps us tethered to the person we are in ordinary life, who may not be who we essentially are.
~ Alain de Botton
We have ventured overseas, beyond the habits of home.
When I started to prepare for the trip, I set the intent to break the habit of being myself. I had a vision that somehow the trip would present the opportunity to transform, to connect more, to have more fun.
A few days before our departure, as I started to pack, I decluttered and purged anything that was taking up space and no longer serving me well. Travel would be a fresh start.
We have been away for eight days now. I have yet to manifest my intent.
Celebrating small victories
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.
~ Charles Darwin
On a positive note, I have experienced unprecedented success in physically adapting to the change in time zones. Within a few nights I started sleeping soundly. Although we are eating dinner too close to bedtime, I am processing food well and feeling energetic.
Dinner time here is lunch time at home. We have more digestive power mid day, but that hasn’t helped me in the past, so I celebrate this small victory.
One-of-a-kind vacation experience
Society eats away at my soul while my heart looks on.
~ Anthony T. Hincks
The food is nutritious and delicious. The weather is perfect. Our accommodations are luxurious. The itinerary is well thought out. Other travellers on our small cruise ship have fascinating stories to tell and the staff thoughtfully cater to our every need.
Our flight from Toronto to Venice was pleasant and all stops throughout Croatia have exceeded my high expectations.
A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to create a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. I have zero complaints and much appreciation.
But contrary to my intent, I have failed to connect. With nothing to do but enjoy the ambiance, I am lost in thought, unable to fully relax. I'm not unhappy yet it would be a stretch to claim I am having fun.
Could my conscience, that little voice in my head, be trying to tell me something?
Thank you for caring to read this and thoughtfully commenting, Renée. We are now home. I learned I numb a busy mind by doing. So many stories in my head but it was not the time nor place to write them. Sending a warm hug
This is very powerful and deeply meaningful. Your capacity to express the subtle nuances in life is refreshing.
Your ability to speak with such clarity about being on a luxury cruise but still feel disconnected is not often talked about and examined. Our expectations of what really brings fulfillment is often too simplistic. You describe eloquently that it is our inner state that has a profound effect on how we experience the outer world. Thank you