Where to? Such a simple but complex question….

Way before Lift and Uber you would catch a cab to your destination…

The first question before you’re fully in the car is “where to?”

At this moment, I hear “where to?”

I’m sitting in the backseat and all I can muster up to say is “just drive but don’t bring me back here.”

Today’s background sound/track: I Won’t Go Back-William McDowell

I keep thinking, I’ve seen the Garden of Eden aka the Serengeti. I can’t simply go back to life as it was. The Garden of Eden represents an idyllic, perfect place where the first humans lived in harmony with nature and had a direct relationship with God. Key themes associated with the Garden of Eden include innocence, abundance and a state of unspoiled beauty. 

Yes, Africa made a difference, but it’s so much more than just Africa. It’s been a gradual shift in mindset for me. It has been slowing down and pausing. 

 When I look over the hundreds of moments that were captured I see JOY. Pure joy! Honestly joy that I had not seen in myself before. The GLOW was real! I started to noticed as my time in Africa drew to a close I could see the difference in my photos. My soul knew my visit was coming to an end. The thought of what all awaited me as soon as I stepped off the plane started to try to creep in.

I knew 2 years before my trip to Africa was close to reality that Africa would be the hard reset I needed. 

I want to hang onto that joy. I want more genuine joyous moments! I don’t want to get readjusted to the life I had prior to boarding my flight to Africa. Everyone keeps saying I hope you’re adjusting back to life…I hope things are back to normal.  I’m like don’t wish that on me LOL. I keep saying this isn’t it! I don’t want the old life back. 

I’m taking my precious time responding to messages and downloading certain apps. The timing of a new phone was perfect too. There are some conversations I can’t go back to. While I was in Africa I wasn’t concerned about what was happening back here. I was unconnected and present. As I’m slowly scrolling back through my timelines (which aren’t always current) I’m like oh dang I forgot that was happening when I was away. 

There may have been tragedy happening all around me but I had no idea. We were fairly unplugged majority of the trip. Wi-Fi was generally only available in the common areas of our lodging accommodations. *I decided I wanted to try to avoid additional phone fees, which is why I primarily relied only on wi-fi*

Where to from here? 

That’s the great question today. I know there’s so much more out here waiting for me. I always knew travel would awaken something in me that I wouldn’t be able to put away again. 

What can I carry with me each day moving forward? 

Laughter

Genuine smiles 

Long embraces 

Being easy…easy to love

Curiosity about what’s hiding in plain sight

Excitement about the unknown 

Gratefulness 

Stay tuned to hear more about my safari adventure!