Chain-Chain-Chains

You know, for 20 years I never went anywhere.  Work all the time, just work.  I talked about vacations, adventures, trips here and there, but never made it happen (pointed out quite vehemently by a lifelong friend who has been trying to budge me to go to Scotland with her for years. I'm so sorry Cat) I mean it's always been something: money (or lack thereof), family, work, health, whatever, I'm always busy and looking for more time in my day. Then, on impulse I went somewhere, last minute - ticket today, gone tomorrow.  And you know what? It changed a lot in my life. It changed me is what I'm sayin'. I realized I could go and leave work and not worry (too much).  And, gee, I don't know exactly how to say it, but I feel like I've released myself from a lot of chains - and not just the Vacations Are Bad for Business chain. 

This silly impulse trip affected me enormously.  It presented the possibility of making a commitment. On the way home from "the chain-breaking cruise" I made a commitment to travel to a friend's graduation in June 2009, no matter what is going on in my life, no matter where I'm living, I gave her my promise to be there, and she was thrilled, she never expected that!  She has been going to school nights, working full time days and I am so in awe of her commitment to finish I felt attending her graduation was so small in comparison to her accomplishment.  We've been friends for 24 years, and I love her so much. Her reaction made me realize I've missed a couple of important moments in other friends' lives as well. I see now I should have been there at those times that were "momentous" for whatever reason, and I'm not living that way any more.  And that, is a commitment to myself I will keep.

I'm sure somewhere in my life I've heard some adage about successfully breaking one habit gives you light to breaking other habits, taking steps forward along the path.  I am trying really hard to put into words the scope of how this one impulse trip of 7 days has opened doors, turned on the lights. I feel refreshed, with new eyes so to speak.  Am I making any sense at all? It seems certain chains have clicked into focus and I had to consciously face them and now, by removing them, I am a better person, a better friend.

I know, sounds like a lot for such a small, uneventful trip to basically nowhere.  I didn't go to Stonehenge and chant by the spring equinox moon (or any moon for that matter), I didn't see Jaguars in the jungles of Belize, climb to Machu Picchu or even see a ghosty ghost in a far off castle in the Scottish Highlands (a particularly favorite trip I've dreamed about).  What I did do was simple, a small turn of the key in the door. (Lock the Door, Unlock the World? sounds like something from Heroes, hmmm...) To leave my world completely behind, stuff undone, mail unanswered. No computer (yes, I had a cell phone but negligible opportunity to use it), no contact with my everyday world. And wow, I made it, my business made it, and well, life is now more better!

I already have 2 more trips planned, tickets done and one is even 4 months away! That is h-u-g-e people! Well, for me it is.  Some people plan trips a year or more in advance and I've never figured out how they do that.  I mean how do you know your life will be such that a year from now you can go there, do that?  

And since I'm not on a diet anymore, remember?  habitual nourishment is the way of it - well, the world of travel and adventure holds a lot less worry and a lot more excitement.  A week from tomorrow I'm off on another adventure and it's all good - I'm good.

PS My Zodiac Widget starts with "Today, an impulse will be your saving grace. .." So I'm looking forward to that impulse - and yes, I'm going for it! PL&F y'all

*See yesterday's post for Zodiac Widget info*

I've been asked about PL&F - so for those of you too young to know and those too old to remember! PL&F stands for Peace, Love and Flowers - ah, now you remember.  All together now: "I knew that."