All will be okay on a trip away!

                                                                        

                                                              

I just got back from a trip. I don't particularly like trips until I get on the trip. This trip was no different. If you ask me if I want to take a trip, I'll most likely respond, "not especially."

I'm basically a homebody. I have a lot of homebody responsibilities - as you do. It's a challenge for me to let these go. What about you?

Another thing...There is so much prep work to be done prior to a major trip. Things to buy that you will need and things to take care of before you leave. Granted much fewer to-do's than when we had to write out the 20-page document detailing every possible scenario for every child. But there are still duties to do. This trip we needed new luggage, new bathing suits, new shoes, sunglasses, new laundry bag, magnetic clips, wrinkle remover...the list goes on and on...

Would it be worth all the effort? If you were to ask me in advance, I'd most likely respond, "not especially."

My growing-up family traveled far and often. My mother worked for an airline so we enjoyed flight privileges. They were a privilege in deed. I suppose I got traveling out of my system. My husband's growing-up experience was the opposite. His travel was next to none. Traveling is now high on his bucket list. It doesn't make my list at all. Is it fair or right for me to deprive him of fulfilling his bucket list wishes? I say not..."especially not."

As I turned my calendar to a new month and a new year, I needed added motivation. Travel is not just at the top of my husband's list, but also at the top of his topics of conversation. "Where are we going next?"

So, a big trip was planned to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. It's his anniversary too. He has a right to at least half the vote of how we commemorate the occasion. It's also a great thing that I'm wanted as his travel companion and that we enjoy each other's company.

Yes, our anniversary is in January. Why? Hardly anyone else gets married at that time. I didn't consider the ramifications when planning a January wedding many moons ago. I just wanted to get hitched to my man and did so as soon after the holidays as I could. Would I change that now? Not hardly. I'll keep things just as they are making the most of it.

January is when the rest of the population is getting back on the band wagon and into the swing of things. They are making lofty goals to accomplish what they let falter over the holidays. My debut children's picture book should be promoted. There's much writing to do. My closets need organizing. My dog needs a bath. Others have a resolution to lose that 10 pounds that crept onto their waistline. I was getting ready to gain 5 pounds in a week eating nonstop on a take-it-all-in cruise.

My volunteer engagements were beginning again during the exact same week I would be gone. My goals would be on hold until we got our feet back on dry ground. Is that all that bad? Will my volunteering, my writing, my closets, and my dog survive? Most likely. Most certainly, yes!

So...we get in that car...that plane...that shuttle...that ship. Was I pumped and excited to go? "Not especially." Did I enjoy our time together? "Yes, immensely!"

We needed that. We all need these times / these moments to step out of our routine to reconnect. 

There will come a day and a time when we won't have the health or the energy to venture on. So onward we go today. There's no day like today for:

• more hand-holding than eye-rolling
• more pondering and planning than griping and demanding
• more kisses and hugs than jeers and snubs
• more moon-lit nights than hurt-filled fights
• more memories to share and ways to show care

Was it all worth it? You bet. Empty Nest provides the time, the resources, and the freedom to just go.

 As a popular shoe brand would say, "Just Do It!" 

As a popular Disney character would say..."Let it go." 

May we all be willing and eager to LET IT GO so we can GO AGAIN! 😎😎