Travel iii – As Summer Winds Down
“And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more” ~ Erica Jong
I have been on some great road trips this year (Penticton & Naramata, Seattle, and all over New Mexico), and most recently to the Pacific Northwest (Camano Island & Long Beach, Washington, and Newport & Portland, Oregon – which means I’ve been to two Long Beach locations this year (WA and CA). I’ve also been on a few work-related trips, but have not always had time to blog about these.
A vacation is one thing – a rest, a get-away, a refresh and a reset of one’s body and mindset. Yet, road trips are the most inspirational for me. Even as I’m planning them, I feel a surge of excitement inside, anticipating the moment the trip begins, driving down an open highway, XM radio providing the soundtrack for the winding miles (where the best singing is done, of course!). I know I will see new things. My mind’s eye is primed and open to receive new ideas, meet new people, and to see/feel how life is for others in different places. Wherever I travel, this kind of discovery never disappoints! This time, the highlight in Oregon was ATVing on the sand dunes. This is what freedom feels like!
Yes, there is always slight trepidation when travelling alone (car, hotel, safety, being by myself in an unknown place, or just getting lost) can be a reality, but I trust my instincts, and the main risk I take is the leap of faith in setting out on the unknown road. It’s more of a calculated risk, then. My fear of not discovering, moving, seeing, growing, is stronger.
With this, I wind down my last road trip for the summer in Portland. I treasure these last few days of summer break before the embarking on two new endeavours (as mentioned in my last post): First, moving to a four-day work week as I continue graduate studies in counselling psychology. Second, I’m setting up in my new rehearsal space (a private studio). Let the new music begin!
“I have lived my life according to this principle: If I’m afraid of it, then I must do it” ~ Erica Jong
