“Travel is not just seeing that new; it is also leaving being. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you close your eyes.” Jan Myrdal

I recently took a four week road trip with Brian and Gracie in Silver Girl, a 20’ sprinter RV. It’s a small space for two people and a dog, but somehow we still like each other.

I haven’t shared much about that adventure here. To be honest, while I am happy to share highlights, words escape me. I am awestruck by the beauty and magnitude of this planet we inhabit.

Some of the moments I loved were seeing lyrics written in John Lennon’s handwriting and watching rehearsal films of the Beatles early days at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A brilliant 80 degree afternoon in Madison, WI with my bare feet in the grass.

We camped on National Forest land in the pine trees and woke to a light dusting of snow and the sun pushing its way through the soft grayness of the sky. I heard the voices of the ancestors as we walked Devil’s Tower, as we walked the snow covered path in silence.

I can close my eyes and return anytime I want.

But what I keep coming back to over and over again is the present. All of that wonderment and awe is no longer where I am. It is part of who I am now, in this moment. I am more decidedly in the present moment since returning.

It occurs to me that each moment, whether I am traveling, walking Devil’s Tower, or brushing my teeth, is an open door that will close behind me. I don’t want to miss any of them.

I know I’ve spent a lot of time looking for the next door instead of being in the present moment. Thinking I’m not there yet…wherever there is. Is this just me…or you too?

When I am here now there is no worry, no fear, and no stress. In this moment, all is well.

I no longer worry about being late for something. I trust I’ll be there right on time…and if I miss it, it wasn’t meant for me. I’m telling myself a new story about living this life with freedom and ease – this one wild and precious life (thank you Mary Oliver).

This doesn’t mean I don’t have intentions and aspirations for my life. Things I would love to be and do. What I am learning more and more is that when I stop fretting about ‘getting’ to those things, somehow they naturally begin to unfold in my life.

It also doesn’t mean that I no longer have feelings of frustration or feel hurt or sadness. These are all part of the human experience. 

But in each moment, at each open door, I get to choose who I want to be and how I show up. 

This isn’t always easy. It requires slowing down, breathing more intentionally, bringing my attention to the moment and allowing the moment to be as it is. Nothing to change. Nothing to fix. Just a moment to choose who I am being. 

My love letter to you today is an invitation to imagine. Imagine being in the present moment always, at peace with yourself, and allowing life to unfold. To hear the whisper of your soul’s calling and move in that direction. 

I wonder if you can?

XO,