Words spilling out after my return
On the night I returned from my
five-week trip to Europe, the family I live with was hosting a pumpkin carving
party. By the time I arrived from Paris, they were done carving and were
enjoying dinner. I sat down, gave headlines from the trip and ate a bowl of
curried squash soup. It was a beautiful and autumnal return from a long and
challenging trip.
This may have been the most difficult trip I have ever taken.
Honestly I am surprised I made it the entire five weeks. But that’s another
story; it would be great if I could turn it into a screenplay. I see it as a movie starring
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tom Cruise. :) It was also a trip full of unexpected
delights, abundant insights and deep learning.
For me, travel almost always
presents opportunities to learn and grow beyond my perceived capacity. Think
personal growth boot camp, made palatable by tons of beauty and many joyous
moments and lots of good food and drink.
So, upon my return, what to do with
the complex mix of impressions, thoughts and emotions from one crazy and
intense journey?
I’m using the tools from my e-book The
Graceful Return to process the insights and
learning from my trip. While on the road, I spent a lot of time reflecting on
my work and what I want to share with my clients and readers in coming years.
Mr. B, a successful businessman, gave me a lot of feedback (some painful - think dry shave and you get it). I’m busy
sorting through it all to develop my work.
Recovering from a Mobile Lifestyle
From Part One of The Graceful
Return, I’m using several of the self-care
practices I recommend. I’m talking about my experiences with good friends, who
are helping me unpack and understand what I experienced. I’m making sure to
exercise and eat nourishing foods. Most importantly, I spend time each day
reflecting on the lessons from my trip. My notebook is packed with wildly
enthusiastic notes and sketches. I also know that this process takes time and I
may still be gathering insights months and even years later.
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