“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” ~Lao Tzu
Dear Universe,
Well, here I am. In London. Again. How I am this lucky, I don’t know, but I am grateful to be here, in this city I really do love and enjoy so much, once more.
It’s funny. Usually when I arrive in a new place—country, city, wherever—I feel this mix of exhilaration and anticipation. I have a few things I must see, must do and must experience before I head home. This time though, is different. It’s surprising in such a good way.
From the second the plane touched down, I’ve just felt this sense of calm. As the taxi weaved me through the streets, I noticed the familiar landmarks and even knew where we were when the driver detoured due to traffic.
Since I’m the kind of girl that gets lost without her GPS chattering away (sometimes two!), this is impressive.
I guess London has started to feel a little like a home away from home. It’s familiar. I’m comfortable. I’m in no hurry to get around and see everything immediately (partly due to jet lag, partly due to knowing I’ll get to all the spots I want in time). Instead of this over the top adrenaline pumping through me making me want to run around non-stop, I just feel relaxed.
I didn’t expect that, but I like it. If someone had told me a few years ago that I would someday soon think of London as a familiar city, I would have laughed and shrugged off the idea as completely absurd, completely impossible.
That’s life, I guess. You just never know…
“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” ~Hilaire Belloc
Don’t get me wrong! I’m very excited to be here! I’m so happy I came. But I like that I can still have the thrill of being in London without all the nervous energy to go, go, go, see, see, see, conquer, conquer, conquer.
I guess it’s called being in the moment? And I guess it’s just knowing that by the end of this trip I’ll look back with new memories, new insight, new favorite spots and a sense of happiness that I came. It will happen; it always has.
Thank you for the opportunity to be here. I’m more grateful than I can explain. I am looking forward to each and every day, whatever they bring, wherever they may take me.
Much, Much Gratitude,
A
