Exploring New Places

I was having lunch with a friend recently, and we were talking about all the fun places we wanted to go. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I think the perspective you get, exploring new places and seeing how other people live, is invaluable. My friend knows this, and we were having fun talking about it.

“Dara, if you could go anywhere, right now, where would you go?”

Immediately, I started listing far away places, big cities to have fun in, and tiny towns to explore. Most of my list was located over the big blue ocean, and would take an airplane, time, and money.

We talked about all the fun we would have, if we actually got to travel together one day, and we were enjoying dreaming about our little adventure. I was ready to go home and pack.

I left lunch with a smile on my face, dreaming about far away places, and adventures I want to have.

I don’t need to explore new places, I’m happy to be at home.

When I got home, walked into my house, and sat down, I realized something. Something important. Something wonderful.

I’m exactly where I want to be.

I don’t need to go anywhere else. I don’t need to get on an airplane. I don’t need to spend a lot of time and money.

I’m happy, right where I am. I can travel from one room to the next, in my own house, surrounded by things I love. I feel safe and happy at home. I am comfortable, loved, and appreciated, (most of the time). It’s where I laugh a lot, and spend time with the people who mean the most to me. Every day with my family is it’s own new adventure, and that’s just fine with me.

Sure, who doesn’t like going on vacation? It’s fun. But, I can make my own fun right in my own house. It might take a little effort, but the payoff is huge.

Sometimes, we have to be willing to look a little harder, and do a little extra work, but there are fun experiences waiting to be had, right in front of us. Let yourself look for them, find them, and do the work.

If you’re feeling a little bored, think about something that excites you: have a party, take a class, try baking a new recipe. Then, do it. The world is yours to discover, right in the privacy of your own home. It might take a little effort, but it’s worth it. I promise.

What are you waiting for?

Find meaning each day,