When you can’t be grateful, until it’s all said and done…
Yes, I said natural habitats and before this confession gets any stranger, let me explain. I’m not writing to a caring, possibly overbearing guardian or a distant, fairly new companion. This is actually a letter addressed to a destination I recently visited. But I can definitely see why this would seem like a letter to someone rather than something. Boundaries, needing distance, that’s all vital relationship stuff. Yet, I recently experienced that boundaries or rules exist also to protect beautiful and delicate landscapes. I chose this place for its distinctive environment and with that, came rules to sustain that environment. At times, the rules seemed arbitrary and annoyingly strict. Once returning home though and researching details I stumbled upon while on vacation and reading information again that I glanced upon before the trip, I started to look at the big picture. While looking through pictures and editing videos, I began to remove myself from the pesky details and nuisances and see the experiences as a whole. It all started to make more sense then and my appreciation for the uniqueness of the destination swelled.
It may be that when I say I’m ready for something different, it may not be entirely true, especially when the different isn’t the different I expected and challenges my idea of fun and relaxation. Clearly, I can see how different isn’t always exciting or good but I can also see how my adventurous side may still be nestled within my comfort zone. When I view the idea from different perspectives, it makes sense that I may not always appreciate an experience or destination in the moment. Of course, I’d prefer that! I would much rather linger in the pleasure of the moment rather than griping about inconveniences. I’m learning that may not always be an option. Experiencing something new often leads to reflection and then processing which can then sometimes lead to growth and discovering something new about yourself. And growing through travel is always something I welcome and appreciate whether it’s in the moment or as an afterthought.