Preparing

In 2 days I leave for my first ever solo road trip. I alternate between excitement and apprehension. My mom often asks why it is that I choose the harder paths. Perhaps Ted's suggestion that I spend a week at a spa was worthy of more consideration...

I'll be on the road for 3 weeks, camping out of my VW van. I'll weave in solo time for hiking, biking, camping, reading, and reflecting. Oh yeah, and for driving too... I'll mix in a little visiting time, some continuing ed conference time, and a district meeting of my church community. Mostly I'm interested in discovering my own rhythm, an experience of me that isn't affected and connected so closely to those around me. Sort of a paradox for someone who values connection as much as I do...

Turning 50 this month feels like a milestone; an opportunity to evaluate, look inside, and see if there are things I want to approach differently than I have during the "first half" of my life...
Being solo feels an important aspect of this journey. No one to answer to or be responsible for but myself.

What if I find out that I'm really lazy and boring, or that I don't have a rhythm that is uniquely mine, or feel anxious and lonely the whole time? What if I don't want to come back? What if I turn around after 2 days? What if the inherent design of this trip falls short, and I am left with even deeper longing than I leave with?

Well, if you'd like to be privy to my process regarding these questions and more, feel free to log onto my "travel blog". I'm certain that no matter what else, I'll learn a lot, and being a student of life fascinates me. Sooooooooooooooooo...

See you later on, down the river...