Inspired or Insane - Enjoying the Journey

Hello Conscious Leaders! I have been pretty quiet for a while, so some may be wondering where I've been ... or not. LOL I have been on an extended vacation.

I decided to drive, solo, to NY from NC, then to MA to visit with sisters, mom, cousins, nieces and nephew (cutest 2yr old). First time in 3 years we've all been together - and 25 since the cousins have joined us. I even met a long lost cousin - but that's another story.

Before I left I wondered if I was inspired or insane. Inspired to take a much-needed vacation or insane to travel for 14 + hours on the road alone.

But, I decided I needed an adventure. And, thought it would help me balance my life, and revisit the footloose freedom I practiced in my youth.

So, I loaded up my iPod with audio books and music. Threw all-too-many clothes into my suitcase - since I had to pack quickly, before I changed my mind. And hit the road with GPS in hand.

The adventure was heightened when my GPS quit and I had to rely on the limited directions I'd printed from mapquest. First chance to breathe and follow my intuition.

Yet, I surprised myself by enjoying the ride and listening to only a bit on the iPod. This single mom forgot how nice it is to revel in alone time and the view - my daughter was already in NY. I actually let go of the thoughts about the 772.66 miles I had to drive to reach NY and enjoyed the journey. It was beautiful and inspiring(I-81 with Blue Ridge Mountains & Pennsylvania farms).

My best friend reminded me that I should enjoy the freedom of being on my own. The freedom to roam. I hung up and decided to take the challenge, taking a detour to explore Natural Bridge, VA (check out my FB page or YouTube Channel for video). And, I agree with my sister, the hardest part was avoiding the fast food stops along the way. LOL

Now that I'm back - safely, spreading the drive out over a few days - I'll vote for inspired!! The drive allowed me the freedom to go as I pleased. Then, the unplanned lack of phone and Internet (in my moms 100-yr old house on the Vineyard) was fortuitous, as I had to disconnect.

Time with my favorite women was the perfect way to re-energize - my daughter and me. Time to laugh, walk on the beach, hug, kiss, reflect on old memories and make new ones.

I was given the chance to enjoy the simple things, like walking barefoot in the sand each morning, seeing my daughter marvel at the horseshoe crab along the shore, teaching my four-year young niece to fly a kite, my two-year young nephew the difference between a bee and a fly, and watching my 14-year young niece create art on the beach.

Getting over my fear of driving alone for two days (14+ hours each way) and leaving home for such an extended period, taking leadership of my life, being open to what happened along the way (e.g., Natural Bridge) and just letting go was a life-changing experience. I invite you to step out of your comfort zone and do something that seems insane.

So I ask, "How have you gotten over your fear and done something you have been wanting to do for a long time?" Made the conscious choice to do something that seemed insane. Please share in the comments below.

Here's to your insanity. Your JOY!! Your journey! XO