by Sue Hodgson –
It’s been well over four years since I’ve taken a trip, but in early April I’m off to visit friends who have just recently bought a new home just outside of Merida, Mexico. For the past few years I’ve been dreaming about buying a place in Hawaii. It’s still on my bucket list but for now, I’m headed off to see what all the excitement of life abroad is about.
After the recent experience of the worst pandemic since 1908, and all the restrictions it placed on our lives, we likely don’t need to be coaxed now to get outside and play. That being said, I’m feeling really anxious about this trip. Not about where I’m going, but more about how I’m getting there. Whether it’s the anxiety at the airport, the masking or not masking, the crowds, being inside the plane; it feels at times like I’m travelling for the first time.
I have to calm myself and think back to one of my favourite films, Ferris Buller’s Day Off. What does he say? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” This classic pop culture reference could really be advocating mindfulness (take a day off!). Give yourself permission to have fun, take a break and savour the moments, are certainly all mindsets worth embracing. It’s in this spirit that I’m going to try and take a leaf out of Ferris’ book and try and press pause and just revel in this journey and experience I’m about to embrace, and try not to have fear of the destination!
For those thinking of travelling again or getting back to doing things like normal, try not to worry about the direction everyone else is setting sail towards but follow your own intuition; break free from your comfort zone and discover the great unknown longing in your life again!
Perhaps by straying from my path of the last four years, I will be able to create a new one again, and find a different version of my myself in Mexico! Adios Amigos!
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by piper + ally.
For more, visit Instagram @piperally. Shot on location at Mattick’s Farm.
