A New Take on Travel

We are constantly planning for the future and waiting for “the next big thing” to happen in our lives, and it is causing us to forget about the present. As much as I try to soak in and appreciate the current moment as much as possible, I am sometimes guilty of this too. Living in the moment can be a lot easier when traveling. You are in a different place and may become absorbed by your new surroundings and feel an astounding sense of wonder that you almost cannot help but try to be frozen in that moment as long as possible.

News flash- that feeling is right within your grasp wherever you may be. If you travel in search of happiness, you are probably looking in the wrong place. Happiness can reveal itself in the little things. Like the baby that just gave you the biggest smile at the supermarket. Or the perfect song that comes on your Pandora radio. Or even from the dollar bill you found in your pants pocket. Whatever it is, embrace it. Don’t let these moments pass you by. Find pleasure in the smallest things in life and you will be forever changed.

“…pleasure isn’t something we seek out there in the more exotic places, but instead is something we discover here in the simple moments.”

If you have had the opportunity to travel away from home, think about what moments truly stood out to you. In many cases, these moments are not seeing the popular tourist attraction or hitting up the coolest club. The best memories are the little things that brought joy beyond words. Some of my favorite travel memories include eating gelato at a small cafe in Italy, having a picnic in the park in London, feeling the mist on my shoulders at Victoria Falls, and the first time Ivy grabbed my hand to play catch with her in Zambia. Take a deep breath, slow down, and acknowledge the beauty of the moment you are in because you will never have another one exactly like it.

“Sure, travel will stretch you, she’ll provide moments and opportunities, but you have to be present enough in your own soul to slow the heck down and step into those moments and find the true pleasures of life there.” 

We all know that sometimes reasons such as finances, work, or simply life in general just do not allow us to take that dream adventure to Sydney or Barcelona. No matter where you are at, take in each and every moment and cherish your blessings. Enjoy what you have at home, or maybe even take up a new hobby while waiting on that next excursion. The secret to life is all about perspective- and happiness is waiting right at your front door.

Little Matters,
Marissa

*This blog post inspired by BootsnAll Travel