A Way of Travel

Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.

-Roy M. Goodman

October, which has been for several years my least favorite month, has just ended. I don’t exactly know why October is so difficult for me. There have been a few negative experiences in October that have contributed to it but, on a bigger scale, October represents for me the end of summer, cold weather, less daylight, and less travel. It signals the beginning of the long winter where restlessness and loneliness can so easily creep up. The leaves have fallen, the birds have gone to warmer climates, and it’s harder to spend time outside. For the next several months, I will be forced to slow down. My biggest travels will be wherever my mind takes me and, while not a bad thing, my wanderlust will likely emerge.

I’ve had the opportunity to experience several new places in the past couple of years: Barcelona in 2017, Costa Rica in 2018, and this year Belize, the Rogue River and Oregon Coast, and Hawaii. These trips have confirmed my suspicions that I feel at home in tropical, biologically diverse places. Nothing makes me more excited than to walk through a rainforest or along a sandy beach, camera in hand, looking for the next critter to show its face. Don’t get me wrong, Colorado has more than its fair share of beauty and adventure but, given the choice, I’d rather be exploring a rainforest or coral reef.

So, here we are. It’s November and, rather than packing for the next trip, I’m drinking coffee on the couch while the sun struggles to melt the snow from last week’s storm. I realize, though, that I like the comfort of my couch, too. Being home is nice. I’m able to relax and reflect and I don’t have to be anywhere. I can choose to be content, happy even, in this moment, knowing that the next adventure will come soon enough.

Ramon and I are taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon and a few other National Parks during the Thanksgiving break and I am excited for us to see new places and experience the American West. It’s fun having him with me this year and realizing that there is plenty of adventure in my own backyard.

Next summer, I have the opportunity to go back to Australia and to see New Zealand for the first time. I think that I first caught the travel bug when I got to visit Australia in high school and see a rainforest and coral reef for the first time. Before that, it almost seemed as if those things were imaginary. Maybe those who live on flat land feel the same about the mountains. I’ve seen the Grand Canyon once before, briefly, and I remember my disbelief with how large it is. I imagine I’ll have the same feeling again later this month.

Although the places I’ve visited have brought me much joy and amazement, I know that they are not the source of happiness. For me, travel and adventure brings life. For others, a lazy day at home is the best way to spend time. I’m learning to appreciate both. I know that it is difficult to experience happiness all of the time but, the more we can learn to appreciate the slow seasons in life, the more enjoyment I think we will find.