New Year’s Revolution

Off the grid and on vacation.

I am amazed at what eighteen days on vacation has done, not just to me, but for me. I had the immense privilege to spend that time in the Galapagos Islands and it was even more magical than I expected.

I’ve been on vacation before, of course, but not like this. A whole lot of ‘no’s’ filled me with something I can’t quite identify. No internet. No cooking. No work. No stress. No fear. It was a perfect storm of an experience filled with community (we were part of a World schooling group there), safety, beauty, nature, laughter, relaxation, and adventure.

Now, that I think about it, what it rekindled in me is a feeling of wonder.

I remember asking our guide on the islands if she ever got tired of it all. Did it ever feel less extraordinary? Yes and no she said. You get used to it, but it’s different everyday so there’s always something to appreciate.

The longer we spent away from home in this new place, I began to ask myself the same question about my own life…when did it stop feeling so extraordinary? It’s no Galapagos, but it’s still something. As we slowly transitioned back to our world (Galapagos, Quito, Atlanta, Chicago), I paid attention.

I found myself walking through my grocery store this morning in some sort of slow motion. Whole Foods is usually a place I sprint through. I generally pride myself on the speed at which I am in and out of that place. It felt a bit out of body to move at this new rhythm. The Galapagos miraculously changed something deep within me. It’s permanence is yet to be determined, but I’m hoping to hang to it for as long as possible.

I’ve been home for less than 24 hours and I can’t stop smiling. I’m finding immense pleasure in every small detail of my day. I feel grateful for my cup of green tea, made just the way I like it. For the cozy walls of my home that have come back to life with our voices and bustle. Even the mundane act of restocking the refrigerator has pleasure. Finding all my favorite produce right at my fingertips feels like a gift.

I don’t know when we take things for granted and stop seeing everything around us as a little miracle, but I am treasuring every minute I hold this feeling. In fact, it’s my word for 2023. Last year believe was my theme. This year I’m layering wonder on top of it. Who needs a New Year’s resolution when you can have a New Year’s revolution?!

Join me this year, with this new theme that I’ll continue to unpack and explore. Get ready to be inspired, to reach new heights, and to reconnect to what matters to you.