Travel Can Help You Change Your Life

So, I'm out of town this week, as you may have noticed. I am fortunate enough to find myself in Reykjavik, Iceland for the second time--on a bit of a "sister trip" with my sister, Tonya. We love it here, sincerely. However, as I sit here as this little dining table in a rented apartment, starting out the kitchen window at the lights of the Old Harbour in a lovely, but foreign country, it is comforting to still be able to chat with you and home via blog. It is a reminder to me of how much technology allows us to connect with each other, no matter where we happen to be on this planet.

At the same time, there is something about traveling that changes you. At least, I have found this to be true. For me, it has been a catalyst to many a change--from the most profound paradigm shifts to even seeing the small details of my every day life in a different way.

I'm not sure exactly what it is precisely. Perhaps it's finding yourself out of your normal geography and circle of friends and family. Maybe it's being forced out of the every day comfort zone in order to adjust and make the most of the days of your trip. Sometimes it's the interesting conversations you'll have with the people you meet along the way, from locals you meet the next table over in the restaurant to your cab driver.

Whatever the case may be, it's adds new ingredients to the mix of your personal experience. When you do that, you may start to see things in ways you've not before. Sometimes, you run across things on your travels that make the world seem a bit smaller and less "scary" when we realize how similar the majority of people are around the world. It can give you ideas about something you've been perplexed about for years. It will introduce you to concepts and traditions you about which you may have never heard. Sometimes it can make you realize what you could change to make your life better and what you are SO very thankful for about the way your life is at the very moment.

At the very least, going on a trip, whether foreign or domestic, is one of the quickest ways to be thankful to go home again. Home again to your own friends and family and your own bed--and to see it all with a fresh set of grateful eyes. Maybe it's all of the above. I encourage you to travel, if you can. Whether it's a 10 miles or 1000 miles away, simple or adventurous--just go and see new things.

They say travel "broadens your horizons." It's so true--both literally and metaphorically. Plan that spring break adventure or the autumn trip to Germany. Visit the relative you've never met in Oklahoma or heck just take the family and see some of the areas in DFW you've never experienced. Even just taking day trips around East Texas can do you a world of good. We have many lovely towns, lakes, and local shops to visit.

We'll be home soon. Talk with you then. :)