Sitting here gazing at the mountains of Montana and the beautiful blue sky, I know that I am truly blessed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge.
I write a lot about connecting to Self, which is something that can be sought everywhere regardless of environment or circumstance. That is our ultimate goal. Getting away and changing environment, though, creates a special container for that connection and expansion.
On day 9 of our road trip, the kids and I have experienced many amazing things. We’ve seen the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. We’ve played in a hot spring, gone for a mountain trail ride, climbed a huge ladder on a “strenuous” hiking trail, gone to a rodeo, seen boiling mud pits, geysers, boiling pools of water, and so many animals, including a buffalo walking down the road just feet from our van. Incredible doesn’t begin to describe it. Grateful!
We’ve had a few challenges, including sunburns in the Badlands (can’t take gingers outside!), warped brake rotors from the heat, and someone taking my shoes from the hot spring leaving me to drive home barefoot! Each challenge resulted in more gratitude, though, as some of the kids embraced the mountain style with western hats and long sleeve shirts to protect them from the sun, the auto shop rearranged their schedule to do my brakes before the holiday weekend, and my shoes were turned in to the lost and found (I was kind of hoping for an excuse to buy new shoes!)
We’ve had time to laugh, play and connect with ourselves and each other. We’ve sung at the top of our lungs. We’ve chased rainbows. We’ve stayed up late and slept in. Other days we’ve gotten up early and stayed out late. We’ve had tea on the porch and watched the sunrise.
As if the gifts aren’t obvious, there are more. Changing my environment and routine, exploring the natural beauty around me, experiencing a different way of life (the nearest town is 30 miles) and taking time for myself has deepened my connection to Self, giving me access to wisdom, clarity and gratitude for all that I have and all that shall be. My heart is filled with gratitude and so I say thank you.