This time, I’m traveling lighter
I’m heading back to Costa Rica soon (yes, again!) My lovely granddaughter will turn 4, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with her, as I haven’t been able to celebrate her birthdays since she turned one year old. This is a special occasion trip and thankfully, I won’t have to miss it. 🥳
This is actually my second trip to Costa Rica this year. I take an annual birthday trip each year (so thankful), and I had already chosen Costa Rica in advance because my grandchildren would be on summer vacation with their dad, my son, so we’d get some extra time to spend together!
But my trip in July was marred by anxiety because I had just lost my job two months prior. I was still struggling with the realization that I would have no job to return to and replenish the money I’d spend on travel.
Thankfully, my plane tickets had already been purchased.
But I found myself looking for less luxurious accommodations during my trip, and that has never been my thing. LOL.
There are travelers who would rather spend their money on experiences, saying, “I’m only going to use the room to sleep.” But as a solo traveler, I need safety, convenience and, yes, as much luxury as my money can buy.
I don’t mind paying for a beautiful location and a suite or house that I can feel comfortable in, because isn’t that part of the travel experience?
Anyway, the difference in cutting that corner was actually sharply felt, but I made the best of it. And honestly, it could have been worse.
This time around feels much different.
Am I still unemployed? Yes. 😓
Am I filled with anxiety about the spend? No.
Am I planning to skimp on my accommodations this time? NOPE.
In fact, I plan to extend this vacation as long as I can before needing to get back to my pup. I may hop over to Panama for a few days to take in some of their rich Afro-Panamanian culture.
Or maybe I’ll check out Guatemala, Cartagena or El Salvador. Who knows?
The point is that once you accept your new reality, whatever that may be, you can move past your fears and inhibitions and move toward creating a life that you actually WANT — choosing what brings you peace, joy and fulfillment.
Worry becomes almost nonexistent when you simply allow yourself to BE.
This is not to say, “Just throw all caution to the wind and don’t plan your future.” It’s to remind you to live in your present moment.
Worrying about tomorrow is a sure way to ruin today.
So, I’m traveling lighter this trip — not only luggage-wise, but metaphorically.
I am purposefully leaving burdens, fear, doubt and stress behind.
I am intentionally planning to find more joy, peace and inspiration, and I’m ready to return with new ideas, refreshed, renewed and restored. 🪷
I truly can’t wait to see what else I will discover about myself in this season of giving myself permission to put down my bags and simply live.
