By the time you read this, my family and I will have been on the road between Winnipeg and Victoria, BC, for a few days. No worries, we’ve left a soldier in charge of our home.
Travel always makes me contemplative, especially long road trips. This is probably the longest road trip we have ever taken together as a family, so wish us luck!
When we are home and in our routines, it can be all too easy to go through the motions – working, exercising, making dinner, going to sleep. When we are together on a trip, even though we take our electronic distractions with us, we are more inclined to notice each other and pay attention to each other. The young people can’t hide in their rooms if they are buckled into the middle seat of the minivan. This can be a double-edged blessing! So it may require some careful management.
On the road, we look out of the window at the changing landscape. We know that the rolling plains of Manitoba and Saskatchewan will give way to the foothills of Alberta, and we eagerly anticipate the first sight of the Rockies. Driving through British Columbia will be new for us, although we have admired it from above many times.
It’s a reminder that all of our life consists of a changing landscape. It may seem as though a certain phase will never end, especially if we are grieving, or if we are being woken, night after night, by the needs of others. But all things, good and bad, must come to an end, and change to the next chapter. It can be a scary thought, or a comforting one, depending on how you feel about the phase that you are in.
Remember that it is your thoughts that control your feelings – we can’t always change our circumstances, but we can always change our own state of mind. That’s what therapists and life coaches are for.
The reason for this trip is a visit to our oldest son, who is in graduate school in Victoria. Being one-third of the way to an empty nest has been an interesting journey for me, and I would welcome your insights, if you have any to share.
Wishing you a safe and healthy week!
P.S. If you are local to me, come visit Candace and me for our next Wellness Wednesday on July 31, 7 – 8:30 pm, at GetAssist Winnipeg, 236 Osborne Street South #3 – there is ample parking behind the building.
P.P.S. Can’t make it in person? I’m starting to do webinars again, yay!
My next one will be on Wednesday, August 7, at 7 pm CDT. Registration required – drop me a message and I will add you to the webinar notification list.
Join me on Zoom and let’s learn and grow together!