Meadows Musings: Meadow Martell

I am going to Hawaii! I was not sure if the trip would come together, but it did. I have a one-way ticket to fly to Kona Jan. 22. At this point I am leaving the return date open. I am very fortunate to have a land partner who will take care of my dog and my property. I will meet my friend who lives in Port Townsend, Wash. We traveled together in Italy and seem to do well together on the road. I have only been to Hawaii once, and it was a short trip, so I am excited about being able to explore new places. I may be able to keep you posted, but I can’t make any promises.
I often get asked why I like to travel. One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to experience new cultures. I find that embracing different cultures broadens my perspective and gives me a deeper appreciation for the diversity our world has to offer.
I also find that travel often takes me out of my comfort zone. Stepping outside the bounds of familiarity is where personal growth happens. I know this type of stimulation is not for everyone, but so far it has worked positively for me. Traveling also helps me get in touch with new thoughts and emotions. Travel also gives me the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into all the ways it continues to shape our world.
I also like the challenge of meeting and dealing with experiences that are not a part of my everyday life. Travel gets me out of my comfort zone. New and different experiences help my mind stay open and nimble and improves my critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Being a person who loves the outdoors, travel has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world. It also helps me deeply appreciate the unique and beautiful home base where we live.
So, I am off to a new adventure and hope to return renewed, enlivened and inspired. Thank you for keeping the home fires burning. FYI, this is a 100-year-old phrase from the First World War British patriotic anthem. It means the act of maintaining a sense of warmth, comfort, and stability in someone’s household (or community) while someone is away. And I really do appreciate it.