There is more to life

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mahatma Ghandi  In fact, I think the best way to experience life is to slow down and enjoy it. 

I took a wonderful vacation this past week and I got so much more from it than just a fun time away.  Every happening that went down I took in stride, which is a vast difference from my everyday life.  I like to be prepared for most things, however I do my best to remain calm and trust that all is as it should be when the unexpected arises. 

We drove to our destination, which was a 16 hour drive one way.  I am used to taking 8-10 hour road trips with my family to and from Alabama and driving it all in one shot.  Yet, I rolled with the idea of slowing it down and taking two (and on the way there almost three) days.  Stopping overnight at a hotel each way was so refreshing and relaxing and allowed us all time to experience different areas along the way.  And I have to say that my vacation didn't feel shortened or taken from in any fashion. 

This vacation was also so much more than "just a vacation" for me, personally.  I was visiting a place that I've wanted to visit for so long - the ocean.  I felt like I was reconnecting with a long lost friend.  It was such a personal experience that I'm not sure I can express it in words, and also explains why I didn't feel compelled to take a ton of pictures.  None of the pictures would have truly captured what I was feeling or experiencing.  All of those things are neatly tucked away in my memory. 

I did some things that I've always wanted to do, yet haven't had the opportunity or courage to do.  I was able to jump into them without much thought or worry, which is HUGE for me.  And while I would love to share every detail of all the fun things we did, I'm afraid it would come across as a "fun vacation story" and it was so much more than that for me.  It was a deeply profound experience in my life, and I wouldn't even know where to begin with those details. 

I have been extremely blessed with many things recently and I am beyond grateful for all of those things.  For once, I can truly say that I love my life.  Some of the minor details may not be at the exact place that I'd like them to be, but I am willing and able to slow down and see the bigger picture and know that I am lucky, I am blessed, and I am loved. 

When you're unsure or unfocused or unhappy, stop for a minute and take a look around at the things you DO have in your life.  Be grateful and appreciative of those things.  Then, be willing to slow down and enjoy the ride, instead of racing to the finish line.  When you go too fast, you miss all of the beauty and wonder that pass by.