Moment of Reflection

It's been 9 months since we left our home behind and hit the road.  In that time, I've learned so much about myself, Aaron and our relationship.  It hasn't always been easy, but it's been totally worth it.  We've trekked through rainforests in Costa Rica, taken a tour of Machu Picchu, seen glaciers in Patagonia, witnessed a prayer in The Sistine Chapel, celebrated Bastille Day in Paris, island-hopped in Greece, ate bugs in Bangkok and sweat all over Angkor Wat.  At this point, we've done so much in a relatively short period of time that it's hard to keep track of it all.  Travelling has been life-changing for us.  It's something we have grown to love and will definitely continue to do throughout our lives (in shorter stretches, of course).

This is the longest either of us has ever been away from home and it's daunting to know we're not going to see our loved ones for so long.  Normal, every day events are a rarity, but we make an effort to do things we would do at home, such as: cook dinner, watch TV and go to the movies.  I've forgotten what it's like to drive my car, to BBQ at our house, to wake up for work and to take the dogs to the park.  I've learned that these simple, seemingly mundane chores are some of the things I miss the most, as they make me feel connected to a sense of normalcy and give my life purpose.

Like I said, travelling with your partner (especially for long periods) is extremely difficult.  No matter where we go, all we really have is each other and that kind of dependence is something most people in relationships never really face.  Being together all the time, just the two of us, makes it easy to take each other for granted and become easily annoyed.  Neither of us have things that are just our own.  It really makes you appreciate having a job and friends to break up the monotony of being together ALL the time.  It took us awhile to find our groove, but now that we have we're stronger than ever.  If you can get through that initial phase where you're figuring out where and how you fit and finding a way to co-exist in this new, much smaller bubble, it's really empowering.  It's definitely not easy.  There are times I was sure we wouldn't make it.  There are times I was sure I would stab him in the eye with a fork.  However, knowing that I have someone on my side that's experiencing the world with me wholeheartedly is not only comforting, but it makes me feel fearless.  At this point, I can honestly say home is wherever he is.  Whether we're on a plane, backpacking or living in an apartment in Barcelona, I can sleep safe and sound knowing he's with me.  

I've learned I need much less to live happily.  All the possessions I've used in the past 9 months fit into a small suitcase and a backpack.  I've never had so few clothes and cared so little.  Yea, sometimes I wish I had more variety, but I'm able to get dressed in under a minute with very little thought/effort.  It's hugely freeing to know you can live with WAY less.  Of course, I'll always like clothes, accessories and shopping, but knowing I'm not a slave to it is extremely cool.  I can wear the same 5 outfits and it doesn't really affect my life in any way.  I get to see the world and not break my back or my bank, so who cares what I'm wearing?

I think we've both learned how to handle stress, heat, exhaustion, irritation, fear, anger and pain much better than ever before.  Aaron and I both have tempers and are stubborn, but have been able to handle situations with much more poise (or at least get over the debilitating anger much faster).  Travelling pushes every button you have, almost like a dare, and it's do or die.  Either you cope and move forward or you rip all your hair out and are miserable (trust me, I've got a few bald spots, but I'm getting better!).  Mix extreme heat with total exhaustion and add flight delays and language barriers and you've got an explosion coming your way.  Patience is key, although way easier said than done.  I've been practicing keeping my mouth shut (way hard, right ladies??) and smiling through the irritation.  Killing them with kindness is real and it works way better than a scowl in my experience.
I've pushed myself way past my level of comfort on many occasions and have discovered that I'm capable of much more than I ever gave myself credit for.  It's an extremely liberating feeling to push yourself to the limit and see yourself bend, but not break.

Seeing the world has been the most challenging, yet rewarding thing I've ever done in my life.  It's something I'll never regret, no matter what happens and I'll always look back and think "Wow.  What a whirlwind."  I've made a few lifelong friends, I've eaten food I can't wait to try to replicate when I get home and I've got more pictures than you could see in a day.  The world is a scary place, especially right now, but I hope that never stops people from seeing it.  It's never easy and there's always a tiny element of danger, just wandering into the unknown, but it's so nourishing to the soul.
The number one thing I've learned is that money and time are best spent on experiences, not stuff.  Sure, I want that brand new iPhone or that giant flat screen, but studies show that the joy you get from purchases quickly fades.  However, the joy you get from experience never does.  You'll always have those memories and can look over at your love and say "Remember when we swam in the rain in Thailand?"  I can still feel the drops on my face.