Travel is a Feeling

Travel is a Feeling

Travel is a feeling. Right now, many of us are feeling a bit encumbered and locked down. I won't deny that I have my moments. To me, though, travel is really that feeling of discovery, experiencing something new and looking through new eyes. We can still while we are in the home. For me, I started adding live video to my blog Facebook page. The new addition allows me to explore and look through different eyes. To travel.

Visiting Anderson Japanese Gardens transported without leaving our general area.

You can travel in your area, to spots where you are permitted to hike. You can travel in your own neighborhood going down roads you have never been down. Or pay attention to nature, notice something you never had before and identify with the many tools we are so fortunate to have at our finger tips. Maybe for you, traveling is taking in the virtual tours. Or maybe it is exploring a creative process you never have. Perhaps you travel through meditation. How about enjoying takeout from a new restaurant? You would be surprised what you can discover in your own yard if you just slow down!

Hiking in South Elgin.

I count my grandparents as one of my influences to travel. They lived largely in rural America and would drive to various towns for needs or events. Trips were timed. Some visits to neighboring towns were weekly. Some monthly. Some yearly. But every trip seemed to be an event. They love traveling the rural backroads to see the changes. Something some of us would take for granted was traveling for them. They did eventually travel further and my grandfather saw quite a bit working for the railroad. But, the special feeling of these trips never seemed to fade.

Wandering Cuba Marsh in Barrington.

When my husband and I lived in Southern Illinois, we took a cue from them and would pick a direction each weekend to drive. We would hop through small towns in all directions -- some near, some far. Once we started hiking, a whole new world opened up. Nature is always changing. Visiting nature whether at my home or in a preserve or half a world away makes me think and reframe. Makes me travel.

So instead of allowing clouds of disappointment settle, get to the heart of what travel is about. You will be surprised how you can travel without leaving your area. Yes, I do hope to hit the road again soon. For now, though, I will travel here at home.