I stood on top of a mountain today. If you know me at all you know the impact of that statement and I had the most perfect moment. The surrounding silence of my majestic mountain was stunning and I thought to myself, “Everyone should have the opportunity to stand on top of a mountain at least once in their life.”
The view from my mountain top
Sometimes, you have to turn around to see how far you’ve come before you get to the top of your mountain
Witness for Themselves
As I stood there on top of my mountain, I thought of all the places we’ve visited over the past two months. I continue to be in awe of how vast and diverse this country truly is. I think maybe every elected official, that holds office in Washington, D.C., should be required to pack a bag, get in his/her car, drive across this awesome country of ours. They need to witness for themselves the lives of others, before they’re sworn into office. Maybe then something could get done. But I digress.
Navajo Hogan, in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where the same family has lived for generations without water or electricity
What Keeps Us Balanced
In my last post I talked about balance and what is the one thing that keeps each of us balanced. Before I climbed to the top of my mountain today I was fortunate enough to witness the most perfect example – ever – of what it means to maintain a sense of balance. How did I know?
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Traveling across this country for the past two months has helped me regain my sense of balance. I tend to lose focus when we’re in the thick of high tourist season at our inn. At times I admit that I tend to always think two steps ahead of where I am and can often forget to live in the moment, which of course throws me off balance. It’s what I do.
Time Away
This time away has provided me with the opportunity to clear my head and focus on the upcoming year. That’s the great thing about traveling through the months of December and January, I can start the year fresh. I like knowing there are 11 months ahead of me. It’s true, the freshness won’t last. I’m nothing if not realistic, but I look forward to what the upcoming year has to offer.
I believe 2014 is going to be a year in which great things happen, not just for me (us) but also for those near and dear to me who are embarking on new paths and embracing upcoming changes in their lives. I saw the clarity as I stood on top of a mountain today.
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Congrats on scaling your mountain! I had a very similar moment in New Zealand, being at the top of something so immense really puts things into perspective. Here’s to an exciting 2014, whatever it holds!
Amy recently posted…Cleaning Up in Vang Vieng Laos
Thanks Amy, you’re definitely scaling a few of your own!
So many mountains to climb in life whether real or in our minds and all can give us a new perspective. Well done. You can be proud.
Gaelyn recently posted…Heavy Hippos at Kruger National Park
So true Gaelyn, so true!
Oh wow, am I ever with you on standing on top of mountaintop, Patti! The middle of the desert can offer such solitude and peace. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Whether that mountaintop is structurally or within (or both) it offers thought, reflection and hope. Beautiful pictures and yes great things will come your way always to you and Abi 🙂
Mike recently posted…Pasta alla Vodka To Spice Up Your Saturday Night Date
I’ve been on a few mountains, usually far away from any edges, but there was something quite magical about this one. Perhaps it was because at the end of a 2-month road trip with so much to process. Thanks for the continued support!
Yes yes to 2014 being the year of great things happening. And also: such glorious photos these are. It makes me want to fill 2014 with travel.
Christina Rosalie recently posted…37 before 37
Thank you Christina – Arches National Park is a glorious place to be although it never feels as if the photos can capture the beauty. I hope 2014 brings you only the best.
Beautiful Patti! Wow those rock formations are stunning. Love what you wrote about leaders being required to roadtrip across the country! Yes! Love the view from your mountain top, goes to show that clarity is available to all those who seek it.
Sarah recently posted…Flying into the unknown
Thank you Sarah! We were in Arches National Park in Utah – it was such an incredible day.
Rob and I have had the pleasure of driving a considerable amount of miles around your beautiful country. On every road trip we were awe struck by the diversity in landscape and people in the melting pot that is the U.S.A. I think 2014 is going to be a year of great things for us too Patti:)
Tracey recently posted…The Countdown Begins
The USA is so vast and diverse, it’s as if one is traveling through multiple countries when crossing the entire US, especially New Orleans! I think 2014 is going to be amazing for you and I’m so excited for you and the start of your next chapter!
Patti, congrats. What an amazing moment!!! You are right, big things are just around the corner. 🙂
Yep! This is the year! Well, fingers crossed anyway! 😉
I love mountains and I agree with you the US is so beautiful, traveling around there and especially through all those incredible National Parks for sure gives you balance.
Freya recently posted…USD 225 Giveaway on Holiday Nomad
Thanks Freya! We were lucky enough to visit several parks on this road trip – the NPS does such a great job of preserving the countries best.