The Journey Continues

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates

With three blog posts sitting in draft for several months, unfinished and wanting to be shared, I have to wonder why. In my view, they're all interesting topics with great photos to accompany each of them. But for some reason, I just haven't been able to finish and publish any of them. Something just wasn't quite right. The readers of this blog, my very kind, supportive and well-meaning friends and family, have provided sufficient encouragement to keep going but after some careful thought and reflection, I've decided to go in a different direction. 

Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

It's no secret that I love to travel. 
Like many people, I enjoy seeing new places, standing in awe and wonderment at scenic vistas, sampling delicious food and sipping tasty beverages, and really appreciate meeting interesting people along the way (especially on airplanes). There's a part of me that gets reawakened each time I go exploring... and it's highly addictive! There's an endless supply of fabulous destinations. For me, though, it really is "all about the journey" - finding the hidden gems, experiencing tremendous growth opportunities, being open to new challenges, facing fears, and discovering parts of myself I hadn't encountered before. It's an expensive hobby/passion/addiction to have.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to visit many wonderful places, and one of my favourite things to do has been sharing these experiences with you. I've also had the chance to get to know so many incredible people - many that I can call friends, and I do. I'm grateful for each opportunity and the learning that has transpired from each, despite some pain, sweat and yes, even tears. Some of the greatest growth comes from these moments. These inspiring places keep calling me back, and as I think about or return to them, I also learn about other places to visit and activities to try. I've been adding more to my bucket list than I have been able to cross off lately - and I've been crossing off A LOT. I simply can't keep up! (It's a good problem to have, I suppose).

  

Christmas Eve stroll, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

In my quiet reflection (on a trail somewhere), I discovered that I need to re-evaluate and take a slightly different approach before I can start this next chapter with any kind of quality. And I want it to be good. Really good!

Many of you have asked for more of the stories behind the photos, how to get there, what to see and do, and that's precisely what I'd like to share. So, I'm making the shift from this sweet little very personal blog to one that is more reflective of the amazing places available to each of us. 

"Do what you love, love what you do"
Photo credit: Jill Jago Photography

"Wherever you are, be all there." - Jim Elliot

Without trying to compete with my very talented travel writer friends, what I'll share with you will be more place-based but still very much from my perspective. And I'll be making the posts public. Yikes! (I might need an editor). 

As for those three "interesting" topics mentioned earlier, you can expect to read about them (and maybe even hear about them) somewhere down the road. I'm confident that they will be finished and presented the way they should be. And I look forward to sharing this next part of the journey with you. 

Until next time,

Laura xo