I’m writing this post sitting in the exact same living room, the exact same leather couch seat where I sat just over 7 months ago when I announced my plans to travel around the globe. And it’s weird.
Not bad, mind you, but definitely strange. Seven months ago when I wrote my first blog post for Passenger Conners I felt so awkward as I tried to express myself, and terrified as the minutes ticked closer to trekking out into the great unknown. Then suddenly, I was on the road – beginning the best experience of my life.
Recalling how I felt that night, and how I feel tonight – thrilled by all I’ve seen and experienced and lived, and excited for the next chapter of my life to open – it’s stunning. I mean, I suspected then that what I was about to set out to do would change my life, and it has. How it has affected me is something I know I’ll need to process for a good while. I suspect I’ll keep realizing lessons and understandings garnered on this trip for some time. I hope I do.
At the very least, I’ve learned that taking massive chances – like leaving behind an home and life you genuinely love – to bring to life a dream is damn scary and worth doing a million times over.
I’m also sadder than I’ve been in a while. I miss my trip. Retreating from a daily schedule that pretty regularly involves total awesomeness and wonders of the world, to running errand to the bank and drug store is…an adjustment. But it’s also a beginning.
As for Passsenger Conners? The RTW journey may have ended on Sunday, May 1, but there’s still a lot of journey left in me. And I would love to continue sharing it here.
xox
welcome home daaaaaaaahling!!! when oh when can we regale you?
I sure hope asap – next week?
Welcome home! Coming back from an extended trip is definitely a hard transition, but know how much adventure you still have to look forward to! Let me know if you’re down in DC- would love to catch up properly!
Welcome home my friend. I look forward to hearing more about you experience and talking soon. You are a brave woman and I can’t wait to read more about your explorations and adventures here. I’m sure you’ll find many interesting possibilities, pockets of interest and places to experience and write about right in your back yard. Love you! Good luck with your transition.
I certainly hope that you will continue to comment on life as it happens from this time forward. But I’m also soooo glad that you are ” home again, home again, jiggidy jig,” safe and sound. Can’t wait to hear where you go from here, and look forward to seeing you other than in a medical atmosphere. xxxooo
Thanks so much Rhea! We’ll have to have you and my mom make a lunch plan and catch up in person. I’d love that!
Welcome back!
Your post suggests you are back in the apartment? Is that possible?
oh I wish – alas, no, I’m in the ‘burbs at the moment. Hope to set something up in town to see everyone asap!
The next chapter will be amazing, because this main character is the most wicked cool one I’ve read about in a very, very long time.
Welcome home, Val …for now!
aw, shoot, lady! thank you for saying that – means a lot 🙂 I would love to catch up in person at some point!
Welcome home, Val. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all your adventures and can’t wait to see you in person.
Love,
Mamala C
I’ve enjoyed going on this journey with you via your blogs…and I enjoyed your visit to us in Los Angeles even more!! I hope the process of finding out all that you’ve learned and settling into it is just as amazing as your journey.