So here I go...

Here it is, my first post. I thought I would have more to say about my upcoming trip but instead I find myself thinking of the past few months I have spent in Ruidoso. Normally before I leave for a trip I can't sleep, I am overridden with anxiety/excitement that I have started many a trips with 0 hours of sleep. That's not how I am feeling at all right now. Not to say I am not excited, but for me the excitement doesn't kick in until the last minute. I am about to embark of a 'trip of a lifetime (3rd edition)' but it just doesn't feel that way yet. 

Instead I am thinking of Ruidoso. Does a 'trip of a lifetime' have to be so grand or elaborate? I've always thought the answer was simple, yes. But I am now rethinking it. I go on these trips because I have a love and passion for people and culture. I thrive on learning/doing/seeing new things. I just have always thought that I needed to go somewhere else to find that. Instead I was able to learn a lot about myself and my 'hometown' in just a few short months. This is attributed to all the wonderful people that I have shared time with in the past few months. 

When I first moved back to Ruidoso after leaving Florida I was dreading it. I can recall thinking that I didn't want to hang out with anyone and I wanted to keep to myself so I could work on me. Which also seems to be a never ending process. Leah tried her hardest to introduce me to people and initiate contact so I wouldn't feel so alone. I tried to resist at first, but eventually walls were crumbled and I found myself actually enjoying my time and company in good ol' new Mexico. 

I met a few new wonderful people, reminisced with some old friends, and grew friendships I didn't even know existed. In the end, I grew. Something I thought that this trip was going to do, not Ruidoso. Although I  don't think you ever stop growing it is how you choose to experience your situations rather than anticipate them. 

So I sit here, less than 24hrs before my flight to New Zealand not doing the usual excitement, not sleeping routine. But, instead going to bed thinking of all the good times and friends I have left in Ruidoso. The past few months have already taught me to be more open, to people, experience, and with my emotions. All qualities I strive to work on as a personal goal when I travel. So I guess this whole 'trip of a lifetime' concept doesn't begin or end with a plane ride, it begins with an attitude adjustment. I can only hope that my trip will be far longer than the planned 6 months and continue for the rest of my life. 

I just need to remember everywhere and everyone has something to offer, sometimes you just have to look a bit harder and past the surface to find it. Regardless I'm glad I was able to see that and thankful for the many experiences and friends I have already embraced. I look forward to that upcoming anxious excitement feeling and am prepared to continue on this life journey.