Welcome to On•the•Move Musings: a weekly-update-series where I reflect on my time exploring the globe; a place to record all the little details from travel that, despite being so special, my pigeon brain could likely forget; a space to show gratitude for where life’s daydreams have taken me; a few moments to stop and write during the chaos of long term travel. I’ll be posting every Friday to share some good vibes and wanderlust before we head into the weekend!
Musings
Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you all health and happiness in 2020 🙂 This is the time of year that people reflect and set goals–both of which are good things to do. However, my favorite New Years’ message this year wasn’t a motivational one in the traditional sense.
My favorite author, Elizabeth Gilbert, shared a message about not needing a resolution, not needing extra pressure and anxiety on yourself because it’s a new decade, not needing to justify your existence on Earth through constant improvement and “increasing profits”. She reminded us that we deserve to be here just the way we are, that we belong here, and that we are loved here. I think we can all benefit from being gentler and kinder to ourselves–that’s something that’s been on my mind a lot lately. To hear it said so beautifully by one of my role models made me really happy, and it’s a sentiment I’d love to share with you.
I can’t say it better than she can (there’s a reason she’s a best selling author), so check out the post on her Instagram and watch her video message here.
Currently Reading
Speaking of incredible writers, I just finished a book that was so well written, it’s one of those where every sentence is meant to be savored. Even though the subject matter was dark and heavy, the prose conveyed lightness and hope at the same time. How is that possible? Girls Burn Brighter is a story about abuse and human trafficking based in India and the United States, but it’s ultimately about resilience and friendship. I highly recommend this book, especially if you care about the hardships women face around the world. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book so beautifully written and powerful.
Click the link to visit the GoodReads page to read more!
Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao
What’s Next
I’ve been loving being at home in Indiana spending time with friends and family (and all their puppies) without the stress of work in the back of my mind. However, I took time off to go travel the world, so I better go do that 😉 I leave for my next adventure on Monday. I’m flying to a city I’ve spent a lot of time in, but quickly leaving it for a new country. Any guesses where I’m headed?
Words
these past ten years walked all over me. dragged me by the ankles just because they could. and i wouldn’t change it for the world. this decade broke my back. and gave me a spine. this decade killed who i was. to introduce me. to who i could become. this decade let me think i had it all figured out. then fell on the floor laughing and told me you don’t know shit fool. and i’m not even mad. a life without suffering really isn’t a life at all. the pain was worth all the laughs i laughed. all the people i crashed into and fell in love with. this decade holds the greatest nights of my life. all the wonders my eyes got to see. the places my feet touched. all the dreams i built. all the moments. the miracles. that make up the course of my life.
cheers to the next ten by Rupi Kaur