BLOG: Why is it so important to introduce ourselves to new things?
Why is it so important to introduce ourselves to new things?
For one, the more new things we experience in our lives, the more our brain is required to work outside of what it's familiar with, and consequently, we increase our neural plasticity (the ability for our brain to be flexible). Secondly, it gives us the ability to adapt quickly and easily to changing circumstances so we can stay optimistic in the face of challenges and unexpected situations. We are literally learning to shift our mindset moment by moment. This way of life is very beneficial when one seeks to have peace and freedom.
Currently, we are writing to you from a train. We are traveling through Europe, a family of six over the next month. Our itinerary is London to Madrid, Madrid to Paris, Paris to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Prague, Prague to Salzburg, Salzburg to Italy. We have anywhere from 2 to 7 days in any given location. In most of the places we are going we have rented an apartment or a villa. We will only be in one hotel on the entire trip. The experience is so homey, and it gives us access to laundry machines and kitchens so we can be completely flexible depending on our families' needs.
Today we traveled from Prague to Salzburg on our way to Italy. Just to paint the picture there are six of us - we are traveling with 8 suitcases 5 backpacks and 2 strollers. We accumulated a second stroller when the airline lost our first one for a week. We have to lift all of this onto, and off of, not only the stairs onto the train, but also onto the overhead luggage bins in the train. Of the 8 suitcases, 2 of them weigh 40 pounds. Each time we switch trains we have anywhere from 4 to 12 minutes to get off one and run to where the other one is. Which leads us to...
LESSON #1: Travel with less.
It would be best if we each had only one carry-on size bag and one empty suitcase for anything we buy on the trip. And if absolutely necessary, we could buy luggage if we needed to at any of the stops along the way.
It is so wild to see how incredibly adept our family is. Everyone has their bag, or bags that they are responsible for. My children are learning to help without being asked, to look for where we are going so we have multiple eyes on our destination, and to assist each other so we can move quickly and efficiently from one train to the next, one apartment to the next, and one city to the next. They are learning to trust their instincts, remember directions when we leave our apartment, and find their way back to it without assistance. They are learning to use their phones and different apps to help with time changes, currency changes, and train schedules. It is unbelievable to witness the amount of learning that happens daily as we travel from place to place.
I have learned that my 6 year old is most concerned about someone, or something, being left behind as we move quickly from one train stop to the next. She gets nervous each time, but we are demonstrating to her inner navigation system and her psyche that we can all help each other, and that nothing but positive things are happening. This attitude of greatness and optimism is helping her to realign her belief and get through her fear. This brings us to...
LESSON #2: What you don’t need will be taken from you.
We have had one bag and our car seat disappear. With a few moments of upset we quickly got through it and believe that these things must have found their way into hands that needed them more than us. Having been a person who is highly triggered by losing things, this has been an important lesson for me to learn personally. I gratefully receive the lesson that I do not need to be attached to material things, so I am being spiritually directed to adapt, accept and release.
My affirmation for the trip is:
I am open to recognizing the opportunities that are presented to shift my beliefs and accept new thoughts and practices. I have everything I need, and God is watching out for our family. All is well, and I let go and release any attachment to things that do not serve me.
Most of the trip our family has been very agreeable and patient with each other. We have been VERY healthy, thank goodness. I seem to be the one who is dealing with the first casualty, as I somehow have an infection in my eye, but for the most part I am managing quite well. The great thing about Europe is that there is a pharmacy on every corner with very knowledgable doctors that can give you things that we would need a prescription for in the states. It makes navigating illness a lot more flexible. This brings us to...
LESSON #3: Take care of your health before a trip so you can remain healthy during your voyage.
As seasoned travelers, we are quite effective at knowing what to bring in our kit of health essentials. This includes: vitamins, chapstick, lotion, sunscreen, Neosporin, handy wipes and hand sanitizer, tissues, emergency, a hydrocortisone stick, and Tylenol. Everything else we have been able to get along the way. The fact that we have been washing our hands every step of the way is something I firmly believe keeps our health and spirits high.
Finally, I am most excited about the stories we are sharing, the memories that we are creating, and the situations that have brought us even closer together. From stinky bathrooms, to Uber drivers not speaking English, to watching Belgium navigate the World Cup, to eating new foods, to paying for bathrooms, to eating gelato, to walking, climbing and running to get to a train... we are laughing and making fun of the moments, and compiling this new chapter in our families' book of life!! I am forever grateful for this precious and priceless time. As my kids get older I am told that trips like these will not last forever, but for now this is etched into my heart and soul forever!!!
Stayed tuned as the adventure continues...
