I love a good trip. Today, I drove from San Diego to Green River, UT (just short of Salt Lake City) — 12 hours on the road with pit stops. I’m in awe of the planet we live on. The scenery was beyond imagination, from the ocean to the Mojave desert with its Joshua trees, to the sculpted canyons of Arizona, to the majestic, colorful mountains and plains of Utah — eye candy for my soul. All natural wonders that put my existence in perspective. I am a mere tiny, working ant on this magnificent planet. We humans think we are so powerful, but it’s nothing compared to what Mother Nature can do.

I’m not sure what it is about being on the open road that I enjoy so much. One thing is that being on a road trip gives me a license to eat junk food. For instance, I had to get gas and breakfast — a bag of peanuts (protein) and mini-donuts (carb). Then, a quick lunch — McDonald’s. Dinner –Mexican food truck.

The other thing I like about being on a road trip, is that I’m disconnected from my computer. I’m usually looking at a computer screen 8-10 hours a day responding to everyone else’s needs all day long and “in my head” all the time. It’s refreshing to be doing something that requires a different kind of concentration (like keeping the car on the road), having time all to myself and “being in my body”. This gives me lots of quiet time to reflect and ideate while absorbing all the spectacular scenery. When I’ve had enough of that, I can call friends; or, listen to the radio and SING. What a busy day, LoL!

I think the significance of this particular road trip is re-affirming my independence and overcoming fears. I’m about a third of the way to my hometown destination of Minneapolis. It was daunting to think of making this long of a trek on my own without worrying about what could possibly go wrong. But, here I am. I had an awesome day. I felt myself bursting with joy seeing all the beauty surrounding me and feeling liberated. I can do this!