Three Things I was Released From Because of Travel

When Mary and I left our home in Missouri everything we thought we needed was in our Honda Accord, and that has remained our motto, "If it doesn't fit in the car, it doesn't go. "

1. The first thing I noticed was the keys I held in my hand, only two. One for the car, another to the bycicle lock, gone were the days of carrying a pocketful. I remember looking at those keys in my hand thinking these are the keys to a new lifestyle.

Just the day before the goodwill truck had picked up a huge pile of former belongings left over from our garage sale. It was a release to be free of all that stuff and also still remains as a reminder for any time we consider a new purchase, "Do we really need that? "

I suppose it is possible to embrace this kind of lifestyle without traveling across the country, but I am not sure it is the best of ideas, though getting rid of clutter and unused stuff is always healthy.

Accumulation begins with seeking convenience, wasn't that latest gadget a great idea? Kitchens and the garage are notorious for this. Some of these tools can still be found in drawers and cabinets still unused and in its original wrapping, waiting for that handy time for when you can use it. I remember looking for such things, only to forget where I stored it when it came time to use it.

Travel made me face my hoard, and make decisions about what I really needed, especially when realizing the Honda could only hold so much. You know what? It felt good!

2. Another release travel provided was from time constraints. My days off used to be full of to do lists of all kind of urgent but not really important things to do. Sometimes going back to work was a relief because I only had one place to be.

There is now more time to play on the beach, ride bicycles, or any other activity I choose, like writing these entries.

Again, maybe this could be done without leaving home but just like all those gadgets that accumulate, so do chores, and errands, and tasks, and... well you get the idea.

3. An unusual release travel provides is from the news. Which isn't to say I don't care about the world about me, but it doesn't affect me quite the same way. Probably didn't affect me as much as I was led to believe anyway.

So taxes are going up in a local area, but I'll be gone by the time it takes affect. Oh well! Instead I keep in mind when I am in whatever location that I am a guest, therefore be respectful of the area. Keep it clean, obey their laws, and mind the local culture. I am not out to fix things, but try to leave with things a little cleaner and keep a grateful attitude.