Discoveries

Making the decision to take this trip has taught me so much about myself. And others.
There have been times in my life when I've made choices that others shook their heads at: becoming an EMT, quitting a job, moving out of state, etc.  This trip has become one of those choices.
It has pared down the people in my life that I considered friends -- and family.  It is a very painful thing to do, but sometimes shedding others from your inner circle is a necessary thing. When I reached 40 I realized that I am not Superwoman. I cannot do it all. And trying was almost literally killing me. So I had to choose. Who to love, who to give my all, and who to let drift from my life. I no longer feel compelled to constantly rein in those I thought were friends, but upon closer examination realized were just glorified acquaintances. I've also reinforced some valuable connections I had let slip away. I've separated the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.
I am so blessed to have the most incredible individuals in my life. They get me. They encourage me. They cheer for me.  And something funny has happened:  letting go of some has made room for others to enter my life. That is so exhilarating!
I've learned what's important, and what's not. I am important. To myself, to others and even to the elephants. What a feeling of empowerment that is!