Great empowerment and a true sense of freedom are found when you travel by yourself.
This trip to California, originally planned for a Jason Mraz / Jimmy Buffett concert, turned into something even more meaningful — a beautiful drive across much of the state while visiting friends along the way.
For the first time I can remember, I rented a car completely on my own.
It sounds simple.
Yet the fear-based sales pitch at the rental counter left me feeling overwhelmed — suddenly I was the “responsible” party.
RESPONSIBLE = ABLE TO RESPOND.
When I broke that word down, something shifted.
Responsible doesn’t mean perfect. It doesn’t mean having all the answers.
It simply means I am able to respond to whatever happens.
And I can do that.
So at 11:30 p.m., I hopped into my little red car and took to the streets of San Diego. Thank goodness for GPS.
From San Diego to Los Angeles to San Francisco, I drove at my own pace, taking in the beauty and variety this state has to offer.
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was breathtaking. From there, I headed into the mountains.
At Yosemite National Park, I overheard a woman say, “Oh look! The waterfall is flowing!”
Moments later, the sunlight hit just right — and there it was.
A rainbow in the waterfall.
Pure magic.
Next stop: Sequoia National Forest — home to some of the largest trees in the world.
Wow. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to describe them. It’s something you have to experience in person to truly appreciate.
Although the concert was postponed, I’m deeply grateful for my time in California.
There is always a Plan B.
And sometimes Plan B turns out to be the real adventure.
Here’s to freedom.
Here’s to responding instead of reacting.
And here’s to trusting that even when plans change, something beautiful is waiting.
1 comment
Yes, flexibility is the key and halving a Plan B is good, however don’t be discouraged if you need Plan Z.
I cringe when people wish me “good luck.” I adamantly don’t believe in luck. I firmly believe in God, miracles and prayer, statistics and probability, yet never luck!
Something good almost always comes from something discouraging. Lynn’s turnaround trip is not surprising, because it speaks of Lynn’s true character. The day I first visited Under the Cherry Blossom I sensed there was something different here. I was correct. It was both the owner and the manner in which the store was run. Now she’s out of the beautiful box and influencing the world. Keep sharing the inspiration Lynn.