“Life is an adventure, not a package tour.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

This is a great reminder for me today – especially as I will be leaving for Europe on vacation next week.
We are not going on a package tour, but I do want to be prepared and feel in control 😉
When we spend so much of our time planning and anticipating whatever obstacle might come up, its easy to miss the excitement of the unknown and the adventure of it all.
It’s like life…
Take a moment and consider “Am I approaching life with a Package Tour mindset or as an Adventure?”
Looking back on previous vacations, I recall that it was the unexpected that thrilled. Like the moment we followed an impulse instead of the GPS and found ourselves on a dirt track heading towards the clouds. Suddenly a golden eagle flew up in front of the car with a 3 foot snake in its mouth. We didn’t have time to photograph it, but the moment is imprinted in our brains forever. Now that could never be planned for!
Looking back on life, aren’t the moments that take our breath away, the ones we didn’t plan for…
The moments we feel really good about are the ones where we have met unexpected challenges and discovered inner strength and resourcefulness.
Or the moments where we let our guard down and let the love in, to be fully embraced and accepted for who we are.
Or moments of discovery and awe of something that was once unknown.
Life really is an adventure when we allow ourselves to let go of control and notice things as they unfold.
When I think about my vacation, I now ask myself “Can I let go more and allow the present to unfold?” Absolutely, now that I have my bug spray, sunscreen, contact lens solution, change of underwear, reading glasses, GPS and maps packed…
Oh, for me it’s definitely an adventure…the moments like the one you described can never be planned…life will unfold when we let go. I love the imagery of the eagle with his food, and the image here is gorgeous too. Have a wonderful time, Val!
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I’m not surprised with your response Tiny … And am also delighted! When we are open amazing things happen! Xo
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Oh, how wonderful for you, Val, I’m envious! 😉 I like to travel with a basic itinerary, but I don’t make reservations as I know that I will find a play to sleep and food to eat no matter where I go. I trust this and have never been disappointed. It also leaves me open to stay longer or leave sooner, or wander off the itinerary if I get a good lead, than if I had planned it. Have a great time, can’t wait to hear all about your adventure!
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Thank you Eliza! I do hope to have adventures… Even although the logistics are planned. In Myers Briggs terms … I am an Enfj. The J is all about planning ahead … And something that is hard to let go of … And I’m working on it!
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I love this, Val. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Be safe.
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Thanks so much Jill! I know it will have so many moments to capture and enjoy!!
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I’ll look forward to your photo! Be safe.
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Haha…Val! Here’s to allowing…and being aware of tiny moments 🙂 Wishing you an incredibly wonderful vacation filled with things you will enjoy 😉 ♡
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Beautifully said Lorrie! Thank you for your wonderful wishes 💛
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Great reminder Val and when we let go, we live fully! Have a wonderful trip, nurture, rest and enjoy every adventure 🙂 .
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Thank you Karen. We are returning to Tuscany, which we know well… This reminds me to seek out new adventures and live it fully 😄
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Belissimo Val, Divertirsi Ciao Ciao 🙂
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Bella! Mille Gracie! ☺️
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You have a very wonderful time. I know you have mentioned the places you are seeing but have forgotten the details. Not that it makes any difference for I am certain it will be a fabulous vacation.
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Thank you Paul! We are visiting my family in Scotland then going to Tuscany for a week and then back to Scotland before returning to the US. Luckily we have our Vet Tach come and stay in the house, so the dogs are well taken care of. Otherwise we’d be home bodies!!
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I look forward to reading more of your travels and, perhaps, enjoying some photographs that you wish to share. Give my regards to Scotland!
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Yes, a change of underwear is a must! 😉
Cool story about the golden eagle. I love unplanned adventurers!
Hope you have such a wonderful time Val, I’m so envious.
Incidentally, I got my passport in the mail yesterday after our convo about you going to Scotland. I went and applied for it as a little birthday present to myself for my 50th birthday on Aug 14th. I had said for years that I wanted to go to the UK for my 50th birthday, but it doesn’t work out financially for me to go right now, so I went and applied for my passport as a little step of faith toward that dream of going there one day. 🙂
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enjoy…..and have fun….what’s a great adventure without a little mishap…LOL
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Thank you NJ! Lets play down the mishaps part 😉
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Here’s to an enjoyable trip, Val! 🙂
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Thanks Jennifer! See you in a couple of weeks 😊
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I have always thought of life as an adventure, like a magical treasure hunt looking for clues to solve an everchanging puzzle of secrets and mysteries 😊😊💖💖
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Yes, I can see that Trini! Treasure hunts are a great metaphor!
I love your lightness of spirit that you bring to the world. 😍
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😊💖🌸🌷🌺💕✨🌟
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Have a great trip, Val, full of adventure and breath-taking wonder.
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Thanks Jean. I must admit I am getting even more excited about the adventure and wonder as friends like you remind me!! 😄
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Have a great holiday 🙂
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Thank you Elizabeth. We are returning to old ground … and will seek out new trails and adventures!
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I can relate to the need for planning. That makes me feel in control. But the universe is weaning me from it. At first, in baby steps. Now in bigger steps. It is constantly whispering, “let go, you will be fine.”
Thanks for sharing the experiences on your path.
Enjoy your vacation.
Karin
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Thank you for sharing here Karin…. and the gentle reminder to listen. I used to call myself a recovering controlaholic 😉 As I trust the unknown more and more, and listen to that inner voice, life unfolds in a wonderful way.
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I do so agree Val, and I discovered as a teenager – about half a century ago! – that travelling, and even the very decision to travel, yields delightful bounties when done impulsively i.e. let’s go tomorrow, or right now! I have never been on a packaged holiday in my life as a result, though doubtless there are good ones to be had. H ❤
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Ahh … student days. 🙂 I had a few adventures on Interrail around Europe …
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Adventures are great! Not only do we see the world from a different perspective, we see ourselves from a different perspective.
“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have a FAB time!
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Love this post! Here’s hoping your upcoming vacation is filled with great adventures, Val.
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Thanks Carol! I must admit I was getting into the “been there – seen it- got the tee shirt” mode. Everything can be a real adventure and something to appreciate when we are open! Xo
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Great post. I find our furbabies are the best teachers. They always live fully in the moment, rejoicing in mud puddles,scents, sights, sounds, and just putting their little paws upon blades of grass. They are all about savoring simple pleasures as the presents of the present moment. Love the last paragraph… 😀 Ain’t it the truth!
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Savoring each moment and being ready for what ever scent, sound or sensation shows up! Love that mother w!
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Thank you! It’s very nice connecting with you. Love, peace and chocolate, MW
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Thank you MW 💛
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Enjoy your holidays Val 😀
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Thank you Irene! 💛
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