For me, travel is a big part of my life. I make time to travel, I save to travel, I work hard to make travel a constant part of my life not because I’m an idealistic dreamer or a vagabond of sorts, but because it enriches my life.

Every time I go on a trip, I feel a surge of excitement, a longing anticipation and quite literally butterflies in my stomach. I’m not referring to just the long extended trips to New Zealand, South Africa or to Europe, but those short trips to neighbouring states or provinces or even exploring my own backyard.

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Every time I embark on a new adventure, I bring with me a sense of curiosity, a new wave of wonder and a greater sense of appreciate for PEOPLE – different cultures, varied ways of living and delicate social fabrics that make each people group unique and for PLACES – changing landscapes, awe-inspiring views and a varied scenery. Places always reinforce my appreciation and justifies my awe for the Creator who made them all.

So, many times, I purposely and intentionally disconnect myself from social media just to appreciate the moment. It’s okay if I don’t get the perfect Instagram shot or the ‘in-the-moment’ Facebook video because I’m on journey of growth. When I travel, I’m observing, learning, pondering, penning and hence I’m growing.

I’m a better person for the travels I’ve done and will be a better person for the future travels that I’d be doing. I’m on a mission every trip, with an aim to GAIN and to GROW.

I’ve scribbled some questions that I reflect on while I’m on the road. I don’t necessarily answer all of them on every trip, but they are at the back of my mind. And for different times and seasons in my life, these questions produce poignant answers. I’m sharing it for the first time here:

  • What am I more appreciative of? What matters most to me?

  • What is happiness? What can I learn from the smiles I see around me?

  • What can money not buy?

  • What is the difference between living and existing?

  • If God made the whole earth and I’m seeing only a fraction of it – there must be more, right? I want to see it! Where next?

  • If not now, then when?

  • Are there things that I can simplify so that my life can be more simple? Am I holding on to something that I need to let go of?

  • When was the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone?

  • What do I have in common with the different people & cultures that I see? Can I celebrate our similarities and appreciate our differences that make this world so unique?

  • Life is sometimes unfair (some have it easy, others have it harder) – but what do I make of it?

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