March 16th: Back to Reality
Sunrise over Lapham Peak in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Forest
We have been home for about two weeks. Personally, I have been experiencing a bit of culture shock. For example, when we crossed into Brownsville, Texas immediately we noticed we were in such a different world - beautiful roads, well-manicured landscapes, grand buildings, and everything back in English. Honestly, it was a little strange.
At first, being back in my home was overwhelming. Walking into my closet to see all of the clothes I left behind was bittersweet. On the positive side, I had options and I could wear clean clothes every day. However, did I really need all of this? I’m still not sure. There were the get-life-back-to-normal tasks that needed to be done: like sorting through the two boxes full of 4-months worth of mail. And, the reality of being unemployed and for the first time in my life I do not have a specific plan for what to do next. I’m trying to remember to call myself a free spirit in this interim, as unemployed just sounds so negative.
I am surprised at how much I miss Latin America. I miss the love and happiness of all the people we met along the way. I miss the simple style of living we embraced for 4 months. And, I do miss being on my bike every day. Even though I had some riding challenges throughout the trip, I do love experiencing the world from the seat of my motorcycle.
I have learned so much from this experience, and I know I am a different person now. I also have realized I must face some hard truths about myself and my beliefs. It is not easy to look deep inside yourself and change. Brian taught me that there is no right or wrong, there is only what works or what doesn’t work given what you are trying to accomplish. And he’s so right.
I honestly do not know what is in store for me in the future. I only hope I can find true happiness and joy. Always.
In my blog, I used this saying from an unknown author as the tagline. I chose this because it summarized what I thought I was going to experience. And it sure does. More than I ever expected:
People change. Things go wrong. Just remember, the ride goes on.
Thank you for following my story.
