T-1 Day

I can’t even believe that the time has come! Tomorrow I will leave on my 4-month Next Chapter, Best Chapter Road Trip! This adventure started out as a simple desire to complete my bucket list of visiting all 50 US States. I only need 6 states to complete it.

But, it seems to be turning into SO MUCH MORE!

If all goes according to plan here is my Road-Trip-by-the-Numbers:

States I will visit: 29
Miles I will travel: 8,200
Gas I will purchase: Let’s please not even talk about this!
Friends and family homes I will stay in: 9 homes for a total of 59 nights
Airbnb’s I am renting: 7 for a total of 48 nights
Hotel rooms I’ll be staying in: 3 hotels for 3 nights
Airline flights: 4

I have so many friends who I am scheduled to visit, most of whom I haven’t seen in over 30 years. And this number is growing daily as I reach out, and as old friends hear about my trip and reach out to me. The simple preparation of this trip has reconnected me with countless friends from around the country, from all stages of my life. I have exchanged phone numbers, had email and messenger conversations, and even chatted on the phone with people!

My intentions for this trip have grown and developed over the weeks as well. I have spent a good amount of time in quiet, thoughtful prayer. I don’t want this trip to be something I just check off my to-do list. I believe and hope this trip will be transformative and restorative for me.  

If you are like me, and 50-something years old, you likely have some baggage weighing you down. You may have some trauma or heartbreak holding you back from making bold, courageous moves in your life. You probably have a self-destructive habit or two that keeps you from living the life God intended. I know I do. I am hopeful that this trip, will allow me the time, the space, the thoughtfulness to shed some of that baggage. To heal some of the heartbreak. To create new, constructive habits. To figure out my next best step in this life. To realize that I am worthy of all God intends for me. That I don’t have to settle for less than. I don’t have to settle for situations that don’t challenge me to grow and step into my greatness. I don’t have to settle for friendships and relationships that are contingent on me being who they expect me to be, rather than who I am…imperfect and flawed. Or settle for relationships that are half-hearted, one-sided, or uncommitted.

Of course, I’ll still be working my full-time job and my side gig. But, I’ll also be spending a lot of time outdoors. I’ll be journaling like my life depends on it. I’ll be spending time in the Word. I’ll be reconnecting with old friends, and hopefully making new friends along the way.

I’ll be getting raw, and real in my blog because I’m pretty sure some of what I am going through will resonate with you. And maybe, just maybe, will give you the courage and inspiration to change your life in little ways or maybe even in big ways.

Thank you for being along for the ride. I’m so happy to have you!

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