I feel so restless lately. The walls seem closer together,
and my days are getting shorter. Maybe I’m the one
getting smaller. . . . What am I looking for?
These words, written by Vinita Hampton Wright, might express your thoughts. Or those of someone you love.
Time to get outta Dodge?
“Just drive,” Hampton Wright advises. “Drive and munch and listen and watch the scenery go by. Feel the sensation of moving somewhere . . .”
Even brief getaways, she says, can move us forward when we feel stuck. Stale. Burned out.
It might be simplest (and cheapest) to ride public transit on a day off, or lunch hour, freeing our hands for felt tips and sketchbook or an adult coloring book. We could knit, daydream, or doze as life slips past.
Is there a window in your schedule this month for a road trip, or even an hour’s drive?
Maybe you’ve heard Bruce Cockburn’s song, “Driving Away” (click below, to hear).
“. . . the picture of the world that’s coming clear, driving away.”
New View, Fresh Perspective
Although travel-resistant, I return from our getaways with an altered outlook. I see more clearly where I’ve been, which helps me map out—or at least imagine—where I might want to go with my life.
Sometimes getaways offer a surprise opportunity to face an old fear . . .
The past weekend upped my “inner Took” quotient, from 7% to 15%. (“Zip-lining,” Dreamer says, “ranks 50%.”)
Though chronically altitude-challenged, I scaled
this primitive 32-foot ladder
made from slick tree boughs
up a 100-foot rock face
to visit Balcony House,
the amazing stone remains at Mesa Verde, once occupied by Ancestral Puebloans.
Tall ladders have haunted me ever since panic stranded my childhood self, for hours, on our garage roof. That ladder cast a life-long shadow over my mind.
At Mesa Verde, I did not look down. I lasered-in on each burnished rung. One step at a time. All else fell away (except me, thank God).
Moving forward, one simple act at a time
An epic ladder, a little faith, and the vacation spirit of daring helped me concentrate on each step.
Hampton Wright says that getaways help us “confine [our] concerns to what [we] have with [us]” as well as giving us “a change of scenery.“
Try occasional Hit-the-Road dates, she suggests: solo, or with friends; with or without a plan; with or without a GPS or map (let’s go somewhere beautiful and get lost together); with or without a theme (visit museums, or small-town diners, country churches, old graveyards, parks or fishing holes).
Getaways: Potential Supplies
Bring snacks. Favorite music.
Work? No. Hobby tools? Sure. Pack only those which enhance your appetite for discovery and relaxation.
- Camera
- Journal
- Sketchbook
- Binoculars
- magnifying glass
- Musical instrument
- Audiobook. (For a week-long trip, try The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, narrated by Jim Broadbent.)
Wear stretchy clothes, comfy shoes. Prepare for weather changes. Or not.
Lucky hat, optional.
What’s stopping you?
Is there a “shadow-ladder” barring your way?
Might this be the time to face it, whatever it is?
If you take a getaway, I hope you’ll share . . .
Godspeed!
Vinitia Hampton Wright, Simple Acts of Moving Forward, p. 29
The Little Naches River provided us with a campsite full of river music and cool breezes, to say nothing of a good night’s sleep. The next day 13 miles on a back road brought a 360′ panorama view of Washington mountains from an old outlook site (now cell towers). The view so delighted us we brewed a second pot of morning coffee to fully savor it. Two cavorting marmots completed the venture. Van cherries, that morning picked, were worth the hot drive into Naches. Then we spit cherry seeds out the van window as we climbed our way up to White Pass. All of this a short get away (two nights) from home. Sometimes we miss the tree for the forest. Hmm.
Sounds glorious! What a wonderful getaway, feasting all senses. I do like picturing you two spitting seeds along en route to the pass 🙂 Your reminder’s a good one for us all. It makes me want to be more intentional about exploring nearby areas. Thank you!
You climbed up and out of your ladder of fear. I am super impressed and inspired. “Thank you, Holy Spirit, going for giving Laurie an extraordinary getaway and for extraordinary getaway moments.”
P.S. I have Vinita Hampton Wright’s book The Soul Tells a Story. I enjoyed I think very much; maybe I should read some more of her writing.
Carol, I think you’ll like the book I mention by Vinita—so practical and generous and doable. Written with wit, knowledge, and compassion.
Thanks for celebrating my victory over the ladder with me!
We just returned from a trip to Southeast Alaska, cruising from Juneau to Sitka. Amazing trip with 37 other Sacred Harp singers. Lovely amazing scenery, interesting wildlife and music. The food was delectable and plenteous. The staff personable and charming. Felt longer than a mere 10 days.
Hi Lucinda, thanks for dropping by and telling me about your trip, which sounds memorable and refreshing. I admire Sacred Harp music. May I ask where you performed?
We hope to see Denali soon. It’s on our list. I’ll bet seeing the state by cruise is stunning.
I just love your writing Laurie. What a refreshment to my soul this post is. Your pilgrimage up the ladder speaks volumes <3
Jenneth, that means so much to me, coming from a fellow writer and poet. Thanks for reading and leaving encouragement in your wake—yet another thing you do really well. 🙂
Thank you so much dear Laurie. You are a wonderful inspiration to me ♡?
Hurray for the ways the internet helps kindred spirits connect! 🙂
Gosh, I loved this post. I almost got in my car and took off. ? I want to do the road trip and see what happens. I think it might clear my brain. Proud of you for the climb up the mountain.
Gena, I hope you get to do a road trip soon. 🙂 You were made to travel, girl. And it does clarify one’s perspective, for which I’m always grateful. Thanks for celebrating my victory over the ladder!
Laurie, I love a good road trip! I will often carve out a day, or even part of a day, to spend with a change of scenery. My daughter Tori and I are getting ready for a trip up to the Maine coast, and for vacations we’ve taken to books on CD as well!
I would have had a lot of trouble with that ladder you climbed, but I would have done it. That’s what the change of scenery is for~to push limits, to breathe, to be exhilarated, to see what I can do outside of my normal constraints.
I love your “postcards!” Thanks for sharing!
Michelle, it’s good to hear from someone who loves to do this regularly. The upcoming getaway to the Maine coast with your daughter sounds fabulous! I hope to one day see more of the East.
Your words about breathing deep and pushing our limits beyond “the usual” and opening ourselves to exhilaration say it so well. You make me want to keep being brave! 🙂 Thanks!
We did that a few years ago. I kept marveling about the people who actually lived there and went up and down over and over every day.
No kidding, especially the mothers with a baby strapped to their back and a forehead basket of produce from the mesa, up top. Our ranger said they used hand- and footholds carved into the rock instead of the big ladder. Stunning strength of will and body. Spirit, too. No wonder their life expectancy was 35!
Laurie, that is an amazing accomplishment….wow.
Jody, you are a sweetie. Thanks. I bought a professional photo of the ladder to post on my fridge as a visual reminder of what can be accomplished despite my fears. 🙂