From Overthinking to Overjoyed:

A Midlife Woman’s Lesson in Letting Go

For the first time ever with travel, I almost talked myself out of going. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go. Island hopping through the Caribbean was pretty up there on my bucket list. But the what ifs took over…

What if I can't sleep well on a rocking boat? 

What if I get seasick? 

What if it's too hot?

I reluctantly agreed to go, half excited, half nervous. We stayed the night in San Jose, Puerto Rico and then departed from Fajardo first thing in the morning on a beautiful 70’ cruiser. About an hour in, as we crossed the waterway with pretty rough chops, I started to get that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach so I quickly climbed up to the top deck, the perfect landscape vantage point.

Peter Island

The view and sea breeze immediately took any nauseous feeling away and replaced it with serenity. Crystal white sand with vibrant turquoise water literally took my breath away. We found a quaint cove at Peter island, parked the boat and jumped in the gorgeous clear water. Within minutes, sea turtles took turns poking their heads out as if to welcome us. I knew then that this was going to be a trip of a lifetime.

Each moment held a special place in my heart but what stood out for me, were the mornings. The stillness at first light, with the light sounds of the waves and the gift of the morning sun while everyone slept filled me with energy every day. There were even some local goats that would pop up on the shore first thing, to fee on the trees and plants. At night, the animals shifted as they were drawn by the warm sunset.

I prayed, I meditated, I reflected and journaled. I found an unexpected peace in my heart I hadn’t even realized I was searching for. To think fear almost kept me from this experience.

I couldn’t help but think how this fourth quarter of life is the perfect time to practice curiosity and bravery. This is the season to try things on, like a dress rehearsal, each experience its own adventure.

How about a little challenge? No matter what season of life you’re in, I want to challenge you to lean in on curiosity and practice a little bravery by choosing one new adventure a month. How about it?

Not sure where to begin? Click HERE for some fun adventure ideas.