The 49th State

I had 3 days between switching jobs. I am a big believer that life is short and to live every day like it is your last. I know, so cliche. And I didn't actually believe this or like it until this past summer on my post-graduation Europe and Morocco adventure. I kept thinking, “I'll never get to do this again.”

(Let's pause because that statement is so dramatic. You never age out of traveling.)

But because I had that mindset, there was no fear or hesitation. Scuba dive? Yes. Ride a motorcycle with a random man in Morocco? Yes. and WOW! I had so much fun. Who would have thought? I began to imagine how much better my life would be if I quit living in 1. Scarcity mindset 2. Fear 3. A life too serious and not to think it was fun,

Anyways, I have 3 weekdays and a weekend, which is PLENTY of time for a trip…drumroll…

Alaska

My thought process was that I've never been, I have the time, it's off season (less $$$), and my bucket list is to see all 50 states (82% there!) 

It was worth every penny.

I actually hate the cold. I feel it down to my bones when it gets below 50 degrees. But the cold is beautiful. It is so silent, but it is so loud. SO LOUD that it blocks out other sounds. 

One morning, I had a walk outside alone in the city of Anchorage. Even with all of the cars, I could only hear the wind and the snow crunch at each step. My entire body is covered except for my face. It's like a bubble of protection. This cold wasn't just annoying; it was dangerous. Like the high is 5 degrees, and it feels like -10. 

There is such ease, peace, and love when you feel protected. In the cold, your eyes get a glimpse of the outside. You can feel your nose hairs and eyelashes freeze, and your skin go numb. But the rest of your body is protected, warm, calm, and protected from the freezing cold. This physical protection reminds me of emotional protection.

What is the emotional side of my life that can provide warmth, content, love, and protection? The Lord, my family, Rosie, and my go-to-first-call-friends. The physical body is vulnerable without safety, but so is the emotional part as well.

I knew I had to take the time to layer on 2 fleece shirts, a quarter zip, puffer, sweatshirt, and parka to keep me safe. 

If I have to do this physically, then I know I have to take the time to spend with the Lord, my family, Rosie, and friends to have emotional safety, too.

Even though the eyes can see the physical, our whole life revolves around the emotional.