Soaking it in.

It hit me today that we only have one month left of this traveling journey.
34 days, to be exact, until our foot lands on American soil again.
And then what? Back to the real world?
I really dislike that saying, "back to the real world."
Does that mean I've been living in a fake world?
Because it definitely doesn't feel fake.
In fact, I've felt more alive and real in the last 5 months than I have in...well, ever.

People keep asking me if I feel like I've changed from this experience.
And you know, I think I have, yes.
Nothing drastic or anything. I mean, I'm still me.
It's not like I'm going to go back to America only speaking Buddhist quotes, eating a strict vegan diet, and allowing my armpit hair to grow out.
{Why that image just came to me now, I have no idea.}
But something, I think, has definitely shifted within me.
I feel like I see the world with more clarity now.
Almost like these goggles I've had over my eyes have finally come off.
I've learned to appreciate the simpler life. The simpler things.
I suppose living these past 5 months with all of my possessions fitting comfortably inside one suitcase has really put things into perspective for me.

I remember one day, way back when this traveling thing was just an itty bitty idea, and The Dizzle and I were laying on my bed talking about how we could actually pull it all off.
I remember asking him what he wanted out of it.
What he wanted to gain from doing something as drastic as this?
He said he viewed it almost like one big "Reset Button".
An opportunity to get back to the basics, cut out all the bullshit, and really explore what it is he wants.
Discover what will make him feel passionate about life.
I nodded my head in understanding,
but I don't think I really understood it as much as I do right now, today.
I've been fortunate to be able to watch him grow, watch us grow, so much over these last 5 months.
He's grown on a personal level, he's grown in our relationship together, and he's grown to form a new appreciation for life and all of the opportunities it has.

I feel confident that we will be going back home as "us," yes, but also as "us, with a new perspective."
I realize it's only been a short time away from home, but I suppose it doesn't take long, when you're out of your element, to truly recognize what matters to you and what's important in your life.

We don't have all of the details mapped out for when we return.
But something tells me it's all going to be okay and we'll figure it out, just like we've been doing.
And in the meantime, I'm going to soak in these next 34 days we have.
Because, clearly, playing Sand Mermaids is the true definition of "soaking it in."

xoxo