#1 Fork on the road?
"Fork on the Road," ok. Grab yourself a cup of your favorite drink, get cozy. And let’s get into it!
Are you at a fork in the road? Not sure which path you should take, or the one you want to take. Well, when I stumble upon a crossroad, I ask myself one strange question. Which path feels like a field trip? This may sound like a completely unrelated and off topic question, but I promise it’s the perfect type. It just has a little back story.
Let’s first take it back to when I was a little girl, and learning felt like a chore. Going to school was an absolute drag for me. And sadly, creativity or expression wasn't valued. I was this bright kid who loved to twirl around and dance. Who was always curious about everything and loved getting on the ground to learn something new. But I had a pretty rough time learning in school.
I hope the school system has improved since then. But when I went to elementary school 25 years ago, it wasn't a good experience for me. I was forced to sit still at a desk for the majority of the day and I had to stay quiet unless called upon. I had to listen to the teacher talk about a topic (with a monotone voice for hours), then four boring worksheets followed. Oh, and I remember recess only being like 20 minutes and then back to the cold desks. My goal however, was to get the best grades possible but it was very hard for me. Above all I felt very restricted and miserable.
I tried to remember what the teacher was saying and I was paying attention. For some reason though, it was like I would forget what they had just said, five minutes later. I thought I was the problem, or so that’s what they led me to believe. But as I grew older, I learned that I wasn’t the issue. It was the environment that I was in. And the fact that they were trying to force a child into learning something in the least stimulating or engaging way possible. But thank goodness there’s now more studies made available on how kids actually learn best. Whether the core curriculums change or not.
Sorry, not sorry…
I have to add in a quick fact that I learned from my neuroscience studies while in class with my professor Dr. Christine Caldwell, (Ph.D., BC-DMT, LPC, NCC, ACS) in regards to brain development, learning & memory across the life span.
“Due to brain plasticity, brains develop normally through sensory & motor experiences. Enriched environments develop more synapses & bushier dendrites”
-Basically, a recipe for great learning and light bulbs flashing!
Any who, there was one particular day that I will never forget. I was in elementary school and it was a field trip day. We didn’t go on many field trips but whenever we had one, I was the most excited kid in class. I loved the whole experience of it. Packing my paper lunch bag the night before, with juice boxes and snacks. Choosing my outfit for the trip, and the feeling that I had… the anticipation for the next day. But the knowing that I didn’t have to sit still, try not to fall asleep or force myself to pay attention, felt even better.
she even looks just like me when I was younger
Well, it was one of those days. A field trip day! And we went to a museum in Philadelphia, PA to check out exhibits. I was especially excited about this one because it was going to be the biggest museum that I had ever visited, with all sorts of topics to choose from. The level of excitement I had getting on that school bus and the drive there, I will never forget.
Now lets talk about actually being there. Experiencing it first hand was so eye opening and empowering. I was fascinated by all the different things they had. The colors, the pictures, the creative displays of information. And I was mind blown in the fact that I could just walk over to whatever interested me. The choice to learn about whatever I wanted. Some exhibits interested me so much that I didn’t want to leave them.
It was such a great day though. A day that I actually felt smart for once. As we were walking around, our teacher would ask us certain questions about topics that we had already learned about. There, miraculously for the first time I knew all the answers. I was exactly on track about what she was talking about. I began to wonder. “Why was I smart here and not back at school?” Now I know it wasn’t me, it was the environment. And although I knew that going on felid trip everyday wasn’t going to happen. I was going to forever hold that memory in my heart, regardless.
The day where I was exactly where I belonged... and was thriving!
But now, as an adult, I come across many forks on the road. We all do. Points where I have to stop and ask myself hard questions. Such as, “do I turn left or right? Is this the right decision? Should I move forward with this person? Should I embark on this new journey? Should I really travel there? Do I need a career change?” And so, when I get to these points in my life. When I have to make an important decision, I always think about that day. Of my experience going to and being at that museum. It’s when I stop and ask myself that special question. "Which path feels like a field trip?"
Other questions could follow, "is this something that I would love to get on a school bus to go do?" Or even, "do I want this person sitting next to me on the bus?" I’ll always remember that day. The excitement that I had, the freedom that I felt, and that environment that I was thriving in. Honestly, I think that's why I am so damn grateful when I get to travel and see the world. When I travel somewhere new… I take it all in, just like I did on that day. Now, I am no longer a child and I have choice. As an adult, the world is my museum. And I get to choose what I want to learn or explore!
Machu Picchu, Peru
Therefore, now when I find myself at a fork on the road… I ask myself that special question and it uncovers some great clues every time. I check in with myself. “Is my beautiful inner child spirit excited for this, does it want to go and explore this further?” “Is it yearning for this?” And remember, sometimes terrains and roads may be a little rocky on paths less traveled. But would you still want to get on that bus anyways, because to you it’s worth it and lights you up? Want a little tip from my deep studies of the body & mind…not to mention from my hard earned experience?
If your body automatically opens to it, goes towards it, if it feels like a yes— then the answer is yes.
If your body contracts at the idea of it, shrinks, if it feels like a no— then the answer is a no.
There is no grey area here, or overthinking to do. Its as simple as yes or no. Having a little courage definitely helps too. Always follow the compass of your own heart!
It's completely normal to be hesitant about the idea of something new, great, or seemingly out of reach. To feel scared because it’s different from all that you have ever known. It’s outside of your comfort zone. We try to anticipate and predict everything so much. But you wont know unless you try. From experience I also know that along the way some roads will be closed off or blocked. It’s a part of the journey.
As long as you keep moving forward while following your heart, you can’t go wrong. I’ve encountered some of the most beautiful roads and treasures ever from detours. You may come across something you didn’t even know existed or wanted. You may even come across a beautiful, ancient, only one of its kind pure gem, hidden in plain site. A treasure worth keeping and protecting forever.
As we get older, we tend to feel less worthy or brave in claiming something we truly desire. Additionally, we tend to forget what used to excite us as children. What we thought was so fascinating and fun… or what we had a natural talent for. Going on in life, many unfortunately ignore the whispers of their own soul. Chasing the egos empty promises or conforming to its false stories to keep us exactly where we are… but not to where we are meant to be. However, that joyous, inner child-like spirit still lives within you, no matter the age! Forever hoping you will listen and have the courage again.
There are 52 weeks & 365 days in a year, with 24 hours each day. How are you spending this precious gift called life…? Always remember my dear friend, never fret there's an entire world out there! Its completely open to you now. Just shift your focal point, your perspective, your resolution. Sometimes contrast is necessary to really take in the beauty and majesty of this planet with reverence and gratitude.
Recap
*Whenever you are stuck, try asking yourself that special question.
Which path feels like a field trip?
Is my beautiful inner-child spirit excited for this, does it want to go and explore this further?
Is it yearning for this?
Do I want this person sitting next to me on the bus?
Would I still want to get on that bus anyways (regardless of anything), because to me it’s worth it & lights me up?
Can I give you one last tip, friend to friend?
Ensure you embark on your own personal "field trips" from time to time. Venture beyond the familiar to explore the vast richness the world presents. In doing so, you not only encounter new experiences but also unveil deeper insights about yourself and the unique contributions you bring to the tapestry of life. Your happy place!
What experience awaits your arrival?Check out one of my personal field trips to Türkiye
Mostly historical areas of Şanliurfa, Türkiye. I was a little bit scared about it, honestly speaking. But I am so glad that I listen to my heart and went. One of the topics I love to learn about is ancient history and archeology. With a little research & planning, all is possible! This trip was so special to me that I got a tattoo in the Turkish language after. I will upload a blog post very soon with more pictures & will tell you all about it. Stay tuned!
Give yourself permission to a JML Adventure!
w/ love Jupiter
Welcome to the new Travel category within the JML Blog!
Expand your horizon to higher views & follow the compass of your heart
This blog post is the #1st in
These are all going to be in order as the meaningful adventures unfold. I’m going to add in travel stories & experiences which have shaped me. Follow along my journey as I grow and become more whole within myself. Hopefully I inspire you to do the same. It will start with the first place I ever traveled to, far away outside of the country (solo), to how that shaped me. Then, on to the next destination and what magic that brought me there too. Via writing, photography or videography.
I hope to give an inspiring piece every time, as well as amazing spot recommendations & adventures for you to experience first hand. For you to encounter something different and completely shake up the routine. After my solo travels so far, I don’t see the word “Getaway” the same. When I travel or leave my bubble, its not to run away from my problems. Its an act of self love and compassion for myself.
As the world spins we sometimes spin with it and loose our footing. And although I can pull in a million neuroscience facts in here to promote the positive effects of switching up your environment (even for a weekend), I wont. That will be for another post. I think its safe to say that we could all use a pause from time to time, from everything. A view from a different perspective, proof of a reality we didn’t even know existed. To enliven our senses and refine our palate. The space & freedom to be a completely different person because nobody knows you, nothing is expected from you. Lets be real… to even be yourself. Your true self!
I want to focus on places that are rich with culture, history, diversity, delicious food & plenty of shopping.
My favorite parts are being dressed up & immersed in the culture. it makes me very happy to embrace other cultures & traditions, as you could see from my Türkiye pictures.
Also, amazing wellness stays, loaded for you to release all the stress, leave the mind at the door & give your body the TLC it needs.
Having worked in the Holistic Spa industry with countless clients for many years I know the transformational impact it has. Not just for the body, but also the mind & spirit. Its not “a splurge or an unnecessary act.” Its a necessity for a mind who works overtime. For a body who’s shoulders cry out in pain, begging for a time to relax, to let it all go (even for an hour). From experience I saw people walk out renewed, strong, confident and ready for the day, every single time. Again, an act of self-love & compassion.
You can do it all, be it all!
Especially with regular field trips, self-love & compassion
If you are wanting to release the baggage & embark on a new chapter in life where you are following the compass of your own heart, living true & empowered— then I am your coach. Limited space open, APPLY NOW!