In many ways, this has been a summer of firsts. Actually – the pattern of firsts started when the clocked struck 12:01 am on the first of the year. Firsts that could only occur outside of the quiet and safe walls of our home. Firsts that involved pushing beyond my limits. Firsts that opened my eyes to new possibilities.
All of my firsts…took place while traveling.
The more I think about it – it makes sense. Travel invites you to experience firsts. The first sounds in a new city. The first taste of a local flavor. The first encounter with a local. The firsts of travel are often what define an adventure.
Usually when I think of firsts – I think of childhood milestones. Moments in time that mark my daughter’s growth to the young woman sprouting before my eyes. But this year, the firsts that make my heart beat faster – are my own firsts of travel.
I realized that the answer to “why I travel” lies in the firsts.
The first tickly sand to get stuck between my toes overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The first sip of peppermint tea during a spa visit that marked the beginning of my wellness transition.
The first puffy white clouds that appeared from the window while flying across the country that reminded me of the stillness of the moment.
The first trail that I hiked during my week at a wellness retreat – where my heavy breathing infiltrated my heart and brain….until later that week, when I took the first step on our last hike – and I knew that I was stronger than my breathing.
The first walk that I took after an early dinner in Spokane, as the sun began to set over rushing waterfalls in the heart of the city.
The first signs of surfers making their way towards the rising sun when I tip-toed away from my sleeping family and took to the boardwalk for a morning run.
The first casting of a fly-fishing rod on a lake surrounded by quiet trees that became accomplices in my adventure.
The first taste of wild rasberries, foraged in the woods while hiking with my husband.
Firsts are everywhere when you travel… and I am thankful to have the opportunity to experience each one.
I realize – these firsts are not major milestones. But they are moments that mark a pivot in my life – to live more intentionally. To stop taking my own health for granted. To forge a path where each day I feel stronger than the last. So that I can be a better me – a better mom and a better wife.
I am fortunate to be able to experience my own healthy and happy firsts of travel – when there are children and families around the world that never get these chances.
Except that we can help. We can ensure that more children have the opportunity to cherish milestones and firsts – with the help of life-saving vaccines.
In 2012, I had the honor and privilege to be part of the first Blogust class of social good fellows. Through our collective efforts, 10,000 vaccines were donated to protect 10,000 children from diarrhea, pneumonia, polio and measles. Last year, Blogust protected 36,000 children. Today marks the beginning of a new year of Blogust – with a goal of providing 60,000 vaccines to children around the world that need them most.
This is where you come in.
It is easy really. Comment on or share this post. EACH comment and EACH share matters. Not to me – but to a a lifetime of firsts that await a child.
During Shot@Life’s Blogust 2014—a month-long blog relay—some of North America’s most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions will come together and share stories about Happy and Healthy Firsts. Every time you comment onthis post and other Blogust contributions, or share them via social media on this website, Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages, Walgreens will donate one vaccine (up to 60,000). Blogust is one part an overall commitment of Walgreens donating up to $1 million through its “Get a Shot. Give a Shot.” campaign. The campaign will help provide millions of vaccines for children in need around the world.
Sign up here for a daily email so you can quickly and easily comment and share every day during Blogust! For more information, visitshotatlife.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Why I Travel: To Experience Firsts appeared first on Live.Do.Grow by Elena Sonnino
