Being Still

I am obviously a lover of travel.

I’m also a lover of planning to travel.

And sometimes I am a lover of being still.

Be it the change of seasons, the scent of pumpkin spice, or the two trips that I spent all of last week obsessing over, this week, I have leaned towards presence in the moments freely offered right here, right now. Instead of living with my head in the clouds, I have sat longer with each thought.

It’s been nice.

You may have noticed from my Instagram posts in recent days how much more thoughtful I have been versus sending you all of the best travel tips in my tool belt. I like it that I can experience and celebrate both of these sides of myself with you. When these two sides collided about a year ago to create this thing I call Big Story Living, I was only hopeful that someone would be intrigued. Now, look at us! We’re growing into a little family. I’m so thrilled you continue to enjoy this space. Thanks again for reading.

“making world travel affordable while inspiring wonder and faith as partners in the journey”

So in the spirit of slowing down for contemplation, here is a recap of my recent Instagram posts of…

Thoughts from the Week

1.

In America we throw things away so easily. The sense of long-held traditions that provide firm foundations, lasting heritage and longevity are so easily tossed away for the sake of innovation, new and shiny. I wonder if this is one reason we feel compelled to travel to places where we can soak in others’ history and breathe the stories of the ages…because we do such a relatively terrible job at creating and maintaining our own. I wonder if our souls are longing for story that connects us deeply to place, a people, and a tradition that speaks of who we have been, who we still are and who we will always be.
Just wondering….

2.

I walk.
I walk for breaths of fresh air.
I walk to work things out in my head.
I walk to prepare my legs for travel and hours of exploring the world on foot.
I walk to learn while listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
I walk to sort through conflict.
I walk to reconnect with my husband and dream about our next big story.
I walk to listen to my girls tell about their days.
I walk to release anger.
I walk to regulate my nervous system.
I walk to take phone calls from my family.
I walk to be alone with introverted me.
I walk to find new things.

And sometimes…I walk to be found.

And here are some others gems that I have enjoyed and used to practice small moments of stillness…

What I’m Consuming This Week

I’m always up for a good flying lesson…but this one is so much more. Take a listen. Everyone is capable of “big story living.” I think this one is worth journaling about. :)

Since I’m heading back to Prague this winter with our first Big Story Living Curated Journey, I’ve been re-listening to this audiobook. It is soooo good. Madeleine Albright, herself, narrates it as she tells her personal story of being a Czech during WWII and finding her way to the US. It’s a really great way to get some basics on the history of Prague alongside good story from a brilliant woman. I’m sure the book is a great read, but I say, definitely listen to it if you can.

I began this 12-week journey on Monday. Two thumbs up!

That’s all for this week, my friends.

Today I’m wearing a sweatshirt, and I’m off to the ChiliFest in our little Colorado town. Wishing you the crispness of a new season and the coziness of your favorite coffee, chai, apple cider or steamy drink. Go and take a few moments to be still and enjoy the moments of your weekend that is here.

Cheers,

Amy