After doing all the research that went into finding an itinerary for our island tour, one thing became very clear: I suddenly had a lot of expectations. Whether they came from glowing descriptions and pictures of our destinations, or my own glorious imagination, I'm not sure, but suddenly my stress level was ticking up a few notches.
I've tried to dial it back by re-setting my thinking.
I WILL BE IN TAIWAN WITH MY FAMILY FOR 3 MONTHS!
Can I let that fact alone be cool enough to not fret about missing something cool? Or be chill if we're having a day when we're too tired to optimize our experiences? Or hold it together if we are delayed or lost? I hope so!
I hope to not get caught up in any agenda so much that I miss being present in the magic of being with my kids as they not only experience a new country and culture, but one of MY favorite countries and people?
We ARE there long enough to take in deep, long drinks at the fountain of a life-altering experience. There will be time to speak, to be out-going, to chase down really cool, fleeting opportunities. And there will be time to let some pass by us too.
The BEST thing about children is their exhistence in the utter present. I hope they rub off on me, and I hope I don't inhibit them from experiencing every magical moment!
You are so wise to be cautious about your expectations. What an experience. I love your comment about children having the gift to live in the present. Good luck!
ReplyDelete