Apparently it’s time for me to go back to “reality.” This is what people at home have been telling me; as if my round-the-journey I just returned from was nothing but a dream. My sabbatical is over, my time is up and now I have to live a “normal life.” (What is “normal” by the way?)
Back to reality? Hold on a second, if I wasn’t already there, then where was I for the past 12 months?
- Canada-New Zealand-Australia-Indonesia-India-Italy-Canada-Italy-Thailand-Indonesia-New Zealand-French Polynesia-New Zealand-Italy-Canada-Mexico-Canada. (Click HERE for video during my final destination in Mexico)
- Drinking, eating and shooting with world-famous photographer (and idol), Trey Ratcliff, in New Zealand
- Hugging koalas, kangaroos and wallabies (click HERE for video); snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
- Living in silence at Bali Silent Retreat; off-the-grid, vegetarian/organic food; no meat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, junk food (and I went back twice!); exploring rural villages (click HERE for video of visiting a temple in the jungle)
- Visiting the Taj Mahal, with every 5th person stopping to ask my friend and I for our photograph (fair-skinned blonds)
- Staying in the vacation house of my long-time favourite Canadian musician; living daily Tuscan village life, and feeling at home! (click HERE for a video of me enjoying gelato at an antique market in Cortona, and HERE for a video of how to eat a Tuscan panino)
- Horse-trekking through millions of lupins, flowing rivers, surrounded by vast mountain landscapes in Glenorchy, New Zealand
- Drum dancing and feasting with members of a small Aboriginal community, in celebration of the signing of their Final Self-government Agreement (Deline, Northwest Territories, Canada). Click HERE to see a video of a community feast!
- Sailing aboard a luxury yacht (Windstar’s Wind Spirit) among French Polynesia’s Society Islands (click HERE to see a video of polynesian dance lessons aboard the yacht); staying at a luxury private villa on the island of Moorea; and flying above Bora Bora’s turquoise waters in a helicopter.
- Standing in the middle of hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies flying in every single direction (Michoacan, Mexico). Be sure to watch video HERE!
- Shedding tears and feeling heartache every time I had to leave my new/old friends, not knowing if or when I would see them again. (Click HERE for my farewell video at Bali Silent Retreat).
And this is just a snippet of what MY REALITY looked like. Every single day of every week of every month for the past year has been as real as real can be. I didn’t just wake up one morning with a round-the-world business class ticket (among many other tickets!), and a detailed plan that set out the year for me. I wasn’t born with horseshoes in my back pockets, nor did I win a big lottery (although it will happen one day).
Instead, I made a substantial investment in time, finances and relationships; I put in a great deal of thought and trust, in both myself and others. I opened up to the world and I wore my heart on my sleeve. I wasn’t afraid to ask for help; I reached out and connected with people around the world, many of whom I never met before. This made all the difference!
Besides my own planning and efforts, this journey wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the various individuals I met along the way, gracious hosts and friends, the editors that I worked with, and the family and friends that kept in touch and supported me. Each one of these people has had a positive impact and influence on making my journey be what it became, and for that I will always be grateful for their contribution and presence in my life.
For the past year, I was in my element like never before. Not a day went by when I didn’t pause to think about and appreciate where I was, how I got there, and what I was (and wasn’t) doing.
Being able to follow my heart and passion, surround myself with people, places, and things that motivate, inspire and energize me, only doing what makes me happy and brings me joy – this is the kind of reality that I like and the kind of reality that I choose to follow! If something doesn’t feel good, it’s up to me to make a change. It’s as simple as that. I take responsibility for my life and my happiness. Imagine what life would be like if people lived this way on a daily basis.
We are the master’s of our own destiny, and boy, it sure is exciting when you find yourself on a path that just feels right – one that is guided by your own internal compass.
Yes, my gallivanting around the world has ended (for now); one month ago, I arrived back home, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, greeted with a chilly temperature of -35°C. (Click HERE for a video on my homecoming reunion with Tika (my German Shepherd Dog), and HERE for winter walk with Tika). My finger tips nearly froze off, I no longer have full freedom with my time, I have to wake up each morning to an alarm clock, I have to go to work, I can’t have a cocktail whenever I feel like it and I have no idea when (or where) I’ll be traveling next.
Yet, at this very moment, I am happy just where I am, because ultimately I am in control of my reality. I have so much to be grateful for and so many reasons to smile. All that has transpired over the past year is certainly not over. It is just the beginning! As long as I remain true to myself, I am confident that I will continue along the path that is meant for me….
So when people say to me that it’s time to go back to “reality,” I’d like to ask them, what is your reality? And if it’s not what you want it to be, then what are prepared to do to change it?
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions, stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.” – Anais Nin
Have you enjoyed the journey thus far? I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom. I am beginning to get settled back at home, and I will be in a better position and mindset to write more often. Stay tuned for so very much more!
(Update: Within the first week of returning back to work, I signed the paperwork to set in motion another sabbatical to take place 4 years later… in 2020!)
Travelin’ Tawna
Thank you for sharing your adventures this past year. I loved every moment I lived vicariously through you in your travels. Keep doing what you are doing, and most of all, keep sharing.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a comment Susan. I appreciate so much knowing that I have readers interested and tuned in to my travels and experiences. My goal through my writing and photography is not for show n’tell. It’s because I want to share the experience as best as I can with you so that you feel like you’re right there. Thanks again for joining the journey:)
Tawna,
Where do I start? From the beautiful pictures, the great videos, and your wonderful description of some of your experiences. My 10 minutes of reality with you I felt like I was there. I truly can’t wait to hear more stories, buy the book, and wait for what’s to come for you. You will never have any regrets in life and will always be remembered to me as the girl that JUST DID IT!
My reality right now is working in the entertainment industry, but definitely not forever. Planning for changes! 🙂
Thanks for sharing and awaiting for more of your stories and adventures! 🙂
Buongiorno! Grazie Diana:) I try to live that way, with no regrets…and it feels invigorating and free. When you’re open up to the world, with no (major) expectations, anyone and anything will surprise you…and this allows for a very enriching life, at least this has been my experience thus far. Being a single woman, I have a pretty clear understanding that if there is something I want out of life, it’s up to me to achieve it; I have to take matters in my own hands, and I make things happen. I certainly don’t do this independently of others; there are always people that come into the picture at some point along the way, and whether it was small or big, they played a role in making my reality become what it is. I look forward to hearing about what your changes are! Change is exciting; makes you feel alive again! Let’s meet up in Italia one of these days!!
It is often said, ‘Home is where the heart is’ (or something like that). You have experienced many ‘homes’ in your travels thus far. And I believe you will experience many more in your unpredictable future.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your postings, and have ‘vicariously’ lived each with you. May your thoughts and days continue to be REALITY.
love ya lady,
Dave, Birch Bay WA
Yes, that sure is true. I’ve had many “homes” throughout my travels, each one so special (with a couple of exceptions… but I’ll leave that for another day!) As you know, it is the people that make a house a home. And I’ve been so fortunate to have stayed with a number of people around the world who gave me a temporary home to stay at (it sure was nice when I could unpack my suitcase, use a dresser, closet and drawers!) I made such wonderful new friends, and now I have so many places I want to revisit just so I can see them and remain connected. This world is geographically such a big place, but once you start building connections, you realize the web of networks you have, and how interrelated you are with people all over the place. Although I was traveling solo, never did I feel alone. I could never repay my new friends and the various people that have crossed my path(s) for their individual contribution in my journey. And thank you Dave for sticking around!
What a brilliant, beautiful, motivating, professional and holistic wrap-up [not conclusion] to year-long adventures!!
You are truly a gifted and emotional writer, your images are absolutely exceptional, and your gorgeous web page design seek for themselves.
We will keep to our mutual promises for hosting you here at Casa en Suenos for our Croatia and Venice slide shows, with accompanying soundtracks, sometime in May.
Arthur! My dear travel companion (via my blog!). Thank you, thank you, thank you for being there along the way. I look forward to watching your slide shows and exploring Croatia and Venice with you and Dale… (two places I have yet to visit). I’m sure it will inspire me for my future travels!
We so enjoyed meeting you Tawna and briefly hearing about your incredible journey. But now to see the pictures and the videos has been a truly enlightening experience. Your beautiful writing and fabulous photography is something you should be very proud of. Bravo young lady and thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. You experienced things we can only dream about!!!
Thank you Roger and Joanne for your very thoughtful comments. It was really wonderful to have met the two of you in sunny Mexico and be neighbours for a short while. As I mentioned in my post, what you’ve read (and my previous posts) are just the beginning. My blog and social media (Facebook pages, instagram, youtube), as well as editorial publications, provide me with outlets to share my stories; so long as my readers continue to have an interest in my work, this will continue to motivate me with my writing. And I hope that through doing so, I may plant a seed in your own mind and heart, and inspire you to follow your own dreams! Best wishes and hope our paths will cross again!
Appreciated the opportunity to go along with you. I have not traveled for 5 years – traveled for my work in US however…. not the same…. Just quit my job, packing & moving to a smaller place I will call home base – then on the road for me 🙂
I appreciate you having joined me! I wouldn’t continue writing if I didn’t have anyone sticking around to read, so thank you very much. So you’re going to be “on the road”? Traveling? I wish you all the best, and hope you will find yourself on a path of discovery like I did! There is so much out there, and we will never, ever know that if we don’t flap our wings and explore. (It’s just like turning a page in a book, to find out what’s next in the story!) Be open to the world and it will give back to you. I promise.
Thanks for your well wishes & words of encouragement. Traveled enough to know that you speak the truth !!! Best wishes as the “forever changed you” enjoy your memories at home for awhile 🙂
Beautiful beautiful beautiful!! I’m still jealous hehehe – even though I was there for some of it and have had much my own RTW trip last year! You’ve captured so much so wonderfully – it was an honour to have been but a teeny flower in the wondrous fields of abundant precious blossoms you met and experienced 🙂 One day I’ll come to Canada but brrrrrrrr I don’t know how you do the cold!!!
Good morning beautiful! You’re one of those special friends that made it into my “story”….just simply saying hello on the narrow Tuscan village road, carrying on a conversation as we walked to the bakery, and then me inviting you across the street to my temporary Tuscan casa for vino and a bite, after having only just met each other 20 minutes prior. Such a beautiful memory. (And so glad we were able to reconnect, even for a short bit, in Bali!) It would mean the world to me if you came for a visit to my place of “home.”. I’ve traveled around the world for many years, and only one person from another country came to visit (and barely anyone even from Canada!) I don’t understand this; the Northwest Territories is an incredibly gorgeous and special place…largely “untouched”, raw, and fresh. Not many places like this left on the planet. Anyway, I hope you make it one day… soon! XOXO
Naawww… Cos it’s COLD!!! 😉 Can you see the Northern Lights there? Maybe in July it’ll be warmer?? If a miracle occurs I hope to go to Southern England again for the Buddhafield Festival 🙂 And then I could hop on over to Canada hehehe 🙂
Love your stuff x
Yes we can see the aurora borealis here! Very, very often! And right above my house many nights. They begin in late August and go generally until April…. likely fizzling out soon. Yes, much warmer in the summer, sometimes we make the hotspot in Canada (can get in the low +30s, but generally in the low to mid 20s for the majority of the (short 3 month summer). Sure would love to have you visit! (I think I already have June-August this summer covered with other visitors, but things could change).
I love your spirit, your blog, your joie de vivre. I hope that you will give a show/lecture at the YK library to teach single women that it is OK to go traveling alone and to give us tips. Your pictures are wonderful and convey that there is much more to life than work, work and work. I can’t wait to read where you are going next. M-F
Merci Marie-Francoise! That’s a great idea! I had thought about maybe doing some presentations at one point, but to choose a topic or country, or the whole thing- it is quite overwhelming (not too dissimilar with me choosing what to write about and share on my blog and Facebook pages!) I do intend to write some posts/articles about solo travel, and this would make a great focus for a presentation as well (instead of it just being an overview of where I went)… (This would also play a big part of my “book” that I hope to write!) Stay tuned!!
I love the poetry you have become in photos and writing, this is a rare path these present days. Being a dreamer, then acting on the uncomforable spot where you are currently at, knowing that somehow there is more to the world you are currently living. Thank you for doing what many want to do, but say they can not, then wonder why they are sad or feeling “stuck”. You are very brave. You take us where we only hope to go one day.
Gracias Liana! So glad we were able to reconnect, even if for such a short period. We’re now back in touch with each other, and hope not to lose that connection! Come visit me any time (but I know for you it HAS to be during the summer (warmer temps!) Big hugs!
Tawna,WOW. What a journey you made for yourself. Memories never to be forgotten.
You did something most people never get to accomplish . Congratulations.
Loved your blogs/videos. I cried watching your reunion with Tika.
Now your back to reality. Welcome home.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the journey! It wasn’t easy, but it was soooo worth every second. I will do it again in a second if given the opportunity (in fact, that’s what I’m doing! I’ve signed up for another round….and the tentative plan is to have another year off in 2020). Coming home to my girl was the most exciting thing about returning….I missed her dearly, but she was in very good hands while I was away. I love her to pieces! Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for much more!
Hi Tawana,Nice to hear from you. All your photographies arr wonderful, very nostalgic and feel like when are we going back or are we really goin back in this life. May be when wr will visit those places things will not be the same. Keep on posting sll those wonderfull photod. Tapan
Am Canadian also, now in PEI (a neighbor’s daughter lives in Yellowknife!) Can tell from my site that traveling is priority; still searching for WARM home base–oops probably not top of your list presently yet what a great time of year to be north! Enjoy the long summer days! Ruth at traveltoons.com
Thanks Ruth for stopping by! Small world, isn’t it? (That your neighbour’s daughter lives in YK!) Traveling sure is my passion, and as soon as I can find a way to make it work full time, I’ll probably be all over it like a bee in a honey pot!
I’ll have to call you world traveler Tawna from now on. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Even though it might be over, but the stories live on. And I’ll read every single one of them. There is an old Indian saying (translated into English) “Life is what you make of it”. You certainly have done that. Keep flying, dancing, and writing! You have, not only a beautiful, but photogenic family.
The journey is never over! I live bits and pieces of it every single day and that’s what keeps me going:) Those memories and stories live on, and I continue to plan ongoing travels and adventures! Thank you for coming along for the ride!