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A solo trip. Maybe business related, familial, or personal. Excitement grows with the thoughts of being away, alone, dining, walking the streets with my thoughts, journal in hand. Peace and calm to counterbalance the ongoing noise of a typical day. I so look forward to these opportunities. The sun rises the next day following a restless night and by noon, the novelty wears off and I begin to think about the return home. I could never sleep well in another bed and without the presence of my wife. The familiarity of my surroundings at home provides a mooring on which to anchor. I’m closer to my kids, available at a minute’s notice, a father fulfilling his role to be there when things go sideways. And let’s not forget the pooch, my partner in crime staring at me with those soft eyes seeking a rub on the head. The excitement of time away quickly evaporates in my memory as I’m reminded of what matters most.

The yin and yang of life. Contrary and complimentary forces of a life worth living. To walk out on a limb and feel the excitement of an untethered existence, only to reach back to grab what grounds you. Alone, either state grows old. Together they provide a rich tapestry of a life well lived. How much of one or the other is too much is hard to define and is varied depending on the person. Experimentation is necessary to optimize the formula, but both variables are necessary for an answer. Make no mistake, these forays into the unknown are where the precious metals of your soul are mined. They are necessary to better understand who you are and what matters most.

Some may look at my restlessness as a weakness, a consequence of past experiences. To constantly seek danger in unchartered waters is viewed as a character defect, or a sign of not being happy with those things in my life. In fact, it is within the dangers and unknowns of solo adventures that truths are found, and revelations of the soul are discovered. These are the treasures that when brought back add to the richness of home. No, my desired adventures are not because of others, rather are because of me. It is my contribution for which I make no apology.