When you spend 50% of your workweek in the car and every other night in a hotel room for years traveling for fun changes. It’s not a fun adventure anymore. It’s an escape and you mostly just want to have a stay-cation. I’ve had a year of detoxing from that job now and I can feel the true wanderlust coming back. I want to go new places and I’m not dreading the thought of sitting in the car or sleeping on an airplane. Vacations don’t feel like escapes or a necessary action to keep me semi-sane but rather a chance to explore and learn and to get my new hiking shoes dirty. I didn’t realize that traveling changed for me until it started changing back to what it was. Leaving a job; especially one that you thought was your career, is terrifying, but I’m so thankful for the chance to try something new and to get back the real me.
I just booked a flight the other day. It’s not a trip that is meant to be fun or adventurous. In’m going to see my grandfather. He’s not doing well. My mom is driving up from Virginia a few days before my flight. She’s picking me up at the airport. I’m not sure what to expect when I get there. Since my grandpa has slowly declined in health I’ve thought heavily about my family, the time I spend with them, the mark they leave, and recording it.
I’ve a bachelors degree in history with a minor in photography. I’ve been immersed in recording history and people for the majority of my life. It’s taken this long to think about how those closest to me- and even myself- will be remembered. I’ve started asking more questions about the family history. I’ve been doing voice recordings of everyday conversations and stories. I’m documenting every day life differently. I don’t know what to do with it. I’m probably one of very few people who care to have these photos or recordings. And that’s ok.
I want to travel again with different intentions.
The trip I’m taking has an unfortunate reason, but I’m planning on using it to learn and understand the same way I would if I was traveling to a new country. This post is the start of a new time in my life. I’m resetting my brain. Going back to basics. Starting fresh.
