28 April 2011
From the Tea Tray at the St. Columba Hotel, Iona
Well, it's official. My post-Scotland travel funk has set in. I thought I'd avoided it this time, but no. Less than a week back in New York and my stomach and neck are back in knots...
Wah.
I've been thinking about the amazing difference that occurs in our bodies and spirits when we are somewhere that we love. Even through difficult moments you still have the solid foundation of that love to keep you going.
I realized this time around that I feel whole when I am in Scotland. Balanced and open. It feels like all the little parts of me that are a bit off-registration come together to form a clear image. These feelings allow me to focus more of my energy on things that matter...rather than mostly coping with noise etc. I expand there, whereas in New York, I contract.
I have half-filled out forms for volunteering on Iona sitting in my new tartan bag...and it feels like the next logical step. A very scary and big step...but exciting too. I still have a lot to do to prepare for it (it wouldn't happen for over a year) and I might not even get a space or a visa, but I need to try. Finances still pose a concern, but I have a little plan in place and should be credit card debt free by the end of next month and then I can devote the majority of my funds to my savings account. That's exciting. I never thought I see this day. So no matter where my path ends up leading me, I'll feel freer financially.
Last time I came back from Iona and Edinburgh (in 2009) I put the "pay off your debt" plan in action...now I am putting the "purge your apartment" plan into action. It's just a good idea in general since I'm almost eligible to be featured on Hoarders. :)
I am in the process of writing up my Iona experience...you didn't think my daily photos were it, did you? Have no fear...I will be gushing about Scotland for a while yet.
Here's one of the new portraits I had taken while in Edinburgh...don't I look relaxed??? :D
XO