A Day’s Journey

Paris, France – April 2022

Back in the United States, everyday somewhere between 6 to 7 am I had my first cup of coffee. Emphasis on first- meaning that it was not necessarily my last. Coffee, exercise, more coffee. What once began as a morning ritual to celebrate a good taste turned into a caffeine vessel the day could not begin without. When I arrived to Paris, I remember ordering coffee and a golf ball-sized shot of espresso came. To go from mug(s) at home to a tiny doll-sized joy was eye opening. However, it was to be sipped, as a cup of coffee is. Slowly, to be enjoyed. A spark of energy in a small savory package. Could I live more with less?

By week 2 of my trip, I was ready to downsize. I’ve learned so far that being prepared is important in the realms of health, transportation, and safety. However, preparation in regards to packing – too much is too much! I’m learning to live more with less. I’m preparing to spend the year in almost every climate, but I simply did not need to pack all together for every single climate. Belongings can come and go with no feelings of attachment. With long hair and fair skin, I am slowly discovering that I actually do not need THAT much shampoo and sunscreen… the good news is that these things are used almost worldwide and can be resupplied. I am traveling with 3 bags soon to be 2… and by the time I go to Africa.. maybe 1? Packing light makes the soul feel light.

Feelings of non-attachment are important for the world traveler. We leave the comforts of home, our daily routines, close relationships in search of novel experiences. We find places that move our soul for reasons sometimes unexplainable. But we continue to move on because we must. We cannot fall in love with every single place or we will be heartbroken for feelings and experiences that are fleeting.

So life is like a shot of espresso. Small package with a big delivery. Less is more. Detach from material items and attach to the present moment. Teaching us to slow down to enjoy life’s small moments, as that is all we have.