*me, at 6am, at the airport, no make up. ALONE.
During my recent travel adventure, I was going it alone. Just me on the plane, traveling to and from airports, in the hotel, etc. All of my family travel has always been with at least one child and/or my husband, and all business travel has been with women I work with. So this was my first time being all by myself and I must say, I loved it. I can imagine if you had to do the solitary thing frequently, it could grow lonesome, but for this mom of three boys and husband who works from home (read: we’re always together), I was elated to just worry about me, myself, and I for a change.
One of the things I finally made myself do for this trip was take an idea book with me. This is just a blank journal type notebook (I use this one from Etsy), and I carried it on me at all times. I wrote down inspirational things, ideas for blog posts, random objects that moved me, and more. Just today, two weeks after the trip, I had a chance to sit down and turn the pages back and look at what I had written down.
One of the main themes that resonated with me was how–when you are alone with your thoughts–you really can take in your surroundings. At one cart at the airport I saw a lemon bar and it reminded me of one friend. As I went through security I saw a sign for the “family aisle” and was reminded of another friend who would be using that aisle very soon for a trip that meant the world to her.
What also struck me about my alone travel, and that I’m so grateful for my idea book of reminding me about, is that the solitude did not make me feel alone. So many times we can be in a big crowd of people, friends, acquaintances, people we know, but feel entirely alone. In my aloneness, surrounded by perfect strangers, I felt the energy, prayers, hearts of my friends and family. Those little reminders of loved ones, looking at children the same age as my own, seeing couples in love, all of it made me feel surrounded by the comfort of home.
Try keeping an idea book with you, even if you aren’t travelling, because those radom and beautiful thoughts really do have an impact, and deserve to be savored!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
i’d suggest carrying your “idea book” one step further–put it on your night table next to your bed, and make it a “dream diary” as well. Just about everyone dreams, but most folks forget what the dreams were about. Keep a journal and pen/pencil next to the bed, and when you wake up, immediately record memorable dreams. Our dreams are a great source of inspiration later on!
YatPundit’s last blog post..So, I got hit by a big-ass van.
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Idea books are wonderful. I always carry one for when teaching ideas strike me, but lately, it’s become more of just random ideas. Sometimes I have trouble remembering what I meant by my sloppily jotted down notes, but mostly, it’s a lifesaver!
Erin’s last blog post..Of Love
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There’s also something nice about actually putting a pen to paper and physically writing that I appreciate when I take my own little wirebound pad with me. I often jot things down on the train heading into nyc and back and try to keep it personal instead of business oriented. The only thing I wish is that I took more time to go back and read it. Maybe I’ll do that tonight. Thanks for this post. :-)
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I love this! And how special I feel to be in it! You know me well. Lemon bars…
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing’s last blog post..Now That Is Scary
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I think when you put your hand to paper, somehow what’s on your heart comes out. Thanks for the reminder!
Olive U.’s last blog post..There’s Help and Hope at the Skin Care Blog
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It’s so good to see a post from you ;) I love your idea book idea. I think I wil start carrying one with me. There are so many times I’ve thougth of something and then forgotten and wished I had written it down.
You’re very inspiring!!
Christy M.’s last blog post..Old Time/New Time
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I envy your trip alone! As much as a hassle as travel is, there has to be something invigorating about not having to worry about anyone else but you for awhile and then coming home to all the wonderful things in your life rejuvenated!
I LOVE the idea book, any thoughts on how to keep one and not lose it? I have once here..somewhere…actually I have more than one because when I lose one, I start another one. And a lot of my best thoughts come when I am in the shower and there is something about shampoo that causes me to forget by the time I get out of the shower. So I need a water proof one too!
Seriously though, as busy moms, the thoughts do come and go so quickly and taking a snapshot of our thoughts throughout the day is a wonderful way to look back on those moments and really cherish them.
Kim @ What’s That Smell?’s last blog post..Bella Sara & Baby Bella trading card game for girls
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An idea book is one of the most perfect ways to capture moments that would ordinarily be released back into the universe. Your post perfectly captures the reasons why having one close-by is so important…
I tend to write on random things… receipts, napkins, business cards, prescriptions (I can only imagine what my pharmacist thinks of my “notes”!), and even on the backs of photographs and on my hands. I then tape or transcribe these little gems into a notebook. It is amazing to read things from sometimes months and even years ago… things that would have slipped right through the crevices of our brains.
I love the way your thoughts go to other people… friends & family & home… often the centers of our very lives. And the most extraordinary of all. I think you are a brilliant writer and I love reading your work…
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I carry this enormous bag because I have to carry the notepad of my brain dumps. I write every time a post idea comes or something just tickles me because I have no idea where it might lead. Now, if I can just find the time and ability to put it all down.
Anissa@Hope4Peyton’s last blog post..My constant in all the change
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I love the idea book..well, idea……my best writing is certainly done when i am alone and have been for some time. those moments are so few and far between in this uber-connected world, that it’s amazing to have pen and paper to capture them. i try to always keep a camera handy for visuals to coincide with my writing, too — some day i will put all my thoughts and photos together in an illustrated idea book.
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What a fabulous idea! I know just the book to start carrying, too! Thank you! :) Glad you enjoyed your trip! :)
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