The Vacationing Mind

X-mass Gift

I have been around the globe a few times, mostly with the Military. I reflect back and often wish my travels had been more for leisure and enjoyment. It is such a fascinating world when we open our minds to our hearts. As much as I have taken in; I hope to pass on.

In my Forty-Five years, as I have gotten younger; I´ve also began to quietly observe more. The American Dream like any other dream is real. It is a concept and like any other dream...there is no need to let go of it. As long as we hold on to our vision in the forefront of our minds; we can hold it, feel it, see it and live it.

As I listen and watch as I am painfully reminded how I so often let life pass me by, claiming that there is no time for...I hear others say the same as they work longer hours, take on another project at home and have the hope to spend more time with family. We want to take our spouse out for that romantic dinner, teach our kids something that gave us joy years ago and look in on the parents that some of us are fortunate enough to still have in our lives.

When I remember my childhood, I remember being very shy but with a great desire for adventure and knew that one day, I would serve my country. Years later, I did exactly what I envisioned; jumping out of airplanes, scuba diving, traveling, walking old battlefields and trying to live a life worth remembering through kindness, compassion and integrity. I remember the strangers and mentors of my life that awakened something inside me. The stranger in the airport, the older gentleman that proudly showed me his great grand fathers´ musket, carried on the field of Gettysburg. I remember that kind woman who gave me a boost...telling me I have beautiful eyes and giving me a smile.

There is a reality that most of us face and that is of time and money. We focus often on the past and hang on to pain as if it were a badge of honor. I do not know why as I often question myself in this ritual. We put our dreams into a file cabinet and go back to work. Perhaps as that much needed time off approaches our doorstep; we can remember what we said to our spouses when we stood at the altar and said, "I do." Why don´t we take that cruise and totally reconnect with our families? We should.

I am though, ecstatic as I look around and see the strength of heart in so many parents as they give more and more to their children; thereby solidly reinforcing the talents and desires within their children. It says...we will not give up. Years ago, my own parents wrote me as they approached their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They were going on a cruise to Alaska and had just returned from a cruise to the Caribbean and this was while my Dad often needed to be in a wheel chair. I was so proud of them. They said they were going to do it one day and did.

There are many lessons that I am reminded of. One of my mentors once told me that misery will be handed to me like room service; so there is no need to look for it, invite it or pass it on to others. I have seen and heard that most people in their twilight or near the end of their stay here usually don´t say that they wish they had worked harder. They usually say they wish they worked on their dreams more and spent more time with spouse and kids.

I love this country...till death do us part.

You may get more information at: http://www.thevacationingmind.com
To a life worth remembering.
Respectfully...John Lucas