Some might say that the big adventures are the reasons to travel and throw yourself at the edges of the earth–climbing the volcanoes, exploring ancient tombs, surfing incredible waves. However I would argue that learning to enjoy the small moments is what traveling is really all about: finding gratitude in each moment when it is not being thrown in your face.
It is easy to be happy, gracious and thrilled about life while diving in the Great Barrier Reef or volcano boarding on an active volcano in Nicaragua; it is not as easy when you are low on money, in a place where communication is difficult or simply just getting up to head to a job that you do not really want to be working that day. Especially while the whirlwind, chaos and budgeting of being on the road is in full effect, finding the happiness in the small moments is of the utmost importance. I think these small instances of pure joy, comfort and happiness vary depending on where you’re at not only on the map, but in life and your journey.
For me currently it has been catching a moment of stillness with a magnificent view of the pastel, brisk, dewy sunrises with a steamy drink and a cozy sweater, though a cold beer, a hammock and a sunset will take a close second any day. I have discovered in the last few months that I might in fact be a morning person (so uncool!) and I love so much to wake up, put my big knitted sweater on as a dress, make a cup of coffee and sink into the wooden door frame allowing the chilly air to rush in, while I watch both the sun appear on the hazy New Delhi horizon and my lover gently sleep in our bed next to me. Everything in this moment is perfect to me. Every thing in this moment is something to be grateful for.
This is not something that is contingent upon location or wealth, but something I can find happiness in every single day no matter where I am at on the planet. I have learned this while traveling and waking up in different places all over the world, but this kind of gratitude for the rising of the sun is something that I carry with me every day, whether at home or abroad. It has essentially been about discovering what makes me, me. Whatever clicks in my brain that says “this is happiness” in that moment, is a huge part of what makes me feel whole and I am so grateful that I have discovered it early on in life. Being able to get to a peaceful place to enjoy the stillness of the passing of the sun and moon every day requires little to no effort or money and is something that brightens each one of my days. From New York to Hanoi and Saigon through Siem Reap, Bangkok and now Delhi, this small comfort of tea or coffee and a passage of the sun keeps me from feeling homesick or out of place on a daily basis. When I have the privilege to follow the sun and the moon, I belong everywhere. Alone is never lonely. Though when I have someone to share it with, even better.
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