Airports and Giggles of Glee

I like airports. Yes, I do. I think ‘like’ might even be an understatement. I have come to love them. Okay, I haven't been in as many as some, but considering my age, I think I have been in enough to know that I really find them intriguing. They evoke a certain mood of pleasantness. They can be a refuge for your thoughts while you wonder aloud, “What am I doing? Why am here? And, how come I decided to fly thousands of miles AWAY from the ones who love me?” Because my dear Watson, if you pay close enough attention you will find that airports hold a vibe of excitement and adventure. In them, people are exactly the same – they are all traveling.
As travelers, we make a pact, some for work, some for pleasure, some because they have to, and some because they want to, but all because we are there. A pact of ethics and attitude. When you are standing in line behind that man in the three-piece business suit, and in front of that little girl with her stuffed dog and Barbie back-pack, it is oh so humbling to remove your shoes and devoid your body of any heavy jewelry you might have been stupid enough to think about wearing on the plane, for god knows what reason, your jacket, as it is always freezing, and with a grin on your face, you walk through that security check point, barefoot, and virtually naked, because you are headed somewhere and that is exciting. One almost has to laugh, and in fact I did once. I burst out in polite but audible giggles of glee, for I found myself so excited to be there, in that security check line.

Just don't over do it

So I know I am still in Arizona, and I won’t be leaving for another month, but I wanted to write about my experience being home, because that, in itself is a whole other adventure, and certainly one worth sharing.

When one travels they become vulnerable and open. If they allow themselves to be that way, one will discover any number of things about themselves and the world in which they live. Hopefully, along the way, they will notice that it is not as bad as we all think. Yes, the world is in turmoil, but, no matter where you go, you can still find love.

Now, being home has opened my eyes in how important it is to allow yourself the freedom to make choices concerning you and only you. (Tangent: all the mothers and fathers out there, please encourage your children to travel, BY THEMSELVES, it is an invaluable education). It took three months and three thousand dollars but I made choices for me and only me. It was only after I left that could I return with new eyes and an open heart to a place I thought I knew so well and still find room to discover the beauty in this small town. Yes there is love here too, but being away has only made that more apparent. There is so much love here.

I have become intoxicated by life. Yes, I am high on air and I don’t plan on getting down anytime soon. Life is exciting and I hope that others feel the same way, because this life is a gift and it should be cherished and savored. Eat that second, or third piece of chocolate, because you know what, you deserve it! You are human and life is grand. Just don’t over do it!