On a road trip up the California coast a while back, I tried to call home only to find that the batteries in my cell phone had died. I worried. What if someone needed to get in touch with me? What if there was a problem with the house? What if my family couldn't find me and got worried?
I passed the exit to the beach that I had always wanted to see.
I obsessed some more.
I stopped for breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I asked if they had a pay phone. They didn't. I barely noticed the stunning view, the smell or the sound of the surf, and I can't remember eating my eggs and toast.
I put off seeing things until another trip; I took the freeway and got home early.
When I got home, there were no messages. No one had needed me; no one had even been aware that I was gone. But I had missed out on the treasures of the trip. I had spent so much time obsessing, I could barely remember where I'd been.
Are you missing out on the wonder of your trip because you're in too big of a hurry? Let go. Breathe deeply. As long as you're taking the journey, you might as well relax and enjoy the ride.
