LETTING GO

​By Amy Paulson (Reposted from The Gracias Foundation, now called Global Gratitude Alliance)

Something about embarking on international travels always excites me. But this trip to Kenya and Ethiopia has given me a lot of stress.  Maybe it's because of the Nairobi airport fire – though I know that isn't the whole story as the "stomach issues" I had last night were the same ones that I had the night before I was scheduled to leave last week. I think it's partly because I'm traveling without my husband on this trip and nearly a month is a long time for us to be apart. Also, it’s because I have so much to accomplish and I'm nervous that I won't get it all done.

I can plan and plan and write multiple check- lists and post- it reminders about all the stuff I need to do (and I did all these things). But if there’s one thing I've learned from so much travel, it’s that sometimes it’s best to accept that I cannot control everything. So I’ll just roll with the punches, achieve what I can and try to keep a good sense of humor. Because a wry smile or a belly-laugh might just relieve the tension and enhance my sense of well-being and enjoyment.