One day in our Wisdom Circle, searching for a way to describe my state of mind, I said I was experiencing “Traveler’s Mind.” That feeling you have when you wake up during a trip and the day ahead is gorgeous and relaxing and only new things await.
When we travel, we feel, act and look different. Being on the road has an effect in our modes and on our moods. The bag we pack, the clothes we choose, the anticipation and the planning, all change us for the better.
We wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead, put on our planned outfits, or choose from our varied options, and head out. Researching the best latte and brunch has been done or, even better, you are up to be surprised. Either way, you just shine going towards that café.
If you’re like me, you have a mental list of things to do and places to see. My traveling mantra is “Squeeze every minute, walk all the steps, see all the sights. Being tired is the last option.” Even when things get challenging, I remain positive and focused on the joy of the journey.
As the days pass, you discover new parts of yourself in Paris, Tokyo or Baja. Traveler’s Mind is present throughout the day, and you evolve effortlessly.
Eventually the trip comes to an end, and we come home to our routines. Odds are that we slide back into habits and ways of thinking, losing some of the momentum we gained on the trip.
My proposal that day in Circle was to adopt Traveler’s Mindset in our daily lives, to plan our days with purpose and seek out awe-inspiring experiences everyday. To bring our best selves out the door every day, taking each step with intention and making the most of every moment…enjoying that latte every time.
Midlife is a time of reflection and resetting goals and priorities. Traveling is purposeful by nature, so let’s become travelers in this beautiful part of life. Traveler’s Mindset can help us find purpose and joy every day, creating a life filled with adventure and meaning. As life becomes shorter, we need to appreciate each day even more.
Pilar Sanchez is the Owner and Chief Culture & Happiness Officer in Diseño y Metalmecánica (www.dym.com.mx), a company making stamped parts for the Automotive Industry with the happiest employees in the land. She is a MEA alum on Purpose.