An extroverted introvert - that's me. I love to get out to see and experience the world, but at the same time, I love to cuddle up on the couch with my family and dogs and binge watch whatever we are into at the time.
As the first three words of this article imply, I personally describe myself as a travel-loving homebody. While I love the thought of, the planning of, and actually being at the destination, the actual process of packing and getting to the destination is always inevitably somewhat of a struggle. The actual process of traveling - traffic, flying (for many that can be stressful), people, airports, weather, delays, connections - you name it - all these things can sometimes make the most well planned itinerary go awry.
Thankfully all of that is overshadowed by finally arriving at your destination and your purpose begins to be realized. The benefits, fun and personal growth happens when you GO and DO!!! As time continues on, I have found that travel is not just a desire, but a need I have. An amazing company, Click & Co., has put together a 3 day conference at varying locations around the country for the past 5 years or so, called Click Away. It seems that everyone has that one thing or place that fills a void for them. Click Away does that for me. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to travel with my husband and kids, but it's just not the same...that's a whole different kind of getaway!)
If you haven't been able to go to Click Away, I encourage you to try to plan for it someday and get there to experience it. Nearly 4 1/2 years ago, I joined Clickin Moms and attended my first Click Away in San Antonio in October, 2015. I barely knew anyone - a few names from the workshops I had participated in - but just being there was the beginning of something amazing. I remember coming home from that conference a different person. It is very hard to verbalize. As corny as it sounds, it was an awakening for me. Seeds of truly amazing friendships were planted that have grown and multiplied like a field of wildflowers. My skill and knowledge have grown exponentially in the years since. I am a different and better person and each year Click Away is something I look forward to. After the trip, once I am home and the dust settles, the experience is something that I cherish for so many reasons.
A few of the many, many images from the weekend. A look around the grounds and surrounding area of the resort we stayed at...
No matter the hassles, the act of getting out of our comfort zone, or issues we come upon in getting out, whether it's at home trying to get motivated to go out and shoot, to travel or whatever, it is ALWAYS worth it and we inevitably say "I am so glad I did that". The photos, the growth, the experiences and most importantly, the relationships we foster are SO worth it! I am a better wife, mom, photographer, friend and person in general because of it! It's just good for the soul.
...So anytime you are able and whenever you can make it happen, go see what's out there and do amazing things!
The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project featuring words and images from several amazing artists that in some way, bring them a sense of peace and calm and it is our hope that the feeling is conveyed and passed on to you. Please continue the circle by going to my dear friend, Joan Shower's page to find out what goodness she has to share this month.