Breaking Free

I had dreams for 2020.

Dreams of travel, both near and far. Dreams of finding myself in some foreign landscape previously only seen on television. Dreams of stepping out of the predictability of a corporate role and into a lifestyle I created for myself.

I slowly watched those dreams fade away each hour and each day in March.

Flights were cancelled. Trips postponed. Dreams shattered.

Itching for More

The weather turned warm in sunny Southern California, and oh how I itch to hike the Santa Monica Mountains, to dig my toes in the sand by the pier, to feel the salty breeze on my face again.

The California coast awaits my exploration. I've never seen Big Sur, explored Yosemite, Joshua Tree, or Sequoia, or even learned to surf.

I itch to set foot in Europe again, to visit new landscapes, experience new cultures, and see the world in all its glory. Scotland and France are high priorities, to adventure the countryside on horseback and attempt my newfound knowledge of the French language.

Trips are mapped out, awaiting the click of a button on airline tickets and Airbnb stays. Itineraries are vaguely planned, waiting for set dates and down payments.

The First Step

Though I ache to travel the world, I know I'll remain in the southwestern states for a time. I'll explore all that California and Arizona have to offer. Wander my way along the Pacific Coast Highway and explore the mysteries of Antelope Canyon.

But first? First I'll find myself in Santa Monica.

I'm not an early riser, but on day one I'll find my footing on the Parker Mesa Overlook Trail in the Santa Monica mountains.

The meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu is a sight to behold (when there's no marine layer or air pollution). A venture out in nature refreshes the mind, the body, and the soul.

Next, I'll find myself winding my way down Topanga Canyon Road to meet the Pacific Coast Highway. To catch the ocean breeze as I drive south into the city of Santa Monica. To watch the waves as they crest and crash on the shoreline.

I'll then find myself with my toes in the sand next to the ever recognizable Santa Monica Pier, taking in each and every person around me, yet constantly aware of the space between us.

I'll breathe in the ocean air, open my eyes to the sights and my ears to the sounds. The sights and sounds of a freedom that I thought wouldn't come.

I'll venture up to the pier for a long awaited funnel cake and ice cream. Lean over the edge to watch the fishermen haul in their prizes. Become mesmerized by the spin of the ferris wheel and the ever changing light pattern. Get dizzy with delight at the rollercoaster.

Yet the ocean still awaits me. I'll make my way down to the shoreline, discard my sandals, and wade in the crisp waters of the Pacific Ocean. Get lost in the immensity of it and briefly wonder what's beyond the horizon.

I'll wait for the calm to wash over me. The calm I yearned for each and every day I sat in my small apartment in the valley. The calm that only the ocean can bring.

But I'll still crave the bustle of the promenade, and I'll soon find myself up on third street taking in the street musicians, finding my way through shops, and delighting in one of my favorite meals from Tender Greens. I'll move back toward the beach and consume my meal on a park bench in Palisades Park, with an eagle's eye view of the beach and pier.

I'll watch the sunset over Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains and find myself craving the sights of the rest of the world, while simultaneously appreciating each and every moment as the sun sinks below the horizon.

It won't be long

We'll find our way soon enough. It won't be long before we can return to some semblance of our routine.

The world will look vastly different. Travel will change. Our newly formed patterns, habits, and cautious behaviors will perpetuate.

But before we know it, this will be a bump in our road that helped us find better days ahead.