Today I’m going to take a little detour on the blog and make a brief departure from family travel. its been well over a week since I’ve last posted – but for good reason.
For the past 8 months, I’ve been on an insane adventure that has finally come to an end. This Sunday, I bought my ticket, got on the bus, rode to my destination and arrived. Though I didn’t go to any far away place or exotic resort or family day trip, I went away…on a mental and metaphysical journey.
Sunday marked the end of my odyssey. I overcame my fear of deep water; I learned how to swim; and I completed my first triathlon.
What I realized about myself through my sojourn is that my decision to do a triahtlon or any other “activity” is rooted in the same belief principle that motivates me to want to travel the world: life is a blessing, see all you can see while your eyes are still open. I’m not one who likes cookie-cutter approaches, whether it be about identity or travel. And its one of the reasons I started writing and blogging about family travel in the first place…don’t let circumstances confine or define you. Plan, prepare and go wherever you want to go and do whatever you want to do. The doing may be hard but the believing is simple.
In a funny way, the gains I’ve made from this triathlon are going to enhance my vacationing experiences. No longer confined by a fear of deep water and an inability to swim, now I can enjoy the splendor of snorkeling without holding the hand of a guide; or swim out into crystal blue waters past where my feet can touch the bottom; or jump freely from the deck of a small boat. These are all vacation visions that I’ve had in the past but have been unable to fulfill. The crazy thing is that I’ve actually snorkeled and done snuba before, but recklessly so – unrelaxed and not truly knowing how to swim.
“Swim, Bike, and Run” are a new stamp in my passport, opening up more of the vacation world to me and emancipating me from a box. Tawanna and a Triathlon – who would’ve ever thought?
Happy Travels!
Amazing and inspiring! Wish I had the ability and the guts myself but I will surely share your story with others! You go girl!
Thank you Kala! I don’t think it’s for everybody but if you have even an inkling of interest, it’s definitely worth giving a try. You’re the best! 🙂
Congrats on just making the effort to get out there and try something new. I know your travels and life will be that much richer for the learning.
Thank you Anne. I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to go snorkeling.
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Through the Eyes of a Tiger