Janet at the Zoo

Wow, it is hard to believe that I have been home over a week. It is even harder to be aware that the first leg of my journey is over. I am still smiling when I take a moment to ponder the people whose company I enjoyed and the many places I have seen. I have certainly fallen in love with my RV and am anticipating all the possible trips in the future.

I still have more of this journey to go. I have not been up the west coast or Alaska yet. I have friends that are waiting for me and, I am anxious to see them.  So there is certainly more to come. And I have found that many of you enjoy following the adventure so I will continue to blog about my wanderings.

Raquel

I have a roommate. Raquel who helped me fix my screen door on the Roadtrek. She took care of my home and Elsie the cat this summer, and is now officially moved into my spare room. I am finding I enjoy having her presence in my house. We get along well. After living with Jim for 21 years I am not used to being alone. It is good to have good company.

I have had a few epiphanies on my journey this summer.

• I am getting my house in Santee ready for sale. I realized somewhere in NY State that I am ready to sell. My friend Barbara, who is also a realtor and I will be meeting in a couple of weeks when we are both in town. I am excited, anxious, scared and feeling happy about it as well. I have learned that all emotions can hit at the same time.
• I can no longer deny that I am a lovable and likable person. Many of you may not know but, my self image has been fragile since I was young. I am feeling so good about this revelation.  Just saying the words and feeling them has helped me to feel free and content and happy. Along with this I am going to make an effort to stop allowing negativity into my life. I am ready, with baby steps, to go and live a full life every day. This, of course will be a continuing project.

I read three books that impacted me this summer.

Acts of Gratitude  has encouraged me to continue on this Journey of Thankfulness. It is a  great read. I am going to attempt to write a year of thank you notes. I may take longer than a year but it is the intention that is the most important. October 1 I began this new part of my adventure.

The Four Agreements and The Fifth Agreement  also has reminded me to be a self aware and considerate of myself and others. Listed below are the 5 agreements. These are not easy to follow all the time, trust me. I am attempting to incorporate them more directly in my life. I believe it is making a difference, a little bit at a time.

1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
   Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
   Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
   Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.
4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
   Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are tired as opposed to well rested. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
5. BE SKEPTICAL, BUT LEARN TO LISTEN
   Don’t believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.

I have been a busy lady since I have returned. On Sunday I am taking a group on tour to northern CA. We are suppose to be visiting Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Right now they are shut. Sigh. I think this tour is going to be a mystery tour. I hope that my peeps are up for an adventure. I am.

Janet & Beth

Jim and I met Beth our and now my massage therapist in the early 1990’s. We were looking for a good therapist and once we found her, well, we stopped looking. Over the years Beth has become much more than a therapist. Over the past 3 1/2 years she has seen me at my best and my worst. She has never turned away. When I am in her company her arms are always open. She is a loving and caring and fun friend to have. I appreciate her wisdom and knowledge. I also appreciate her vulnerability. I am glad we have become friends over the ensuing years and see our friendship lasting many more years to come. She is a role model for me.  I enjoy her positive take on life. Thank you Beth for being my friend and more.

Cathy has been my hair stylist for a number of years. When people talk about their beautician as a counselor, trust me they are not kidding. Cathy has heard many of my joys and sorrows over the years. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer Cathy became my friend. I love catching up with her every 6 weeks. She loves her family and her husband, Joe, We discuss everything. We gossip. We laugh and cry together. She has been a wonderful support to me and I am so very glad she is in my life.

Friends are such an important part of my life. All of you have been so supportive and loving to me. It certainly makes my heart feel very full and happy.

Here  is  a link to all my photos of this first journey. Enjoy.

https://journeysofthankfulness.shutterfly.com/