I've been talking to people lately... and well, if you know anything about me you know that if you put a cup of coffee in front of me and start talking I can sit for HOURS. As long as the coffee lasts and usually beyond! It's been interesting to me to hear people's questions about my trip and sabbatical journey. While I love talking about my trip and sabbatical, I also love to hear what people are doing, what's been happening while I've been away, and what's on their hearts. I know, I know... Carly loves to talk? NO WAY!
However, since Monday night the most asked questions I get from people are... was it worth it? Are you glad you went? What did you learn? So here you go...
Was it worth it? 200% yes. I missed some things at home while I was away that I wish I had been a part of, but I wouldn't give up my time away for anything. It was ABSOLUTELY worth it. Every bit of pain, frustration, and struggle was worth it... as was every bit of laughter, beauty and joy. I would do it again in a second... especially if I knew it could last longer.
Am I glad I went? YES. When I was getting ready to leave Brazil I was struggling with coming home. A dear friend told me one day that we leave a piece of our heart behind every time we love. The AT will long have a piece of my heart. Not everyone has a desire to walk 500 miles or more... for some people it sounds pretty horrible I am sure... but for me it was exactly what I needed and much much more. Big parts of me still wish I could be out there and I ABSOLUTELY will finish the whole trail... but for this season of my life the AT was right where I needed to be.
What did I learn? I could go on an on... so many things I learned and am still processing. I'm a thinker, a person who contemplates and dissects experiences... I don't always have the words to put them into good learning statements, but I know I will continue to learn from my sabbatical for a long, long time. So, what did I learn? I learned that peace isn't always found where we expect it and sometimes the biggest risks have the greatest rewards. I learned that mountains (both literal and figurative) are meant to be climbed and journeys are meant to transform... and sometimes the hardest mountains to climb and the longest, toughest journeys teach us the best lessons. I learned that friendship is a blessing that not everyone gets to have and we should be thankful for the gift. I also learned that sometimes the people we love the most and that teach us the most are the ones that we don't expect it from. I learned that it is a gift to have people who allow you to live big, ridiculous dreams and I am blessed with people who trust me, even when I seem ridiculous. I learned that laughter and solitude are equally good for the soul and that sometimes we need to be in a place with quite literally no worries. I learned that sometimes you have to "build a bridge and get over it" if you want to see the beauty of the day. I learned that sometimes we need to "just let it go" and sometimes we need to say what needs to be said no matter how awkward it is. I learned there are surprises in life we can't plan for and being willing to embrace life as it comes is the greatest lesson we can learn. Most of all I learned that God has a plan that I can't begin to comprehend or plan and in being willing to take time to listen and follow even when I don't understand, I will find the most peace.
I learned lots of other things too... but for now, it's late and I'll save the rest for another day... a picture post is coming soon.
Love yas, miss yas, bye!
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