India Journal: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Because of our routines we forget that life is an ongoing adventure. ~Maya Angelou
In the first installment of India Journal, Where No One Knows Your Name, I mentioned the roles we play in life. By roles, I refer to more than the traditional – daughter, mother, father, executive, significant other. In each of our roles, there is a thread – a pattern of behavior we have honed over years. These behaviors may be comfortable, but often have little bearing on the person we are presently, rather they are a legacy from other stages of our lives.
When I decided to take my sabbatical to India I was confronting my legacy roles. While my life looked great from the outside, I felt less than fulfilled. Without a clear new direction, I continue on my same path.
Then one day as I arrived in LA for a meeting my Blackberry went into overdrive, screaming urgent messages. I hung up a frantic call and was furiously scanning incoming messages when my driver, calm as can be, turned around and said, “Miss, I don’t mean to overstep, but whatever is going on really isn’t worth it.”
In a different phase in my life, being called upon in time of crisis might have made me feel important (even if frustrated), but in this moment it was clear my driver was right. On the ride to the hotel, I found my resolve. Something had to change. The time had come. I was ready.
After the meeting, I went to stay with friends in Seattle to figure out my next step. During long meandering conversations they counseled me to take a year off. I stared at them incredulously. Who took a year off? And if I did, who would let me back in the game? But the idea took root – could it really be that simple? How would it work? I quickly recognized I needed to be uncomfortable, to be away from friends and family, to be challenged. And while no one will admit to suggesting it, India emerged as a clear winner.
On the flight back to NY, I wrote out a practical and comprehensive To Do list including: how to pay bills, what immunizations were needed, what to pack, plan visits to doctor and financial planner. I never looked at the list again after that day. While unpacking from a recent move, I found it tucked into a book. I was tickled when I turned the To Do list over and found the another list on the other side detailing the attributes of a successful sabbatical.
- Quiet, peaceful, reflective
- Away from NY
- Away from friends and family
- Removes me from comfort zone, status quo, inertia
- Framework to challenge toxic lifestyle and investigate lifestyle changes
- Time and space to reflect on roadblocks
- Hear my voice
- Get healthy and strong
- Clear my head, find out what really matters in my heart, decide new path for life long learning and exploration
When I wrote this list, I had no idea where my new resolve would take me. The decision to go to India was only the first step, but in some ways, it was the highest hurdle. In making it, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and invited those around me to see my life (and their own) through new lens. The next months were an incredible journey.
Looking back on it now, I remember the momentum and energy of the time. I don’t know how I was so confident. And while I am still amazed that I was able to use my time in India to take a profound look at my life, I know this list was the foundation for my success.
Check back next week for more India Journal!
