A couple years ago I read a study reporting that just planning a trip increased people's happiness. The study found that even if the person did not actually go on the trip, planning it out increased their mood, outlook, and even their satisfaction at work. For some people, just planning the trip and never taking it actually increased their joy more than taking a trip because of any stress that may come from actually leaving.
I love to travel. We travel a lot less since my daughter has come along due to opposite work schedules, budgets, and the added planning of bringing a child along but we have still managed a couple trips a year.
Yesterday we began planning a few low-key camping trips for the Fall. I could not be more excited! My heart is soaring and my joy is overflowing. Even knowing that one trip is still three months away, I am on cloud 9.
I'm so grateful for the ability to travel. I'm grateful to get to see some new places and revisit other ones. I'm grateful for this country that offers so many types of sites to see all within driving distance. I'm grateful to travel to see family and also to travel for fun. I'm grateful for the excitement I feel to know I am going to one of my favorite places during one of my favorite times as the leaves change colors and everything is even more beautiful! I'm grateful for the way travel planning boosts my mood.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? When was the last time you took a trip? Did you experience a euphoria planning and awaiting its arrival?
May today provide us love for where we are and excitement for where we are going. May we find a balance in being grounded and exploration. Have a beautiful day!