I’ll be returning to California in less than a week.
I’ve been in deep gratitude for the experience of being able to travel for 7 months. So, so grateful…
Experiencing this deep gratitude makes it easier to say goodbye to all these dear people I’ve met and easier to say goodbye to the beautiful and magical island of Bali. If I’m not in gratitude over this incredible experience I notice my emotion sways to sadness which makes it challenging to stay present while I’m still here.
So I choose the attitude of gratitude.
It’s easier all around.
I had a dream a couple of nights ago that I was in a movie theater in San Francisco. Three Bay Area women I know were seated behind me. They showed me something that was written in a combination of Indonesian and English. I could understand all of it.
I like to think of that dream as representing integration. I’m hoping that when I return to California that I won’t have that deep longing for Bali that I had last year when I returned. It made it a bit challenging to appreciate California while being there.
A woman I know who lives part-time in Holland and part-time in Bali experienced a shift when she went back to Holland last year. Normally she’s experienced grief at being away from Bali but this last time she was able to fully enjoy herself in her native country. “I appreciated Holland for Holland and Bali for Bali. I didn’t try to make Holland into Bali. I allowed Holland to be Holland. And because of that I had a smooth and easeful transition back to Holland for the first time in my life.”
I’m following her example and have decided to let the Bay Area be the Bay Area. To not try to make it in to Bali. Which is like trying to make a cat be a dog or vice versa.
My Bali social schedule has gotten even more ramped up than usual the past week in order to get more time in with all the wonderful souls that I’ve met here in Ubud. The people of Ubud are like a bountiful buffet table–so many wonderful varieties to appreciate and enjoy. And, for me, the table is about to be dismantled and there are so many yummies on there!
I want to put as many of these wonderful people on my social plate and enjoy them all -one more time- before I leave.
…And I look forward to seeing the amazing souls that I know and love in California when I return.
🙂
About Me: 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m just back from NZ. I think I might need a “Returning” support group. Any interest? I loved my experience and I want every moment, wherever I am to be just as magical. Know what I mean? Looking forward to welcoming you home to your CA-USA home. xoxoommm
Your friend who lives in Holland & Bali sounds very wise. It’s great when we appreciate different locales for what they are. Every country (and region and city) has wonderful and unique qualities. Sometimes they are more obvious than others, but approach it with “open eyes” you can see them. I’ve never been to Bali, but even if I could live there, I’m not sure I would want to. I would miss the hustle and bustle of New York City too much. Nonetheless, I would appreciate the serenity and beauty I imagine Bali has. Cheers!
This ancient nugget of wisdom is one of my favorite quotes. It relates to the themes in your article and also the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ~Epictetus