This past week, seven of us headed to Hilton Head for a girls’ trip filled with beach time, games, good food and exploring.
One of our favorite adventures was a dolphin cruise. There is something so peaceful and joyful about seeing dolphins swimming freely alongside the boat.
For me, though, the best outing was our visit to Beaufort, South Carolina—about an hour from Hilton Head. We took a fabulous 90-minute golf-cart tour through the town and learned so much about its beautiful historic homes and fascinating past. Beaufort is a charming little seaside town filled with lovely places to wander, eat and simply enjoy.
One of my discoveries from this trip is that there are so many wonderful small towns and interesting places to explore close to home. Sometimes we think we must travel far away to find something special, when there may be an entirely new experience waiting just an hour down the road.
Of course, traveling with seven women in a three-bedroom villa can also be an adventure of its own! We are all over 60, and by now each of us has developed our own habits, preferences and ways of doing things. Keeping seven strong, independent women together—and moving in the same direction—is not always easy!
Yesterday, I spent a lot of time thinking about our group dynamics and what they taught me about myself. I realized that I am quite different from many people, and that is perfectly okay.
Perhaps I notice it more now because I have become so invested in Still Becoming. This journey has encouraged me to pay attention to who I am, what brings me peace and how I want to spend my time and energy.
I need more quiet and alone time than some people do. I enjoy having room to wander, think and follow my own curiosity. I don’t need every moment planned, and I’m happiest when I can choose a general direction while leaving space for the unexpected.
That realization inspired a new quote:
“I intentionally choose a general direction, then I let life unfold naturally.”
— Debra Gabel
This trip reminded me that being different does not mean being difficult, antisocial or wrong. It simply means I am learning to recognize and honor what works best for me.
I can enjoy the girls, appreciate the adventure and still acknowledge that I sometimes need to step away and find my own quiet space.
That is part of Still Becoming, too: understanding myself more clearly, accepting what I discover and giving myself permission to just do me.
i did make time to do three digital drawings from the dolphin cruise. To keep noticing and creating is my everyday environment. Enjoy!
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