Meira's Memoirs / Chapter 7 / Allow yourself to be surprised, often

 As an individual, I am one of those that like to stay in control - or atleast I was .... 

I seemed to always know what I wanted and how I would like it served! I have always been open to random suggestions, but not a fan of following through - why did I need to? I was adventurous myself and often travelled the road less taken!!! Even then, the keys were held tightly in my fist :)

The last couple of years taught me to loosen my grip - nudged me to believe it was alright to go with the flow sometimes. I started, suspiciously at the start, but gradually with more and more confidence and my horizons gained in perspective and splendor. 

I always had a list of places to visit - and was meticulously going through it as the opportunity presented itself. I rarely looked for suggestions - didn't ever feel the need to. Until, my favorite co-traveller, my daughter started sharing some of her list.  And I was suddenly looking at new destinations!!!!

I opened up, chose a country I never thought I would travel for pleasure , allowed myself to be surprised ...... and oh, how wonderfully surprised I was.....

Extract from Meira's Memoirs - April 2018

We all have our own list of places we wish to travel to - I had mine too. Surprisingly, this country never featured in that list. Probably due to growing up in a socialist society, I have never really been a fan of what USA  depicted for me and had no wish to travel 15 hours + to visit. 

However, my daughter was very keen - naturally, given this generation’s proximity to all things American. And I gave in to her wishes - happy to go with the flow and explore the land where dreams supposedly became reality. 

And I was surprised; I don’t regret it at all. I also realized that life cannot be journeyed through using only lists and maps and plans - one must open up to the unexpected, go off the road, break the norms and heed new suggestions if one is to truly experience the wonders that this world has to offer. 

The enormity of this country only struck me once I was there as well as the many reasons it is so different from the rest of the world. It is so easy to judge people, situations, communities, perhaps even nations - more so when you are aren’t wearing their shoes and are far removed from their environments, so far that it’s practically impossible to fathom. 

Our thoughts are naturally conditioned by our own perspectives. But perspectives and contexts can change, often do - and if we remain dogmatic in those different landscapes - it causes dislike, stress, misalignment and frustration. Then why can’t we be more aware and tread with caution and sensitivity when in such unknown territories, be they geographies or relationships? I now understand that this kind of sensitivity can only broaden our horizons and give us more fulfilling experiences. 

We met many old friends there and they told us their stories of the land they chose as home. We spoke to random strangers on the streets and in the bars and heard them too. Every conversation seemed to have brought us closer as humans, irrespective of our obvious vast differences because we kept the windows to our minds open. 

I actually ended up thoroughly enjoying my weeks in America. I began to understand that country and all it represents. I will admit that whilst I still may be not a big fan, atleast I acknowledge the differences and see why they stand where they do.  

My daughter also realized that whilst it was an interesting land, it was possibly not for her, atleast not now.  

However, we both brought back many happy memories and wonderful experiences that will always remind us to explore the new and remain open to what looks and feels different. 

We had both grown as human beings.