I’ve spent the morning searching hotels on line. Well, not hotels actually. Inns nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I’m looking for a retreat; a place to hide away for a few days and escape the stresses of my life. Maybe even get some much needed writing done on my novel. Ideally the Inn would be historical, yet comfortable; I won’t have to think about cooking or dishes because my meals are beautifully prepared. People are friendly, yet not intrusive. Perhaps they’ll have a dog that sleeps by the fireplace in the main room and I’ll watch it snooze peacefully, adding to my own comfort. I’ll settle into an overstuffed chair with a good book and a blanket, a cup of tea (poured by someone else) at my side. The scent of Earl Grey will reach my nose and fill me with warmth. It will be January or February and certainly mid-week before everyone else arrives. Solitude is a pleasure for me. There will be large amounts of snow in the mountains and if I’m lucky, a gentle snow will fall at least once while I’m there. But then the storm will blow away and the sky will turn to a crisp blue, the sun shining brightly. I’ll head out on snowshoes through the woods, or maybe I’ll try my hand at cross country skiing. The bright, new fallen snow will require sunglasses as I look at the snow topped trees and the surrounding mountains. It’s a winter wonderland and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I’d return refreshed and ready to tackle the world! But the warmth of the fireplace and the gentle snores of the sleeping dog will return me to the calmness I crave.
My room will have a large four-poster bed. A fireplace. A touch of Victorian, that era I love so much. I’ve found the room. I’ve found the Inn and ironically (or not), I’ve been to this Inn before. I was there many moons ago with my ex-husband. I was a different person then, full of hope for the future. Perhaps that’s why I’ve picked it again. I may even request the same room. Not because of any fond memory of him, but perhaps because it’s familiar in a strange way. It’s almost like a reset; a place to start this new journey of my life.
One of the critical lessons I’ve learned through Discover the Gift is that action towards your passions is of utmost importance. Every choice we make will move us towards our gifts, or away from them. My gifts include nature, learning and writing. This retreat would feed so much of my soul. Every decision and action I take, I take towards becoming my authentic self. So, while it may have started out as curiosity, as a fantasy of escape, I’m finding it to be so much more. This journey is allowing me to take a large step in the direction of creating the life I’m dreaming of. It’s a small, yet poignant step towards discovering my authentic self. I’ll be booking the room.
Trekking The Soul 