Adventures bring gratitude. Returning home, contentment.

I was off traveling the world for nearly two weeks.

It was busy and exciting. So much to see and do.

Not a relaxing vacation, but an adventure.

When I finally arrived home and walked into my quiet house,

All I felt was gratitude.

For the family who cared for my children and my dog while I was away.

For the friends who let me add  on to their trip last minute.

They had done all the planning and preparing. I just showed up.

The trip was completely amazing.

The first half was spent in Scotland and the second half in Egypt.

Both locations are must-see.

The castles, the Royal Mile, the beauty of Scotland.

The history, the hieroglyphics, the wonders of Egypt.

I’m grateful for my time in both countries.

I’m grateful also to be home.

In my own little corner of the world.

Where my children and I have everything we need.

Where there is nothing to strive or work for.

I get to just be.

Right here.

Right now.

With these people.

In this place.

It is freeing.

I used to be a striver.

What I was working for exactly, I do not know.

A comfortable life, a career that supports my family. The next best thing always on the horizon.

Losing Adam changed that. The first year was survival mode.

The second felt like beginning to make some efforts to get back into life.

Now, I’m blessed to be working from home and taking care of my children more than I ever would have if Adam was still with us.

I surely would still be putting in long hours at the courthouse if he were alive.

And if not there, then somewhere else. The next place I had climbed. I would definitely still be climbing.

I am grateful and content with where I am.

Holding on to that every day takes effort.

Traveling outside of your circumstances and seeing the world brings so much contentment to return to your place in life.