This August, the BuDhaGirl team decided to talk about “the journey." Over the next two weeks, you’ll be hearing from all of us about where we want to go and how we are going to get there. Both physically, as in destinations, and figuratively, as in the process.

Every life is a journey, and mine has had vertiginous turns, steep hills, lots of flat spots where you just had to keep pedaling, and quite a few fantastic plateaus. Fairly early on, I decided that my journey was going to be lived to its fullest and with presence. I forced myself to learn how to enjoy and have joy; this was a skill I acquired and which I continually hone. I also learned that society many times does exactly the opposite, asking you to numb yourself so you can get through life.

My favorite destinations vary in range, much like BuDhaGirl itself. BuDhaGirl is multi-faceted, sometimes in then mood for fun (the Exumas), others times in the mood for sophistication (Paris), at times wanting excitement (Hong Kong) and many times seeking tranquility (Bainbridge Island).

I prepare for these journeys by recalling the great joy I have felt when previously reaching these destinations. I try to pack lightly, unless I have events to attend. I go online and find new restaurants, what exhibitions are taking place, and is there anything cool happening. As you might guess, I also enjoy shopping and nowadays I seek shops that are not the brand names found everywhere.

My next destinations this fall are New York, Bangkok, and Kitzbühel, Austria; each place amazing and demanding to be lived fully. I look forward to sharing these destinations with you.

Hugs,

Jessica