Courage, Curiosity, and Care
Today, we have our second guest writer. A great friend and almost a third sister to Pili, shared these wonderful words from their new home in Milano.
Enjoy!
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Courage, curiosity and care
Those are the three words which for me are at the centre of your journey around the world. “Six wows” and 3 Cs. 😉 Let me explain how so:
Courage
Human beings are creatures of comfort and routine. That, in itself, is not a bad thing. Routine allows us to switch into automatic mode and save energy. In “automatic mode” we do not need to be constantly observing, evaluating and making decisions on how to react in a known situation. Instead, we just observe and do what we have always done. No additional thinking needed, so we save our brain energy for other things that need our attention. Routine makes us feel secure and “at home”, as Juan Martin observed in his blog about what he misses from home. To leave that comfortable place called home, and your work, in order to step into the unknown, not just by yourself, but with the entire family, takes incredible courage. Especially because I am sure there were plenty of well-meaning voices advising against such a trip, or such a trip with children, or such a trip with children of that age etc etc. It takes courage to make up your own mind, follow your vision and it takes courage to do it, as a family, trusting the other’s vision.
Going on this journey was the first of many courageous decisions taken by every single member of the family. It takes courage to listen to your inner voice that tells you to play with the children instead of doing the “responsible” thing, planning for the next parts of the trip. It takes courage to let go of anxiety around sleeping arrangements that have been part of who you are. It takes courage to share your thoughts and show up vulnerable, yet it is exactly what allows us to connect on a deeper level and engage with you further, even at a distance. Thank you.
It also takes a lot of energy not being able to switch to “automatic mode” for things as simple as food shopping. In a new supermarket, in a different country, even “simple” things like regular food shopping require one’s full attention to work out where the necessary items are stocked, trying to understand the language, different packaging etc. On top of this, every family member has to support a level of logistics that is off the charts…just thinking about how often you had to pack your bags, planning ahead for the next days and weeks and make sure nothing is forgotten, gives me panic attacks and makes me tired! I salute your courage and your energy!
Curiosity
“Curiosity killed the cat!” is a popular saying in the anglophone world. It is meant as a warning to not be too curios and stay within the world you know, as you know it! Yet, it seems curiosity is exactly what kept you going and supported the high level of energy needed to do this trip. I loved being able to see and almost feel the curiosity that goes into experiencing new places, food (OMG, not sure I would have ever been able to eat the insects like Juan Martin did!!!!) That is not just an example of curiosity but also courage. By the way, Juan Martin, I am collecting all the cockroaches I find to be able to fry them for you on your next visit.
The most important part of curiosity is not just trying new things but being curious how we live them, what new situations teach us and what we will do with this felt and lived experience in the future. A beautiful example is this kind of curiosity is Juan Martin’s blog that shows how you do not just go with the flow but stop to ask questions and are curious what exactly makes you miss home and why. I love how he mentions that it was Pili’s observation that got him thinking about his feelings in a different way. Keep your sense of wonder and curiosity! And your sense of humour!
Care
One reason I am so grateful for Pili’s friendship is her capacity to care for other people. Her loving care touches everyone around her. Care, loving care, shines through in all your blog entries. Care for the children, for each other, and looking in particular for the youngest travel club member, Guadalupe. You care for what is going on in the place you are visiting, and care for the old and new friends you are meeting on the trip. It was particularly fabulous to see how much care and love went into making Manuel’s dream of a First Communion in Rome true, not just by the parents, siblings, grandparents but also by teachers and priests and everyone else involved in making the unusual possible. What a wonderful day this must have been due to all the care that went into it. Valentina, I admire your courage to blog about friendship and tell your friends what they mean to you! It is wonderful to show them how you care. It inspired me to write to my friends, to tell them how much I care, and what I love about them and our friendship!
I, personally, am most grateful that you “care to share”. I appreciate that it takes time, dedication, thought and planning to share not just pictures but your reflections and thoughts, and your learning with family and friends. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your colautri journey around the world and into your soul by sharing generously images and experiences. I love you and am grateful for your friendship! And Pili you are my hero…just for the packing, unpacking, packing! 😉 I cannot wait to see and hug you all again….I am curious to see where and when I will be able to dance with Guadalupe again.
Love and enjoy coming home…be mindful, you have changed and “home” might have changed as well.
