I have had a ticket to the Altitude Design Summit for months (Good thing because it sells out every year).
I have had hotel reservations at the beautiful Grand America for just as long.
I have known that I would get to spend four days with four incredible women.
I canceled my trip a 1,000 times in my head.
In my head I called them up and just told them the truth….I can’t get everything done and there is no way I can make it.
We have been running on full speed and honestly when we are working this hard it is almost impossible to think that you are doing a very good job at all the things that matter.
With the push of my husband and his assurance that he would handle my work and home responsibilities while I was away…..I started packing my bags.
Not the kind of packing I would have done a few years ago.
Not the kind of packing where I have all the outfits layed out three weeks before I travel and slowly zip the suitcase and head to the airport with a new pedicure, outfit and hair blownout.
Not THAT kind of packing.
The packing when it is an hour before you have to leave and you just hope you packed enough underwear and didn’t forget your toothbrush.
THAT kind of packing.
I was so tired and rushed that tears were welling up as I zipped my suitcase.
It all seemed like so much work and there were so many responsibilities I was leaving undone.
Kelly and the kids walked me to the door and we kissed all over each other. Jack had tears in his eyes (that is his heart).
As I pulled out of our driveway and looked up towards the house….everyone was crowded in the doorway waving or giving me the “I love you” sign with their sweet fingers.
So, I headed towards the airport.
I was late so there was no long term parking.
I was late that I would be paying for covered parking near the airport ($96 to be exact).
With all of my bags and yes, ALL…..I like to have choices…I headed into the terminal.
I can never really relax and focus on the trip before me until I have checked in and handed over my bag.
As I walked towards security my pulse began to steady.
I could actually start getting excited for this time….for me.
I snapped a photo out the window of my plane. That is what we do now…right?
We document. Even if no one else cares…we record and show we were there.
Before our plane starts to taxi I quickly call Kelly and thank him.
He made me do this.
He knew how hard I had been working and told me how good this would be. How much I needed it.
I slept off and on during the flight with my Elle and Vogue in my lap and a large man in a wool sweater pressed against me.
We touch down.
I document again. With the beautiful mountains right outside my window I smile.
(Part II about my time at the Altitude Design Summit will be up on Wednesday).
Sometimes it is just too easy to talk ourselves out of something, to find the reasons we cannot possibly do something, even when it is something in our heart of hearts. Sometimes we just need someone who loves us to say “yes you can.” I’m glad you listened and you went.
Can’t wait to read about it!
When we listen to the darker side of us, our fears, we sometimes lose out. KUDOS for telling that side to take a leap!
relax, breathe…and just spend some time with yourself…we dont get to do that often….appreciate the moments dear ! and most of all..have some fun !
As someone who is currently taking (and loving!) your e-course, I can truly say that you deserved this break! I don’t know how you do it all. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story…..
Amy C.
I love this post. You are so poised Jeanne, I had no idea all of this preceded Alt! You are an amazing writer and such a wonderful, kind, hilarious woman. I’m so happy I met you! BTW, I’m already scheming ways to get you out to Port Townsend… 🙂 xo-k
Boy, do I know this story!! This is how I’ve left my family many times…with trepidation and the sweetness of their “I love you” sign language from behind the security checkpoint ropes…..
And those mountains…so beautiful…those are the mountains where I grew up…where North and South and East and West were cemented into my sense of direction because there was absolutely no way to get turned around. Those mountains were always there as a reference. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story!!
ox
Jeanne ~
I had no idea you were canceling in your head for months, days, hours. Funny how both of our amazing guys pushed us out the door. And because of them, we were able to enjoy some good times, be inspired, shed some tears, and return home to those we missed so much.
I Love You,
Melissa
I know that kind of tired. And it is usually when we are that tired, that we need to be filled up.
Praying you are filled up with all hope and joy today.
Oh My Word … I need to give you a hug ……
I understand—those moments.
you take care today & wishing you some quiet moments of
rest, joy & grace.
xo
kara
Thanks for sharing. Salt Lake City is where I grew up and I loved seeing your touchdown photo! I am really enjoying your workshop and glad you took a respite.
I’m so glad you didn’t actually cancel your trip. I am so glad that I got to meet you and that we had the chance to spend some time together chatting. I know it’s hard to take that time for yourself sometimes, but it’s good you did.