How I spent my summer vacation, 2011 @ Saver Queen

How I spent my summer vacation, 2011

Posted on August 31st, 2011 Saver Queen 7 comments

I have recently come home from a series of travels. To New York City, to Chicago, and most recently, to a town near Banff, Alberta, where I spent a week hiking in the mountains. The latter was an incredible experience. Not just because I saw amazing vistas, stumbled upon fantastic wildlife, and spent time with my boyfriend and my father, but I faced a fear that I rarely come into contact with: a fear of heights. It’s not a fear that I come face to face with on a frequent basis, because I’m okay as long as I have something to orient me or give me balance, and a sense of security. I’m fine, for example, indoor rock climbing, and I can lie on the glass floor of the CN Tower no problem. I’ve walked along Capilano bridge quite happily, ridden the gondola in Whistler mountain, and flown countless times, while gazing thoughtfully at the view below. Being on the top of a mountain, however, where the terrain turns to scrambly shale, and the trees disappear, and you are suddenly surrounded by nothing but mountain tops and air, well, I start to lose it. Almost. On this trip I managed to keep going and climb some very high mountains, only because I had three excellent coaches – my dad, my boyfriend, and myself. The positive self-talk was out in full force, to keep me from completely panicking, and to help gain control of my mind – and heart. This experience made me realize how much I’ve learned in the past couple of months, not just about positive self talk, but also about breathing practices and ways of controlling anxiety. It’s a pretty great feeling to realize that you can face a fear, and keep it under control, even when what your body really wants to do is just totally freak out.

This is one of many experiences I had this summer that I wish to reflect on now. I’ve eaten some fantastic food, I’ve explored some fascinating cities, and I’ve been shown real generosity from friends and family as I celebrated my 30th birthday. It’s been somewhat of a whirlwind, and now I want to slow down – a little, at least – to reflect on each of these experiences, and consider what I’ve learned, and what they mean to me. It needs a bit of processing, a shuffling of the interpretations of experiences around in my mind. Because as I’ve preached many times, if we let these experiences blow past us without special attention, we miss the real magnitude of what’s happening.

I’ve learned a few lessons from my travels, and from turning 30. I also have a few goals for the year ahead. I hope to share them with you.

I must admit, I’ve considered shutting down the blog, based on how often I blog now. I’ve wondered if it’s worth it to keep the blog up and running. I think I’ll leave it up a little longer.

7 responses to “How I spent my summer vacation, 2011”

The Witch September 1st, 2011 at 08:09

Happy belated Birthday.
I’m so glad you had a great vacation with your Dad and boyfriend. I also did this kind of trip with my Dad and Sister and the memories come back to me on a daily bases. It helps when your having a crappy day to just sit and remember these times together.
I hope you continue your blog post because we will always follow you, when ever you post.
Take care and again Happy Birthday.
Saver Queen September 2nd, 2011 at 11:00

Thank you so much! Definitely, the memories get richer over time. Thanks for your continued readership and support!
Maddy September 3rd, 2011 at 12:56

Hope you keep the blog going, sweetie. However rare your entries might be, they always make me smile. xo
erin September 6th, 2011 at 01:13

Beautiful post and happy birthday!

I’d love to hear your insight on turning 30 (as I will in a few months!)
Saver Queen September 7th, 2011 at 09:19

Thanks so much Maddy and Erin for the encouragement! Erin, absolutely… I have lots of thoughts and reflections to share about turning 30 which I will do soon. Hopefully it will be a positive transition for you.
Lynne September 10th, 2011 at 10:10

I really hope you keep your blog – your photographs are amazing and your insights into the world with your writing are quite remarkable. Remember it’s always quality over quantity !
Saver Queen September 11th, 2011 at 19:34

Thank you, Lynne! I appreciate so much the encouragement!