Why did I pack up my car and leave home on a summer day to go out to explore beyond the comfort of my community? Simply stated, I’m on a journey – a personal journey that is transforming and evolving me. “Me” is in the world and “me” matters. I am not unique in this – you equally matter, as does each one of us who shares the space on this earth. Most of us don’t realize the depth and breadth of this truth. We can build up or tear apart what and who is around us. It’s as simple as that.
My life over the past 60 years has moved me through countless seasons, places, projects, challenges, heartaches, triumphs. Some, poignant and unforgettable, and some with tremendous impact, but in their subtlety, I will never know or remember. All has formed the me of today. All has had an impact far beyond me. Again, we each share this truth.
2016-2018 were years of intense, relentless transitions and transformation for me. Attorneys, realtors, escrow officers, bankers, financial advisors, accountants, contractors all eclipsed the familiarity of my life’s routine. In this tedious, often excruciating process, I found myself transforming and becoming a capable, resourceful, energized and passionate woman. I learned the truth about my capabilities! And I learned that I have choices! With this hard work behind me, I was finally able to embrace the freedom as well as the responsibility to design and create my new life.
I made the decision to wrap up my familiar life in the “cul-de-sac”, and packed up my beloved 2011 Volkswagen Touareg with everything I believed I would need for a year. It was time to honor my deep curiosity and go out to explore beyond what I knew well and where I was comfortable. I placed a “Leucadia, California” sticker on the rear window to remind me where HOME is, and on July 1, 2019, I drove out of my driveway.
The beauty and diversity in the nature, people and communities I’ve connected with throughout my country and beyond, out into our world, has filled my soul and energized me beyond my expectations. I’m compelled and excited to share these experiences with you through my writing and photography and I hope to inspire you to think a little deeper, reach a little higher, be a little more courageous and perhaps even to provoke your curiosity. As we each move through our world together let’s become great at building up all those who are around us. Welcome to my inspired world…..may it matter in your life and beyond.
What did I leave behind? A whole lot of beauty….family and so many friends. My home. Pacific Coast sunsets. What I didn’t leave behind was my anticipation of the unknown. I was ready to go places I had never been – in spirit and destination.
Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on our windows, what a dark life you will have! ~ Matthew 6:22-23 The Message
You certainly are courageous Allison and I can’t wait to hear all about your travels and experiences! How wonderful!
Thank you, Nancy! I think the heart of the courage comes right at that first step – once it’s taken, the rest flows. Launching the website was a BIG one for me – vulnerable! Now that it’s done, I can’t wait to share it all with you. 🙂
You are very brave. Hope you find what you need outside of our bubble
June! A lot has transpired between now and when we sat together that night at Anthro! And I do – every day! Hope to reconnect this summer back in Encinitas.
Oh, I can’t wait to embark on your journeys. I’m already intrigued and looking forward to future readings. Alyson, your a inspiration to many of us. Thank you for this.
Write on…..
WOW! Thank you for that – my fantasy – to inspire others! Tell me what you want to hear about. I have so many stories, and I won’t be writing in chronological order. Open to suggestions! xo
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I love this!!! I am so curious to see what you loved the most about being off on your adventure, and what you missed the most from your “home”. Looking forward to reading more!
Jane – that is the most challenging question to answer! The “what I missed”…..I think I guarded my heart from allowing myself to miss home. But as I get closer, and facing west, I’m anticipating jumping into the ocean and hanging out with YOU!!!
Alyson,
My first comment did not reach you.
The water is such a healing and soothing place for you. Your words are poetry.
I invite you to share special moments or locations along the way—
Thank you Patty – I really appreciate your encouraging words, and that you “got” my water perspective. (and I did get your comment on the water post 🙂 )
Hey Girl! Congrats on getting up and going with what I am sure will prove to be full of inspiring stories.
Love that you began the first leg of this journey a year ago at my kitchen counter, and now, full circle, as you close this chapter! Great to have you in Marin for a bit…
Thank you Debbie! Yes – a great marker of time between July firsts! I appreciate your send off, welcome back, and you! I can’t believe how many stories that keep coming into my awareness since I’ve launched Outoftheculdesac! I’m really excited to share!