The text I received this morning simply said “I love you Jeffrey. You are amazing.” First, how is it possible to have anything but a great day when you get to start with that level of acceptance? Second, it is Memorial Day weekend and I think we should focus on remembering and accepting ourselves.

Next week I will embark on a week-long semi-solo journey to places I know of and have never seen. Semi-solo because I will drive to Bryce and Zion National Parks in Utah then over to Joshua Tree in California. I will do this by myself. I will trail run, mountain bike, cook and practice newly acquired guitar chords in the Southwest. My audience will be watchful stars and attentive geology. For a few days I will be on my own stage. After that I will drive to Malibu, California where a friend has offered to teach me how to stand up paddle board.

This trip is the result of reaching out and exposing myself to new friendships. The result of letting a two-hour phone conversation about a weekend surfing morph into a celebration of inner desire and passion. It is the combination of embracing established connections with blue sky and expansive landscape and seeking new experience. It is me remembering who I am and what puts a smile on my face. It is me remembering that sharing my unique combination of experience and world view is a unique experience for those who have chosen to be part of my life. And I can’t wait to learn about theirs.

I will share this trip with you. I beg you to do the same with me.