Through the Looking Glass: Traveling In

Today is my last day of vacation. I don't have the sad chore of packing up the car to make a long drive home, and I don't have to rush to the airport to catch my flight, and I don't have to worry about getting laundry done before work tomorrow. I stayed home. I traveled in.

For a week I woke up when I wanted to and spent time with the people I love most and ate what I wanted to eat. And I (get ready for it) ...didn't share pictures of it with the rest of the world on social media (gasp).

I reconnected with my tribe. Daily, I listened intently to others' struggles so I could better understand my own.

I explored the Saturday Farmers Market again with a friend from out of town, and came home with big smiles, picture-perfect, green and yellow squash and tangy pomegranate balsamic vinegar.

I hand-painted birthday cards in my dining room and actually gave one away instead of chastising myself for it not being pretty enough.

I made two batches of store-bought lemon bars and ate them whenever I wanted. I ate them fresh from the oven and I ate them cold, I ate them with Cool Whip and without. I ate them with blueberries lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

I got my ass into my bathing suit and lounged by the pool, not giving a crap about how I looked to other people.

I laughed like hell with my girlfriends while we made bath salts, and was reminded that my life has never been so full.

I binge-watched Nurse Jackie and Graceland on Netflix, interrupted only by strolls to the mailbox and lake with my dog.

I celebrated a birthday milestone with a dear friend,, and was reminded that I have received every gift I will ever need.

Next year's vacation might look a little different, who knows. Maybe I'll venture to places more exotic and flashy. What I do know is that no matter where I go, the souvenirs I've gathered from this week ... good memories, true friendship and a glimpse of inner peace... don't require a passport.