A Change of Pace

           Sometimes you just need a change in pace to keep yourself going. For me that change of pace came over my spring break. Now I can imagine you are thinking of a sunny beach with warm temperatures and beautiful water, sand and palm trees. My spring break was spent with beautiful water and sand but it was not the warm sunny beach you imagine.

            I decided about 6 weeks ago that I was going to go visit my best friend and college roommate. I had been (and still am) missing her dearly and felt that both of us could use some quality best friend time to slow our pace in both of our crazy busy lives. The catch to all of this was that I decided to surprise my friend, she had no idea I was coming. I knew it would take her off guard and she isn’t always the easiest person to surprise (partly because I struggle to keep any secrets from her). I contacted one of her friends on the island she lives on in Alaska and got everything set up. I was so nervous about the travel and the fact that she didn’t know. I had that moment of what will she do when I get there? How will this all work out? Getting to the island she lives on is definitely a logistical nightmare in all honestly. Multiple planes, airports, layovers, and a small propeller plane that depending on the weather fly’s in and out of the island once daily.

            After a long day of travel on Thursday I finally got to see her. She was beyond surprised and I found just a simple hug from her to calm my racing mind and busy life style I have been living in recently. She has always had a way to calm me down but after not seeing her since right before Christmas there was an extra sense of calm. After the initial shock of me surprising her she began showing me the island that she has been living on and teaching since late July of last summer.

            The pace of life on the island is vastly different then that of my every day life. First off I had no Internet or cell phone connection for most of my time on the island, which forced me to be okay with a lack of technology that I definitely depend on daily. It forced me to be more mindful and present, noticing things normally I wouldn’t notice because my face is buried into a phone or computer.  On the island beautiful mountains, which right now are snow capped, and beaches with a variety of sand, rocks, and cliffs surround you. From her sofa I found myself staring out at mountains, which surround her entire apartment. It really makes you notice what beauty is around you when you don’t have technology to get in the way. You notice so much more and I didn’t find myself nearly as anxiety ridden when I knew my phone couldn’t ring.

            There is also something big about spending time with people you truly enjoy being around. My best friend and I have had many ups and downs since we first met during our freshmen year of college  but through the distance we have had this year we have started appreciating our time together even more then we previously did. We always had an appreciation but now that our time together is so limited simple things like sitting on the couch talking the afternoon away with coffee in hand brings so much joy. For me this time visiting with my best friend gave me some piece of mind that I haven’t had since both of my grandfathers passed away in January. There is something about a best friend and being able to truly be you, tell her what is on your mind, and how you really are feeling that brings peace and for me at least helps me to process. I feel like I am coming back from this trip calmer, less anxiety ridden, and focused on the fact that I am stronger than I believe, something she reminds me of often.

            In my time with her we created more memories to add to the many previous ones and both got a much deserved break from our crazy lives. I was blessed to be able to see what her life on the island has been like and how she has grown as a person since leaving in July. Nothing is more amazing then realizing how amazing your support system and people around you are. I am lucky enough to have a best friend that brings out the best in me and has helped me to grow tremendously in our time together, this trip was no different. I only hope that I do the same for her. I am reminded to take life slow and enjoy the many simple things that are in life. The simple joys of spending quiet time with people you love. With out the distractions of our ‘normal’ lives. Being present and mindful is such a beautiful mindset that made my 5 days in Alaska some of the most enlightening days for me.