An old speech that I gave 50 years ago has inspired me to share these three simple words which could make your road trips significantly better. Are you curious to learn these three words? Discover how three words can make for better road trips.
The “Discover” photo was taken in Ocean Springs, Mississippi… called the City of Discovery. https://www.coastalmississippi.com/
THIS REALLY HAPPENED
On August 8, 1974, I was about to approach the podium to give the valedictory speech for graduating summer seniors and guests. The high school principal suddenly announced that my speech would be pushed back a few minutes so that we could watch a live televised speech which would prove to be historical.
Then U.S. President Richard Nixon gave his resignation speech!
That was quite a hard act to follow, but I did.
THE THREE WORDS
The three concepts I focused on back then were meant to encourage and inspire my fellow high school graduates. Today those same three words can help travelers who seek more meaningful road trips.
The words are appreciation, anticipation, and adaptation.
APPRECIATION
Appreciation, in the context of our road tripping journeys, means to grasp the gratitude and validate the value of the entire experience. Take time to be grateful for your own research and planning, for others who may have given help or advice, and for every moment of your journey. Of course, you are thrilled about the joyful parts, but are you thankful for the lessons learned by the less-than-joyful parts?
I once did a 10-day road trip that included severe weather with debris blowing across the highway. While I was tense and conditions were worrisome, I later took time to be grateful for seeing a rainbow and for having no vehicle damage.
Have you ever kept a travel journal? Have you ever kept track of all the people, places, and things you can be grateful for during the journey? Or have you listed the things that happened which you truly valued? That sure can make your trips better!
ANTICIPATION
Anticipation… okay, can any of the other baby boomers automatically hear Carly Simon singing “Anticipation” right now? The very last line is so applicable as you head out on your exciting road trip, “these are the good old days!”
I love the sense of eagerness for something that is soon to happen! Someone hands you a wrapped gift that you can’t wait to open. A loved one prepares your favorite meal that you can’t wait to devour.
Photo taken in Middleburg, Florida in home of a loved one.
Give every moment of your road trip that same level of interest and enthusiasm. That one slight attitude adjustment can add so much value and depth to your travels. As you research your next destination, notice your level of anticipation about discovering all the best spots to gather and converse with locals or taste local food or enjoy local art.
The above photo is from the campus of the Univ. of Alabama. https://visittuscaloosa.com/
This art @ the Welcome Center in Columbus, Mississippi. https://visitcolumbusms.org/
Then kick that level up a bit while finding even more joy in the journey.
ADAPTATION
Embrace the unexpected. Let joy be your choice even when it seems things are going sideways. What you may initially see as detours, setbacks, or challenges are often the perfect opportunity to embrace serendipity. By making the most of every moment, you will make desirable discoveries by accident.
One day I was riding with a friend around Joplin, Missouri. She took a wrong turn, and we ended up, quite unintentionally, in Oklahoma! There we got to see buffalo grazing on a Native American reservation. That’s how a minor mistake became a major memory! I also took a photo of Route 66 nearby for another fun memory.
By staying flexible and by having a positive mindset you will certainly be better able to laugh off silly setbacks. Those unexpected twists and turns can help you embrace all the wonder of this thrilling adventure that we call life.
Even the smallest detail can add beauty and color to road trips when you use adaptation.
Photo taken in Hamilton, Missouri https://www.hamiltonmo.city/visitor-information
The 3 words that can make better road trips, what are they? If you learned that they are appreciation, anticipation, and adaptation CONGRATULATIONS! You got it right!
NEED HELP PLANNING A ROAD TRIP?
I sincerely hope you got some value from this post. If you EVER need ideas about wonderful road trips in the Southeastern USA, I am glad to offer help. I will (freely) give suggestions on under-the-radar spots to consider adding to your bucket list. I will even (for a tiny fee) help plan the details such as what highway, what to do, what to eat, and where to stay.
In the meantime, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates
And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/
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Dang, y’all... JOY & THANKS!
