A ski trip to the French Alps begins in a little less than a month. We’re feeling expectant and dreaming of stunning mountains visible for miles and miles. Although excited, scary scenarios intermittently pop into our heads. Something might go wrong before departure.
Pre-trip jitters before any “Beginning” are normal, whether it’s preparing for travel or establishing the groundwork for a big project. The exciting solution is that we can ready ourselves for a new experience. How? We can prepare ahead!
Everyday offers a trip! Even going to the grocery store is a sojourn. Weekly food shopping takes less time when we’ve prepared a shopping list. Or, conversely our shopping “journey “ might provide down time when contemplating purchases, like admiring fresh vegetables in the middle of winter or delicious cakes behind the glass counter. Our thoughts reflect happy anticipation about the weekend’s dinner.
Preparations involve both logistics and mental “space” for reflection. Readying ourselves creates anticipation that boosts our energy and excitement.
Often we underestimate the importance of preparations. Yet when we outline logistical steps as well as consider what’s required mentally, chances for success increase. Why wouldn’t we want to access what’s needed before taking a dive?
Here are some tips for preparing ahead of the journey:
What’s the vision? In the French Alps, our dream is for skiing an unheard amount of miles, full immersion in European apres-ski (vin chaud, anyone?) and lots of encounters with other ski enthusiasts, sharing the joy of fresh air and majestic mountains. As a work project, for example, the vision for A Table In Time’s blog is to develop a creative body of work that inspires readers on their own journeys, near and far, inner and outer, in conversation with others and or themselves.
Before starting on your next adventure, work or personal, determine your vision.
“All Clear” ahead? Take note of any irritations blocking the start. What needs to be addressed? If we clear out the “mucky muck”, those pesky daily tasks, the quality of our attention for the adventure before us greatly improves.
Create a short list of “must do’s” and tackle it whole-heartedly. For example clearing off desk space at the end of every workday, will enable fresh thinking. What daily tasks block your way? Deal with them now!
Way to be! How do you want feel while engaged in a new project? Any new endeavor provides the opportunity to actualize your best self. Set an intention around the feelings and persona that are most important to you.
Watch out for becoming too attached to outcomes. Of course, set a vision and intention, yet stay open to unexpected experiences that will enrich the trip or project. Admittedly we’re a little too attached to skiing “Off-Piste”. There could be poor visibility, for example. Staying open to a full experience inherent in crossing the Atlantic and visiting a new place will enrich us no matter the snow.
Every trip and new endeavor represent the opportunity for growth. When we prepare ahead, we’ll be more likely to receive the gifts that are there for all of us. Get ready and reap the benefits!
Happy Preparations!
Where To? Contact me for your next trip!
Conversation? Let us facilitate! Click here for more information.
