As I traveled to Northern Michigan this past weekend, I enjoyed many different winter activities, ate amazing food, met incredible people, and felt at home. I shared pictures on social media and one of my friends commented, “Looks like Michigan was a revelation for you.” She was so right. I did have a revelation in Michigan.
I was invited to Northern Michigan for a press trip on behalf of Traveling Mom. While I was there I was able to step out of my comfort zone. I pushed myself to try things I maybe would have been too apprehensive to try like fat tire biking, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing. It had been more than 15 years since the last time I had been skiing, and after birthing 5 babies, my body just isn’t the same.
However, one of the things I enjoyed most was meeting the people, the Michiganders. I love people who truly love home. People who are proud of their state. It’s amazing to visit places and see them through the eyes of the locals.
As I attempted cross-country skiing (which was laughable, but fun!), my view was that above. It was incredibly peaceful, and I got lost in my thoughts. My thoughts of how we’re all connected in this world and universe. How we can find beauty wherever we are and especially in whatever place we call home.
Little did I know that during these thoughts there were protests going on at many airports around the country. It’s while I was waiting for my flight home that I opened the internet to find out what was going on. I felt a wave of sadness. By the time I arrived at Washington-Dulles International Airport around midnight, the protestors were gone.
I’ve looked at this picture often to remind me of that peaceful moment. To remind me of that moment and feeling of humanity. Travel always broadens my scope – pushing me to learn from people. There’s room for everyone that wants to join in. Michigan taught me that I can have new favorites, new rules to play by. My family will welcome others just as Michigan welcomed me.