Two Minutes Du Jour

When I returned home from Anaheim earlier this week, Duke took the lead, and we went for an extended walk along the Mississippi River. It was exactly what I needed, not just for Duke’s boundless energy but for my own. The river greeted us with its changing fall landscape, gulls swooping in to rejoin their companions on the water, reminding me of the importance of easing back into life rather than jumping straight into tasks.

Just like the gulls returning to their familiar place, transitioning back home after travel should be gradual. Travel, with its disrupted schedules, later nights, conversations, and new sights, can be exhilarating, but that energy isn’t something we can or should sustain the moment we return home. The pause, the transition—whether it’s a mindful walk, a moment to breathe, or simply appreciating the environment—is essential.

The river, flowing steadily, serves as a perfect metaphor for this transition. Life is always moving, and instead of resisting the flow by diving directly into the to-dos of everyday life, taking time to transition helps us reintegrate more smoothly. For me, that river walk was about holding hands, or in Duke’s case, paws, and simply celebrating being back together and being home.

Ultimately, the time you take to transition can be as simple as stepping outside, breathing in the fresh air, and welcoming yourself back. Much like the gulls, we need to return to our familiar waters, not with haste, but with grace. Photo compliments of my husband.

Two Links Du Jour:

The Joy of Coming Home from Traveling – Nomadic Matt

How to Make a Smooth Transition Home After Traveling – Far & Wise