Connecting the Dots of Life as We Come Full Circle.

The low down on the go around!
Marily MacDonald
360 degrees, 180 days, 40lbs. of gear, 14 countries and one eye opening experience! Over the past six months I have gone from the low ends to the high ends of the globe both geographically and fiscally. Throughout this sabbatical, time and again it has been brought to my attention just how precious life and its relationships are. Clearly, the more you know the more you can appreciate life and all its intricate nuances. We tend to get jaded by wealth, popularity, trends and so forth when rather a wealth of knowledge and culture is what you should be counting. Being humble and open to absorb new and dynamic values will add up faster than dollars or bling. In other words, a sense of classlessness is achieved. Whether it is from a chief of a Thai hill tribe or a hoe while weeding a Burgundy vineyard the lessons are out there, no matter how explicit or trivial.

Coming full circle brought an air of completeness along with a curiosity to seek out more, not only internationally but internally. Landing down in the mile high city was truly the last milestone of the trip. Being able to put the turtle shell-pack down and having time to reflect and absorb the past six months was a much needed reprieve. Living out of my element was amazing but coming home awoke a new realization; I am a mountain girl at heart. Mountains are dynamic and ever changing and I can only strive to live by Mother Nature’s example.

Throughout the trip I noticed the strongest sense of comfort and clarity to be found in whatever mountains I found myself in. Going to various mountain ranges; the Andes, Alps, or Atlas peaks, Lisa and I, both felt a consistent positive energy we could identify with. Something about being on top of a peak brings a sense of comprehension or zenith if you will. Snowcapped peaks, rushing rivers, clear lakes and friendly faces give a greater meaning to our lives. An elevated state of belonging somehow arises at nine thousand feet.

Be it the crisp mountain air, the punctual alpenglow or the friendly local scene, Colorado truly has so much to offer. Exploring new horizons and becoming aware of different point of views has been an extraordinary experience. However, the impact would be lost without a sense of place or home to share it with. Family and friends are the dots that connect the world. This world of ours is truly flat, yet deep. If we are savvy enough to learn from one another then there is only room to progress.

Now that I can step down from the soap box, I’d like to say, “I am now 360 degrees smarter… right back to where I started with more questions than ever!” No matter how far you go one can never appreciate the true benefit without having a home to come back to. With this new world perspective I am seeking out that real world professional career, think I will start semi-pro although there is still one continent to hit……..Antarctica anyone?