I stopped by a favorite cafe after an appointment just the other day and got to catch up with an acquaintance. She returned from vacation a short while ago and was tanned and content, still shining with that ’I've been lounging’ afterglow. Her family went to areas around Barbados during their trip. (If you’re curious about Barbados, try the CIA World Factbook.)
 

I remember that the weather was not good near Barbados when her family was scheduled to fly out, so there was concern right off if they could even get to their destination. They’d bought tickets for the entire excursion from a family member who couldn’t go, so they got a deal that their limited income could afford for a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean trip. Once at their destination, her and her husband found small excursions such as snorkeling were rather expensive for them, so they were very limited with the budget afforded for the family trip. The hotel where they stayed claimed to be walking distance to the beach, but failed to mention the ‘beach’ was a man-made sanded area surrounding a small in-ground pool some distance behind the hotel. They actually had to charter a boat to get to the real beach (how fast time–and money–flow). She talked of culture shock when her family had mosied to areas where the native population’s poverty was abundantly evident. To add a final dash of salt to the wounds of their blissful adventures, she was ill with a cold or flu during the entire week of vacation.
 

She had sapped energy during the trip, but a great undying spirit nonetheless. As I mentioned, she still beamed with delight over the trip when we spoke. She explained all the frustrating details with smiles of ‘oh well’ care-free elegance. Another person or family may have been devastated by the disappointments, but it seemed she and her family kept smiling and enjoying. It remained a wonderful experience because all stayed positive during their tropical adventure. That’s a gift her family is blessed with. I doubt not that they work to keep a great outlook on life; but what a worthy thing to put effort towards and teach the kids.

Staying happy is, in some way, in some measure, always a possibility for us all. Some will have to grind away to get there (I’m that way); others will hone their inherent happiness as they enjoy each day. So, it’s not the expensive, the exotic, the newness of varied worldly travels nor a luxurious lifestyle of idle richness that offer complete joy. The magic comes from oneself, spread and nurtured with those you love. Appreciating and giving gifts as small, yet precious, as a happy attitude bring us all closer to whom we would like to be. I have some traveling to get there myself. Don’t we all.

©2007 Stumpar Scribbles