With our Xilitla family, San Luis Potosi, MX, 2022

Celebrating 2 Years on the Road...

June 18, 2023

Two years ago, Glen and I embarked on an unpredictable adventure, an epic odyssey across the Americas. Our shared journey through the sprawling landscapes of this magnificent continent has been a potent metaphor for my personal journey within. In many ways, this journey mirrors a sacred pilgrimage, where each step forward draws me closer to myself, my loved ones, and the essence of life.

 

Reflecting upon the past six months, I recognize the evident transformation in my life. The bouts of depression that once felt like impenetrable fog have become an avenue for me to practice deep self-awareness, love, and acceptance. I have come to understand depression not as a flaw, but as an intimate part of my journey, an indicator that asks me to slow down, to look inwards, and to heal aspects of myself that demand attention. I am no longer fighting against these tides but learning to navigate them, to acknowledge their existence without judgment, and to respond with compassion and patience. I am learning that in accepting and loving all parts of myself, I uncover a profound strength that propels me forward.

 

My relationship with my daughter has been a significant part of this transformative journey. As our conversations evolve into meaningful, spiritual, and philosophical discussions, I see my own growth reflected in her. I see the influence of my journey on her, the ripple effects of my decisions shaping her perspective on life. It brings me joy to be a role model for her, and my hope is to see in her the value of embracing authenticity, resilience, and self-awareness. I wish to share with her the world, both its beauty and its struggles, so she can navigate her journey with wisdom and grace.

 

Glen, my mirror and my compass, continues to play an instrumental role in my growth. His presence on this journey serves as a constant reminder that life, with all its uncertainties and challenges, is a shared experience. He reinforces the beauty of companionship and the power of shared dreams. Glen reminds me of the importance of balance, the necessity of grounding, and the joy that can be found in simplicity. Our journey together is a testament to resilience and the profound bonds that are forged in the crucible of shared experiences.

 

Sherrie, a mother's figure to me, has been a constant source of love and inspiration. Her presence during my departure from San Jose two years ago, her visit in Yucatan, and her upcoming visit fills me with warmth and gratitude. Sherrie has been a beacon of light during the darkest moments and a wellspring of wisdom in times of uncertainty. Her nurturing spirit has not only comforted me but has also inspired me to embrace my nurturing side, something that has enriched my relationships and my experience on this journey.

 

As I mark this two-year milestone, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment. I marvel at the richness of the experiences, the growth, the connection, and the transformation that has unfolded. I continue to seek out the wisdom hidden within each experience, each interaction, and each reflection, realizing that this journey is far from over.

 

As I set my sights on the road ahead, I am aware that there will be challenges and moments of doubt, joy and discovery, growth and transformation. I want to embrace them all, for they are integral to this journey. I am grateful for the journey itself, for the landscape that continually changes around and within me, for the companionship and love I have been blessed with, and for the transformative power of this experience.

 

Today, as I reflect on these two years, I do so with a heart filled with gratitude, a spirit emboldened by experience, and a soul eager to continue this journey. For this is not just a journey across the Americas, but a journey within myself - a journey of self-discovery, healing, and profound transformation."



Leaving Sherrie in San Jose, June 18, 2021

Jamestown, on the "Back to the Future" train, Oct 2021

Zill hated traveling at first, Summer 2021

Gustavo cleanses Glen before he enters the Temazcal, March 2022