I adore travelling. However, to do justice to my love affair, I think I should begin with a bit about the background of Live the Charmed Life, as a way of explaining the ideal marriage of the two.
What is Living the Charmed Life?
Live the Charmed Life is about living every day to its fullest, and not missing the magic that’s all around us. It’s not a new concept, but the site was inspired by my grandmother. She was a woman without equal, and my muse. Nonie made sure that every day was an adventure without ever having a great deal of money. She also found a way to celebrate even the little things. A new haircut or the perfect lipstick colour were certainly reason enough. Those close to me know that I always have a chilled bottle of champagne at the ready, because Nonie once told me you never know when you might have something to celebrate. I have been known to pop a cork or two simply because it was Sunday, or because my girlfriends were all at my house. So it happened, after a great deal of difficulty in all areas of my life, I decided to design Live the Charmed Life as a way to remind myself, and anyone else who was interested, that there is a big wide world of wonder and delight, a charmed life, all around.
Travel + The Charmed Life = ?
With that in mind, a charmed life and travel seem like a match made in heaven. What else can help you see the world with new eyes better than travel? Only spending an afternoon with a three years old brings more moments of looking at something as mundane as a leaf as if you’ve never seen one before, than finding yourself in a new country with no plan. Also, wealth in unnecessary in both travel and living a charmed life. Near or far, frugal or expensive, travel and a charmed life only require the ability to enjoy simple and extravagant experiences with equal pleasure. Although I’ve enjoyed fantastic, once in a lifetime holidays, many of the best were spent having to be extremely creative due to lack of funds. Money almost interferes with the fun, as it becomes easy to just spend on a lavish “known” experience. Once you’re in that habit, I think even lavish can become dull and boring. I prefer the jewels I’ve discovered in every city, through wandering or suggestions from locals, but a variety of experiences keep a charmed life, and travelling fresh and new!
Travel also inspires me for other reasons, too. It challenges me, and it helps me to lose myself in the moment. You see, I was born a fearful girl, and only through a lifetime of struggle have I learned to face an obstacle head on with confidence. Travel continues my education, but in a much more delightful way. Encouraging me to try new things, meet new people, and to stretch my understanding of the world and of myself. I am also someone who was groomed to work very hard, plan and succeed. It’s only been through travel that I’ve experienced the joy of losing myself in what I’m doing and savouring the moment. Happily, it’s spilled over into other areas, and my life is so much richer as a result.
But one more Important Thing…
There is one final thing that I love about travel, and it’s perhaps the most important. There is nothing that makes going home and seeing all the familiar corners as so breathtakingly new again!
Many thanks to Andy for inviting me to be a guest, and my wish for you is a truly charmed life.
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Well said. It is true. Travel makes coming home fresh and exciting all over again. Congratulations on choosing to live a charmed life, because it really is a choice isn’t it? I love that you are ready to celebrate at any moment.
That was wonderful, an instant reminder to get out and live life rather than planning every moment.
I like your Nonie! I’m sure she would have been a blast! My own grandparents liked to celebrate at the drop of a hat too.