Tuesday, March 17, 2020

When You Put Your Mind to Something

I have wanted to go back to Scotland ever since 2011 when I visited there for a brief 2.5 day visit. I loved it so much and Edinburgh quickly became one of my favorite placed I'd ever visited. 

Year after year I prioritized other places, ones I'd never been to, above returning to Scotland for my travels. I never could quit thinking about Scotland. Late last year I decided 2020 would be the year and I made this as a motivator. 

I put my mind to making it happen. Nothing was going to stop me. Until the bizarre happenings of the past few weeks permeated our lives.

It's unclear with the uncertainly swirling all around us whether my trip to Scotland in May will be possible or not. With the feeling of hopelessness washing over me, I'm thinking not. What kind of travel restrictions will be in place then? What will be shutdown?

I'm sure nearly every single person has an instance of something they were looking forward to that will be cancelled due to Coronavirus. My situation is mild, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing. I really thought this was going to be another great instance of putting my mind to something and getting it. Turns out something completely beyond my control is stepping in and putting a stop to it.

As a person who loves to travel this situation leaves me feeling deflated, hopeless, and stuck. This situation is unprecedented for most of us and a first time experience. We can't have predicted it or had any expectations for how we would feel. This is what it feels like to me, although I do feel thankful that I am healthy, safe, have food and other provisions. Fortunately, if I am to be off work, I do have a financial safety net. For some others, and in other crisis like situations, this isn't always the case.

Coronavirus aside, do you have a dream of a trip in your future? Take these tips for making it happen.

1. Figure out what sacrifices might need to be made- I usually like to take two trips per year, but when I set my mind on Scotland I figured that due to the cost I may only be able to afford one trip and that was fine with me.
2. Make fun visual reminders-I made that picture to put on my computer desktop when I decided that I really wanted to do this. I also have a Celtic ring that I like to wear to give me a fun reminder that I'll be going to Scotland.
3. Set aside money-Any extra money that I am earning on top of my normal paycheck I was putting in an account that I named "Scotland". I was dedicating extra savings to make it happen.
4. Make plans to remove barriers-If you need to save up vacation time, arrange child care, or work around schedules, make a plan to make this barriers possible to overcome. If you really set your mind to it, you can over come all barriers.

This Coronavirus barrier is a big one for me. One that I can't overcome with planning, will power, or positive thinking. I still may make it to Scotland in 2020, but that is unknown at this point. For now, I'll focus on the wonderful memories and images that I do have of my brief trip to Scotland in 2011.

*Hang in there, be safe, be well. Be there for each other. This too shall pass. And in the meantime lets think about those who have already lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.