"One is certain of nothing but the truth of one's own emotions." – E. M. Forster
Do you have days where you feel optimistic about the future and other days that are just harder to get through as you process the changes in our lives? I believe we'll get through this together, with each other and for each other, but of course I have days when I feel down. Mine mostly fall on the weekends, which are less structured than my Monday-Friday routines. On the weekends I allow myself the time and space to ride this shape-shifting roller coaster of emotions as a way of checking in with myself and also as a gift to myself. Ignoring or denying your feelings isn't a winning life strategy, but being gentle with yourself as you feel them certainly is. It's okay to express your feelings and acknowledge while we're all on this crazy coaster, each of our rides is structured differently. Heck, these coasters can take different twists and loops from one day to the next. Please don't compare your roller coaster to anyone else's, and at least once in a while, throw your hands up off the bar and let the coaster take you wherever it needs to go because you can't always be in control of that thing. Be open with the people you trust, let them in, and offer them a ride alongside you sometimes too. It helps knowing you're not experiencing these dizzying sensations all on your own.
In real life I love roller coasters actually! When I was very little I was terrified of them; I still remember the shock of experiencing "air time" on the Jack Rabbit coaster for the first time at Kennywood Amusement Park and how vulnerable I felt flying up off the seat, feeling dangerously unprotected. I wouldn't go on one again for many, many years. But now, having realized I reliably survive each time, I absolutely love the rush of contained chaos and abandonment of control with thrilling, wild turns and drops. Being thrust outside the illusion of control in our lives isn't always a bad thing, especially once you've got the muscle memory of managing a jarring shake-up. Your personal coaster may make you feel at the mercy of Mother Nature, caught up in political and educational decisions, overwhelmed, scared, strong, triumphant, maybe bored in repetitive loops, or perhaps all of the above, moment to moment.
I've been on social media more than ever in the last couple of months, expressing my genuine excitement for the future of Nine Muses Travel. I know when travel rebounds, the pent-up desire is there, and I only need to practice patience. My marketing messages are so positive because Nine Muses Travel is well-poised for the travel comeback, but I'm human too. Some days I miss my bustling city, the performing arts, and the lifestyle I loved so much it hurts, and I'm empathetic when you ask questions about traveling. Everyone will travel again when it's right for them, and you understand by now the importance of working with a professional travel advisor (at all times). Besides creating an incredibly special vacation, I'm going to protect your time and investment all along the way. I'm going to inform you about health and safety protocols for every hotel, supplier, and destination, and as your ally and advocate, I'll ensure everywhere you go you're treated like the VIP you are.
I don't know if this is for you, but most travelers who are apprehensive about traveling right now are booking ahead into 2021 and even 2022. How would you feel after planning your dream escape, knowing that beautiful journey is waiting at the end of the roller coaster ride?
Contact Nine Muses Travel to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I creatively customize luxury travel highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President of Nine Muses Travel