Preparing for India...More then just the documents

Hi All,

Here I sit 32 days away from my trip to India, and I have to tell you I am so excited. Initially when people found out I was going to India, they were like why India? I tried to explain, but unless someone feels what I feel it is hard to explain, I think I summed it up fairly well on my previous blog. Now that people realize I am in fact going,  they have been so supportive, and the kind words have been so encouraging.

I am trying to think of everything I need to bring and all the precautionary measure I need to take to ensure I have no issues while I am there, or when I come home. The great thing is the leaders I am going with are veterans, and they do these trips every year, and so far there has been no sicknesses or injuries with any of her groups in the years Rita (Rei of Light Yoga) has been going.

I have one shot left to get, and pick up my prescription for the anti malaria and I am all set, all I am waiting on my Indian tourist visa, and I am good to go. How exciting are these times, I look back at where I came from, and where I am headed and think wow, if I can do it anyone can. I say this blog is about preparing for India, but in essence it really is about a whole lot more.

In my first blog, I indicated I would talk business, and I would talk about personal matters in my life, so today I am choosing to to talk about my own personal journey.  When I was a child, we traveled a bit, went through the U.S. and then with my ex-husband we did some traveling through the U.S. as well. We also did a couple Caribbean trips as well. I knew I always wanted to travel, and I always bugged to travel, but it was not in the cards anymore, either financially or because of responsibilities. So now I  that I have this unbelievable opportunity I am embracing this trip and am going to reflect and appreciate it so much.

I've been doing my research, and I am reading alot of great things about India, and a couple of other things that leave me a little nervous. I know the culture shock is going to be crazy, I know when we go to the Ashrams, there really is minimal to no talking, well this is going to be challenging but nonetheless I am going to embrace and really appreciate the silence. After all this is about going somewhere where I have peace and quiet, and maybe just maybe being able to go to the bathroom, or have a shower in peace lol. We will be meditating, and the funny thing is I don't even know how to meditate, boy am I ever going to be a fish out of water, but at the same time, this is all new learning's for me which means personal growth, so I am totally okay with that.

I have to give a shout out to my husband,  he is not a traveler, he loves going home to Newfoundland and that is all he wants right now, and I totally respect that. I also love and respect the fact he supports and encourages me to travel, or to do what I need to do to find my answers, and he doesn't hold me back. It is going to be alot of work for him, but he will be holding down the fort with Kayla while I am gone, I really hope she is good for her Daddy. Wouldn't hurt if you all checked in on him ;) LOL.

I am going to try and blog every couple of weeks, so this is the latest interims of planning and my thoughts, I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.

Had a few questions...

I want to make this an interactive blog, tell me the craziest thing you ever did to come out of your comfort zone? Also what were you feeling when you did? Are you a risk taker?

If you don't want to note your comments on my blog, then send me a FB message or an email sharris0569@rogers.com.

Thanks again for stopping by...until the next stop...Over and Out

Much Love,

Shelley

Time For Me ~ My Call To India

Hi All,

My moto for this year is "Time for Me" and in approximately 6 weeks I will be off on my journey to India with friends. When I seen the movie Eat Pray Love, it really spoke to me, I was already thinking of going to India, but it was confirmed after watching the movie. I could relate to it more then any book, or movie I've ever seen. When I left there, I turned to my friends, and said, there was something about that movie. Maybe because I've been a caretaker all of my life, and a wife and mother, and never just "Shelley". So the questions started popping up, who am I, what am I all about it, what do I need, what am I missing, where do I go from here, well that movie answered my questions, and then when given the opportunity to go to India, I had no choice but to say yes, I am going, it's my calling.

Many people ask why India, there are several reasons why I chose India, I have a dear friend that teaches, and visits India every year,  and I get consumed with emotions when I hear her stories. I am on a journey, and I feel it calling me there, it has answers for me, and I am going to find them. But before I get started I would like to thank my friend Rita, from Rei of Light Yoga, who has allowed the opportunity for me to be a part of her group as I search for answers and spiritual guide. 

I am all about growth, I cannot grow when I am "stuck", so it's time to push myself, and do something "way out there". As a Life Coach, we push our clients past their comfort zone, so if I am going to push my clients, I need to start by pushing myself first, so off to India I go. I am excited, and nervous, and all I can think is wow, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to appreciate, absorb, and reflect as much as possible.

For someone to come out of their comfort zone, it takes courage and confidence. It feels uncomfortable, and awkward, but when you do, you will grow, find clarity, and have a sense of freedom. I've continuously taken steps to discover who I really am, and what I want. It's time to start making my vision real, I've laid down the ground work, now it is time to build the foundation. I need to mentally and physically give myself to my vision, this trip will bring me focus and clarity. 

I am so excited about the itinerary, we are staying 4 days at the Rainforest House in Rishikesh  http://www.rainforest-house.com/index.html, 4 days days at Hotel Surya in Varanasi http://www.hotelsuryavns.com/ and in between we will be taking train rides through India, with stops for a few days at different ashrams. For someone who has only traveled very minimally, this is going to be quite the trip, I will feel like my 3 year old, curious about everything. 

What I am excited about the most, is visiting the orphanages, I know at some point I will be making a phone call to my husband, and asking to bring everyone of the children home. I want to play with the kids, I want to teach these kids, and I want to love these kids, I can't wait to meet them. I will embrace and cherish those days, I will never forget my trip to India, I am not there yet, but I can already feel change, and growth. I just can't wait to get there, and find the answers I am looking for. 

Once again, thanks everyone for stopping by...TTYS

Much Love,

Shelley

xoxo