Up, Up, and Away
Written by
Beatrice Adenodi

At the start of the year, I thought, why not kick things off with a trip to good ol' Phoenix, AZ? It's time to check off that hot air balloon ride from my elaborate bucket list! 🎈 And, of course, catch up on some creative work while at it. After a couple of years that were shakier than a rollercoaster, more challenging than a crossword puzzle, and more emotionally and physically draining than a marathon, I'm determined to make this year my year. Let the wittiness and adventure begin! 💪😄

Let me break it down for you. So, on this hot air balloon adventure, I quickly realized something intriguing. You can't precisely steer the balloon. Nope, you go with the wind, my friend. But hey, here's the kicker—you have a say in how high you soar and where you gracefully touch down. As the pilot was laying down the ground rules, I couldn't help but wonder, "How in the world are we going to land if we can't even choose our path?" Mind you, it was my first time in a hot air balloon, so this whole experience was a fresh new game for me. The little daredevil inside me couldn't resist the sheer excitement and the burning curiosity about how it would play out.

For a split second, I thought, "Have you lost your mind?" But hey, that didn't stop me from hopping on the ride. Surprisingly, it turned out to be quite an adventure! The landing was a bit rough, but the views from up there were mind-blowing! Seeing landscapes, cities, and mountains from a different elevation gives a fresh perspective on the world. It was oddly satisfying, so I highly recommend giving it a whirl!

With every experience I've had, I've always tried to uncover the lessons behind them. And guess what? I've learned that there are countless paths to reach the same destination, solve a problem, or fulfill a destiny. Sometimes, we just need to set the plan in motion and go with the flow, embracing the journey. We may not control everything, but we have the freedom to soar as high as we want and choose where we touch down. Just keep an open mind and embrace the endless possibilities! 😉

And there you have it, fellow adventurers, the end of my hot air balloon escapade and the beginning of a whole new perspective on life. As I ponder my lofty experience, I can't help but draw parallels to our own personal journeys. Like a hot air balloon ride, life has its ups and downs, but it's all about finding peace and serenity amidst the turbulence. So, take a moment to reflect on your journey. What lessons have you learned? How do you tackle challenges and embrace change? Ready to let go of control and enjoy the ride? Remember, breathtaking views and smooth landings await. So, let's raise our virtual glasses (or cups of coffee) and toast to embrace the unexpected and soaring through life with an adventurous spirit. 

My lesson: Letting go of the control 

Through my life and professional path, I have been disappointed a lot and I feel that I was under that impression that if you want to get it done well then do it yourself. At the end, I was the one holding the bag feeling that I have to continue to work in that capacity.

Cheers to life's wild ride! 🎈✨