I was sound asleep when I heard a knock at the door. It was the last day of our safari. As usual, we were awakened at 6 am. It was still pitch dark outside.
We jumped out of bed, quickly dressed in our long pants, turtleneck shirts, hooded sweatshirts, and puffer jackets. (Morning rides were cold!) Then we headed to the lodge for a cup of coffee and a small pastry to take on the ride with us.
When we got to the jeep, the guides gave us a warm blanket and a hot water bottle to put on our legs. Then we headed out.
I’m not a morning person, but these mornings were special. It was pitch dark when we left, but just 15 minutes later, the sun’s rays began to peek over the horizon. Shortly after, the whole sun appeared.
It was breathtaking—and a perfect way to end our safari.
On the way home, I remembered Hemingway’s book, “The Sun Also Rises.” The title made me think about what was rising within me as I asked myself:
- What new directions did I want to pursue—and why?
- How could I continue to have a positive impact on others?
- What no longer brought me joy?
As some ideas emerged, I felt a bit intimidated. I started thinking about what I’d need to learn to pursue these fresh thoughts. I reflected on who I knew that might give me greater insights. I even asked, “Am I capable?”
It’s an interesting time when a new idea dawns on you. It’s precious. Your new path is fragile at the beginning. It’s easy for others to pooh-pooh you, saying, “Oh, you’ll never do that.”
And it may take longer than you want to turn that idea into reality. But the truth is, it’s really possible.
While I’m working on answering my own “what’s next?”, I’d like to learn:
“What’s dawning in you?”
P.S. The reason we had to get up so early for the safari is that’s when the animals are up and about. If we waited any longer, they’d be taking their midday naps.
