On a Personal Note... - A Little Bit Adrift

I have been getting a lot of questions lately from friends and family about how I am doing here in Ecuador after a month away.

To be truthful, I am doing great.

I am beginning to feel a wonderful sense of contentment and ease that is unlike anything I have ever experienced. My days are busy, filled with diversity and learning. The work I am doing means something, I get to read and write as much as I want. I don’t have to cook or clean or do laundry. I live cheaply and easily. I know this is not real life. But this life, however short it is, is wonderful.

I have been away before for extended periods of time, always riddled with some sort of FOMO- or “Fear of Missing Out.” I don’t have that at all this trip. Of course I miss my loved ones, and hate missing special birthdays or long weekends. But the moment of weakness always passes, and I know I have something exciting coming up as well.

I have been whittled down to my most basic self, uncomplicated happiness in its purest form. I like the “me” here. I like her no make up face, her positive attitude, her ambition, her tenacity, her spirit and drive. It’s Danielle 2.0. She’s happy. I think I will keep her around awhile.