Chapter 10: October's Big, Big Life

Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end. -Pico Iyer

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. -Winston Churchill


LOOK OUT!  October proved to be bigger than big...it was HUGE!
It started with a trip to the BIG Apple!  I have never been to New York, but have always dreamed of seeing the lights and theater and wondrous things I'd heard about the city that never sleeps.  It didn't disappoint.

Central Park

American Museum of Natural History

Lady Liberty

Riding the MTA

TA DAH!

Time Square

Broadway!

New York CHEESECAKE!

 I also had the pleasure of entertaining my first house guests! They flew in from Oregon on their way to even greater adventure on the east coast and it was WONDERFUL to share and discover great local things with them both!

Happy Times

Martini Time

Historic Collinsville

Last, but not least, I went camping during that ONE perfect fall weekend where there leaves are at their peak and the weather is sunny and crisp!  It was a beautiful trip and it gave me a chance to see even more of this lovely state as I drove east!  What a beautiful drive as well as fall hikes and bike rides!  

Snuggling in the hammock with Pearl

Campfire cooking

Beautiful FALL hiking!

I've heard it said, though I can't find who to credit, THE KEY TO HAPPINESS IS EXCITEMENT FOR THE FUTURE. Are you excited about your future?  I am.  There are so many reasons to be hopeful and full of anticipation for what may lay ahead of us.  If you find yourself this month stuck in a lull or getting bogged down with the drudgery of everyday happenings, plan something BIG. (Ok. .Even little things can give you something to look forward to.)  Give yourself a reason to be excited for your future.


All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers.  They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose. - Brian Tracy

Next Month's Goal: Expect good things, worry less, love more.

Remember these are not just mini-month long experiments, but things that I will continue to carry throughout the year.  Next month I’ll continue to add to my growing list of ideas for how to live a happier life.  Feel free to try them out with me! 

• January: Be Sarah- I am already enough.  Smile when you wake up.  Keep on top of health, work, living arrangements, chores, activities, exercise and be grateful.
• February: Make mistakes. Do you best.  Be Generous.
• March: Be present. Be Patient. Don’t settle for “I am here…” go for “Here I am!”
• April: Go somewhere new! Make some “I was here” footprints. Life is full of setbacks.  Success is determined by how you handle your setbacks.
• May: Be loving and love will come looking for you. Get creative with your life.
• June: Keep in touch with friends. Get outside!
• July: Be Fearless
• August: Explore; find Joy!
• September: Create something that wasn't there before.  Learn to like something new.
• October: GO BIG!
• November:  Expect good things, worry less, love more.