I Deserve Something Beautiful....: Eat, Pray, Love.. My trip to Bali

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

Last week I started reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I typically try to steer away from books and movies that are overhyped (especially Oprah book club picks!), but I've had several people recommend this book to me after hearing about my breakup and upcoming trip to Bali. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked it up and realized the book is about a 30 year old divorcee who travels the world alone to rediscover herself. She starts in Italy (I lived there for three years) and ends in Bali (I'll be there in October!) AH HA! It seems we have something in common :)

Reading this book has motivated me to start planning my trip. The day after the breakup, I called my travel agent to see if there was any way to cancel our (very expensive) non-refundable airplane tickets. I was even willing to pay a substantial cancellation fee. Unfortunately for my bank account, non-refundable means just that.

I knew there was a slim chance to none that I could find a travel buddy to replace GOP. Although I feel like I'm a fairly independent person, I've never travelled anywhere on my own. I've been on business trips, and I always feel a little lonely coming back to my hotel room at the end of the night by myself. A few days after the breakup, I unexpectedly ended up having drinks with someone that has travelled all over the world on his own. He convinced me (well, actually said I had no choice) to go on this trip solo. After hearing about his travels and experiences, I made the decision that this was something I had to do.... (Thank you, KB :) )

I've decided to see where my mood, mind, and heart lead me. Rather than over planning every singe detail of the trip, I've decided to book 4 nights at a hotel and to wing the rest of the trip. If I meet a group of people and they are heading in another direction, I don't want anything to hold me back. If I decide to go on a rafting/camping trip.. then I'll do it! This is my time to explore!

Let the adventures begin...

Monkey Forest!