Travel Adventures: “Good Enough is Enough”

Mark and I have just marked one full month on the road. We’ve been to three cities in Mexico, hosted a retreat, attended another, and learned enough basic words in the local language to communicate our basic needs. We’ve made new friends and reconnected with old ones. It’s been an adventure, for sure!

Traveling is unpredictable, and it has a way of nudging us out of our comfort zones in ways we may not expect. Just a few days ago, on the way back from Oaxaca to San Miguel, we found ourselves on a bus that ran late, causing us to miss a connection. That meant an unexpected search for a driver to cover the last 3.5 hours of our journey.

I’m someone who finds peace in plans, stability, and ease, so this experience stretched me in new and uncomfortable ways – but we arrived home, and all is well!

Each day, I juggle time zones, cultural differences, spotty internet, and the unexpected events that come with being on the road. Balancing the joy of travel, my professional commitments, and the importance of extending grace to myself requires giving myself permission to be human.

But what does it really mean to allow ourselves to be human?

For many of us, there’s a deep-seated urge to get everything right, to be prepared, and to anticipate every need or potential setback. Yet life—and especially travel—has a way of showing us that perfection isn’t always possible or even necessary. To be human is to embrace our imperfections, our missteps, and even the moments when we feel stretched to our limits. It’s recognizing that mistakes aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to let go of rigid expectations, adapt, and grow. (Mexico invites us to release American rigidity!)

Allowing ourselves to be human matters because it opens us up to life as it is, not as we wish it to be. It reminds us to breathe through the bumps, laugh at the detours, and see each challenge as part of the journey.

Giving yourself permission to be human is a compassionate practice, one that invites you to experience life fully, even when its messy. After all, the most memorable stories aren’t born from flawless plans but from our willingness to navigate life’s unpredictable terrain with grace and a little humor.

If you’re looking to bring more grace into your own life, here are a few simple ways to practice self-compassion and ease:

• Accept that “good enough” is enough – Instead of striving for perfection, allow yourself to meet life’s moments as they are, even if they don’t align with your ideal. Embrace “good enough” as a sign of respect for your own humanity and the efforts you’re making.
  
  
• Celebrate the small things – On challenging days, recognize even small wins. Perhaps you managed to communicate in a foreign language, adjusted to a new plan, or simply found a moment of calm. Acknowledging small successes can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy.
  
  
• Find humor in the mishaps – Life can be wonderfully unpredictable, and sometimes, the best way to navigate it is with laughter. Embrace the unexpected with humor; it’s one of the best ways to turn frustrations into fond memories and let go of rigid expectations.

Giving yourself grace isn’t about lowering your standards but about creating a more compassionate way of living. It’s an invitation to meet life as it is, imperfections and all, and to cherish each moment as part of your unique journey.

So, when life surprises you with a detour, remember to meet it with openness, a deep breath, and maybe even a little laugh.

Travel Lesson Two: Your Plan is not necessarily the Universe’s Plan!