I love to travel. Airports? My happy place. Give me the buzz of a busy terminal, a fresh boarding pass in hand, and a suitcase ready to burst—I’m in heaven. But the best part? That moment right at the beginning, when the trip is still out there waiting—full of unknowns, excitement, and possibilities.
Travel naturally pulls us into the present moment. New sights, unfamiliar sounds, and even those nostalgic returns to favorite places from the past—all of it invites us to tune in with fresh eyes. It’s the perfect setup for Positive Journaling.
In the past, my travel journal was basically a play-by-play diary: what we did, where we ate, how many steps we walked. Now, I use it as a tool to soak in the meaning of the experience. Instead of listing my itinerary, I ask myself questions like:
– What am I seeing for the very first time?
– What made me smile today?
– What am I grateful for right now?
It’s a lovely way to wind down at the end of a packed day. Of course, not every trip goes smoothly. Flights get delayed. Rain ruins plans. Luggage decides to take a detour. But Positive Journaling helps me zoom out and notice the small, redeeming moments I might have missed: the stranger who helped with directions, the seat-mate who offered a kind smile during my toddler’s mid-flight meltdown, or the sunset that showed up anyway—even if dinner didn’t.
As I write this, I’m packing for another adventure. I know there will be hiccups. That’s just how life works—on the road or at home. But I’ve got my journal with me, ready to capture the beauty in both the chaos and the calm.
Ellen Bell a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with a specialty in the practice of positive journaling for wellness. Find out more about Ellen.