Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

As I settled into one of those hovercrafts—an air-filled vessel with robust rubber bands—my hair whipped around in the chilly breeze, while my snug jacket offered little comfort. Laughter from friends echoed behind me as I stood, mesmerized by the furious waves crashing every half minute.

With each tumultuous wave, the hovercraft surged toward England, specifically the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Renowned for their chalky brilliance, these cliffs gleamed from the English Channel, a natural border between France and England, symbolizing Europe and beyond.

The turbulent sea stirred my stomach, prompting me to dash to the restroom, gripping the walls tightly as I expelled my discomfort. I've always been prone to motion sickness, and the waves only exacerbated my unease.

In that moment, I sought stability, but the boat's movement left me feeling vulnerable. This sensation of losing my footing isn't exclusive to the water; it mirrors life’s challenges. Each setback feels like a wave, destabilizing my balance. I’m naturally sensitive and often take misfortunes to heart, believing that any error must stem from my actions. However, mistakes are part of the learning curve—we're not born flawless.

These challenges can sometimes leave me overwhelmed, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Yet, I’ve learned that by distancing myself from the chaos, I can regain my composure.

"You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." — Jon Kabat-Zinn

In my search for calm, I discovered that tranquility exists beneath the surface turmoil. Amidst the waves, I found myself—a serene space akin to the stillness of the ocean, where storms and chaotic waters are absent. My vision blurs as the azure hues blend into the horizon, with the sun warming my face.

Silence is not something to yearn for; happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s a discovery along the path, similar to the inner calm that resides within us all. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and return to yourself. Understand that setbacks don’t diminish you; they fortify your spirit and push you beyond your comfort zone.

Embrace these challenging moments as opportunities for growth and resilience.

“Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” — Christy Ann Martine

When faced with relentless waves, seek refuge. Trust in that safe space within yourself.

My time in England was transformed by this experience, enhancing my enjoyment of sites like Dover Castle and the cliffs. Nearby, I visited Canterbury Cathedral, immersing myself in the medieval tales of love and life found in "The Canterbury Tales." What a perfect way to engage with England’s rich history!

I believe that this serene inner space allows for genuine connection, free from distractions and negativity. It's a haven for two individuals to meet openly, learning from one another in silence and growing toward a more meaningful existence.

“Christmas… is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” — Freya Stark

I hope to meet you in that sacred space.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

For more on navigating travel challenges, refer to the article ‘Shattered Plans: 3 Steps to Tranquility Amidst Travel Chaos’ which details my experience of missing a flight.

Chapter 2: Embracing Challenges

Shattered Plans: 3 Steps to Tranquility Amidst Travel Chaos

As I climbed the stairs, the loudspeaker announced that all trains to France had been canceled for at least three…

Marieke is a mother of two and a devoted partner. With expertise in communications and management, she intertwines her life experiences with insightful knowledge. Through self-education, extensive reading, various courses, and travel, she enriches her perspective, making life more meaningful.