Exploring Now

Amala and I have had quite the adventures this year, moved out our home at the end of May and slowly made our way to India and now we have been here since August. Traveling with a six year old can be an adventure in and of itself. But, as a solo mom, we learned valuable lessons about exploring and living in the moment. We discovered that planning is not necessary, being present and being together is everything. Along the way, we were grateful for the adventures, the fun, and even the difficulties. We appreciated the support we received from family and friends, and we were thankful that we were able to live our lives differently from the norm.

Lesson 1: Embrace the Now

When you’re traveling with a six year old, unpredictability is part of the game. Amala has taught me that, in order to enjoy the journey, I had to embrace the present moment. She would run around meeting new people, stopping to pick the flowers and chase after insects, without a care in the world. I have had to learn to follow her lead and appreciate the beauty in every passing moment.

Lesson 2: Freedom in Minimal Planning

We initially had a grand plan, but once we got here, we quickly realized that it was not necessary. I could make travel plans fairly quickly. Part of our joy came from having the freedom to choose what we wanted to do on any given day. We enjoyed exploring the local markets, going to Ayurvedic facilities, going on nature walks, going to temples, and trying the recommended local foods. This experience showed us that sometimes it’s best to take a step back and let go of the need to plan every little detail.

Lesson 3: Overcoming Difficulties

Traveling with a young child is not always rainbows and sunshine. There will be good and bad moments, and it’s important to face the difficulties with a positive attitude. When became sick, we had to deal with a few sleepless nights and fevers, we only had to go to a doctor once. However, we chose to focus on the love and support we received from the locals. They helped us navigate the unfamiliar territory healthcare system and even sent us food to make us feel more comfortable.

Lesson 4: The Value of Family and Friends

Traveling with a six year old can be challenging, but having family and friends supporting you can make the experience more enjoyable. Our loved ones provided support and reassurance. They also helped us create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The best moments were those we spent together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Lesson 5: Gratitude for Adventure

Traveling with a six year old opened my eyes to the beauty of adventure and the value of creating lasting memories. I discovered that being able to travel and experience new cultures is a privilege that we are truly grateful for. 

We will cherish these memories for years to come and will always be grateful for the opportunity to explore and live life in a different way.

Traveling with a six year old taught me more about life than I ever imagined possible. We learned to live in the moment, embrace freedom in minimal planning, minimal luggage, overcome difficulties, value family and friends, and be grateful for the adventures. Our journey was filled with seeing life as it is and taking one moment at a time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn about the world side-by-side together. I am grateful I can write for Medium, my own website and Exploring Now. Because these kinds of experiences we will never forget. So much gratitude!

Many Blessings,

Michelle & Amala

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