As I end my third visit to Alaska, in thirteen months, I'm reminded of several things about my journey and this amazing place. Originally, I visited Alaska because my soul sister, Tracy, moved to Alaska with her partner in the summer of 2022. And the lure of a "magic land", far, far away from the lower 48 states.
Alaska is a "country" of its own. The lower 48 are frequently referred to as the United States of America, when, obviously, Alaska is also part of the US. But it doesn't feel that way. And something else that is very clear here is "the pause". And having permission to move a little slower, take your time, there is no hurry in Alaska. Not even the baristas hurry when making your latte or other favorite coffee! There is time here!
It was the permission to pause that made me feel comfortable in taking a "leap" into my gap year. And I realized I had permission the second time I came to Alaska. The "daily grind" of work in the United States wore on me physically and in my soul. But I didn't realize how tired my soul was. Until I came to Alaska and realized I could permit myself to pause. To take time off, explore, and reflect, on all the things I could think of that I had either wished to do or just had not done for a variety of reasons.
In Alaska, there is so much history, so much pride, and so much land!! Honestly, what do we all think of when we think of Alaska? Igloos, indigenous people, cold, harsh, barren land? That's what I pictured to a certain extent, even though I knew it was more and different than the stereotypical picture. The mountains are spectacular! Photos from my iPhone do not provide a full understanding of their majesty and pure beauty. And there are cities (of course), very small, tiny ones, and then some bigger ones. Lots of people have airplanes out of necessity because of the vast land mass. Texas and California can fit inside of Alaska and there would still be room! And there is a lot of pride in being from a family of original homesteaders who came to Alaska in the 1950s!
Alaska speaks to my soul. The wilderness is truly wild! The beauty of the mountains, the pine trees, and the wilderness. It all commands a certain level of respect, because bears, moose, and other wildlife are a real thing! And there is a "magical" quality in Alaska. My first two visits were filled with activities and adventures to see the things the state has to offer: glaciers, ship ports, rain forests, a ski resort with a magical spa, a restaurant at the top of a mountain, and buying Xtratuf boots, a staple in Alaska. I know many people in the lower 48 talk about Alaskan cruises. I frequently am asked when I say I'm going to Alaska if I'm taking a cruise. I know Alaskan cruises are wonderful. But there is something about walking on the land, in the wilderness, away from touristy areas, and in nature that just breathes new life into my soul.
This time in Alaska has been the most magical. And it has been the least active or planned. It is amazing. And it's the pause, the calm, the slowness. It may also be the time of year as we prepare for winter and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And also, because when it snows (it snowed yesterday), it creates even more magic for the eyes, which sings to my soul.
But it is mostly the "quiet". I love listening to the "quiet". When I was a kid, I created snow tunnels from the snow piles on the side of our driveway. Because, let's be honest, it snowed a TON in Midwestern Iowa in the 1970s and 1980s!! It wasn't a big tunnel, but just big enough for my ten-year-old head and torso to fit into with my snow pant legs and boot-covered feet hanging out. And it was right by the front door. My Mom would come out and ask, "What are you doing?" My response was, "Listening to the quiet."
And that's what Alaska is for me. I'm allowed to "listen to the quiet", to truly pause and "hear"! We have so much stimulation normally, that the quiet is a joy-filled place for me. And it clears the clutter from my mind and soul to allow me to imagine the possibilities. And I don't even know what they are. But not knowing truly provides me so much excitement. It is like waiting to open a present on Christmas morning and not knowing what it will be! The awe and wonder of everything. And the pure joy and excitement before the present is torn open. Alaska is a gift that I truly cherish! I ask you to also take time to "listen to the quiet." You may learn something you never imagined!!
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