Lessons one quote at a time

I love quotes. I love them on a sign. I love them on a frame. I love them on a pillow... on a boat and on a mote. You get the picture. Thinking back to my recent time alone in London, I find quotes help me best explain this first time experience.

"Do one thing everyday that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt

When my husband said we could extend our trip abroad as long as I was willing to spend three days in the middle of the week alone in London while he traveled to Germany on business, I quickly responded, "Sure! I can do that."

Over the next few weeks, my confidence crumbled. I lay awake at night fretting about the trip. Looking back, I'm happy that I didn't allow my fear to get in the way. While one scary thing a day may be a bit much, doing something outside of your comfort zone every once in a while is a good reminder that you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Repeat!

"Keep Calm and Carry On" - One of three morale boosting posters designed in 1939 by Britain's Ministry of Information after the outbreak of the war. Although posters with this sentiment were printed, they were never posted. Fortunately for me, the posters were discovered years later and "Keep Calm and Carry On," is now printed on just about everything, everywhere you go in London.

My first morning alone, I anxiously got in the shower and thoughts of the day ahead ran wildly through my head. What will I do? Where will I go? How will I get there? By the time I turned off the water, I was in full-on panic mode. That's when I pulled back the shower curtain and had my Janet Leigh in "Psycho" moment.  Someone was standing in the doorway. I jumped and screamed.

Turns out, it was just my night shirt on the back of the door. I laughed out loud (somewhat odd when alone) and said to myself, keep calm and carry on. My new mantra came in handy over the next few days, when I got caught in the rain without an umbrella, when I thought I had lost my special locket, and when I took the train in the wrong direction.  I kept calm and carried on. Thanks London for the constant reminder.

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
to a place where we'll be safe.

"Sanctuary, sanctuary." - Quasimodo, Hunchback of Notre Dame

My most treasured memory of my time alone was the day I spent at the National Gallery but more importantly where I found myself afterward. For hours, I admired the artwork of famous artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my hand-held audio guide that I held to my ear to learn about the famous pieces of art.

Much to my dismay, my new friend "audio guide" wasn't allowed to leave with me as I stepped outside at the end of my visit. Standing on the beautiful Trafalgar Square, my old pal panic returned. I had no idea where to go next. With a couple of hours to spare before I headed to the theater, I felt lost. 

I kept calm and carried on across the street. People were walking into a church and I followed. Inside, people were sitting quietly and I joined in. I felt a sudden calm and a sense of welcome. Suddenly, I wasn't alone or lost at all. Looking around, I saw six other single women who had found sanctuary in this beautiful church.

When I returned home, I looked up the church in my trusty guidebook. Seems I was sitting in one of London's best loved and most welcoming churches, St Martin-of-the-Fields. Since 1914, the church has been a welcome sight for the homeless. It certainly welcomed me.

 Connection to home.

E.T. phone home - E.T.

Each night I felt like the wrinkled, little Extra Terrestrial chanting, "E.T. phone home, E.T. phone home." I anxiously counted back five hours. Ten o'clock PM meant 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. That meant they were home. My son and my daughter both patiently listened to my daily play by play. It felt good to speak out loud and share my experiences of the day. They were my connection to home and I will be forever grateful for their encouragement and support.

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face...we must do that which we think we cannot." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Well said Mrs Roosevelt. Thanks to my solo trip, I'd like to quote Huggies Pull-Ups, "I'm a big kid now."

I'm a big kid now!