Just a List of Good Things

I realized several days ago, somewhere while driving through California, that a lot of the blog posts I've been making kind of focus on some of less good things that have come up for me on this trip. And that's kind of unfortunate, because so are so many great things I've seen, had happen, had pop into my brain, and so on.

Here are some of them.

• For years I've felt like I'm a pretty adaptable person. This has been confirmed.
• I also have liked to believe I'm relatively resourceful and self-reliant. This has also been confirmed (in many ways).
• So many people are so nice. Including complete strangers.
• In fact, sometimes complete strangers even go beyond the point where friends or acquaintances will go.
• But, friends and family still come through. I've received multiple donations along the way, and it makes that day a little better every time. 
• Even if it's just a substitute, support from social media actually feels really good.
• I've gotten to meet a lot of people I would have never gotten the chance to meet otherwise.
• While they still absolutely needs to be protected, there are still a lot of wild places in this country.
• While not without its flaws, this trip wouldn't have been possible without technology. Namely, the internet and a smart phone. I could have done something similar, yes, but those things are my lifelines.
• "Winging it" usually works out just fine.
• I got to see some of the biggest trees on the planet. Literally a dream come true.
• I got to see some really big mountains. Drive through different ranges, camp in the shadows of them.
• I got to see glaciers.
• Even though I might feel vulnerable and alone at times, traveling alone has also been pretty empowering.
• I've had lots of conversations with lots of random people about lots of different things in lots of different locations. Given the chance, I'm talking people's ears off.
• Driving long distances really hasn't been that bad.
• I'm kind of falling in love with my new (to me) car.
• I've gotten to rediscover a lot of music I haven't listened to in years.
• I've found some clarity about the things that are important to me, and the things I want do do going forward.
• I've accepted that I won't find clarity in everything, but I know I can make it through anyways.
• Autopilot mode isn't the most glamorous or adventurous way to get across the country, but it is functional. 
• There's this phase you'll here sometimes, "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." Yeah, I think I've done that. Some variation of it, at least.
• I've gotten to see several different animals I've never seen before.
• I've gotten to see several different trees and plants I've never seen before.
• I've gotten to see several different animals and plants that are related to species I've seen lots of, and I would have been able to at least narrow it down to a family based upon the ones I knew.
• My 30th birthday came and went and it was fine.
• I've seen how helpful staying organized can be (in ways).
• I've met a handful of really amazing people and have been able to share in mutually enriching experiences. I couldn't forget about them if I tried.

This is obviously an incomplete list. And there is still a lot left to see and do!