I just came back from my looooooong-anticipated two-week bucket list trip to Africa, and am having a hard time getting back to “real life.” Michael and I spent a wondrous week glamping in Botswana and Zimbabwe, and then a night in Johannesburg before heading off to Martha Beck’s amazing African STAR Retreat at Londolozi. The whole experience was life-changing, and I pretty much felt like this all the time:
It’s going to take me a while to be able to really absorb and try to put into words the people, animals and magic of this trip — not to mention editing a couple of thousand pictures.
Until then — I know Africa is on the top of many of your bucket lists, too, and you’re wondering how you’ll ever make it a reality. So let me just share this. I learned, on my trip with Oprah, to dream big. As she said — and Martha reaffirmed — the universe has bigger dreams for you than you can ever imagine. So, whatever you’re dreaming, go for it.
For me, the combination of Africa and Martha Beck was potent. I discovered the oasis that is Londolozi, and felt like I had come home. This magical place and the incredible people who make it what it is inspired me to focus on the things that are most important to me, to hear my own voice and to connect with nature in a way I’ve never experienced before.
My trip may be over but my journey has just begun. I’m not sure exactly what that entails yet but I know you’re all part of it. You are my tribe. In the meantime, keep dreaming big and share your dreams with us so we can all embrace them, send them out into the universe and help you make them come true.
This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.com.
Beautifully put Lois! I think we all look forward to hearing how this experience continues to unfold through you.
Magical! Hope to hear more and see more of your photos!
Perhaps part of the reason we met was for me to share my journey with you. I may or may not get to Africa (on my Bucket List, too) but I can listen to your story and hear about what you learned so I can better understand what the Universe is saying to me as you are listening to what it’s telling you.
There are great things coming our way!
I look forward to reading more about your trip. It must have been fantastic – including being with the fascinating Martha Beck!
Sounds like an luminating trip Lois! Can’t wait to read more about it. The African Star Retreat looks like a place that awakens those who open their senses and heart there.
What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing this, Lois! xo Jamie
Lois, you are a wonderful story teller, I look forward to hearing you unpack your experience…what a gift for all of us.
It can be an enormous adjustment leaving a place so rich with nature and returning to suburbia, the good news is you now have access to a wellspring of memories, memories that in some respects are at the cellular level keeping you connected to the magic of Londolozi, lucky you and lucky us. xo
Ahhh yes … I know that feeling. Heart cracked open … weeks without words just trying to absorb it all. The magic of Londolozi forever in our hearts.
Can’t wait to hear all about your trip. Africa is definitely on my bucket list too!!!
Africa has been on my list for a long time. Thanks for this eye-opener. My blog partner Caryl also had an eye opening trip to Africa last December, http://bit.ly/183mBS1. I checked out out STAR web site. I hope Martha plans another such trip! Thanks again.
Ken & I also went on safari for 21 days in May. We went to Tanzania to explore the Serengeti. We are now having the challenge of selecting the best of over 4,000 photos! The experiences are going to take a while to process. I wish I had your gift of description. Needless to say, this was on our “bucket list” too. We stopped in Zanzibar to relax but ended up discovering the most exotic place we have ever experienced.
So glad to hear that you were able to go on this trip. I’m looking forward to hearing more, as I’ve been trying to get this on my list for a while. It also was good for me to hear what you said about Oprah, I shouldn’t need a trip with her to understand that most of what we dream of is within our grasp. Thanks, Virginia- FirstClassWoman
Hey Miss Lois!
Love what you wrote here. Just home myself and adjusting. What a great experience. I can’t wait to see what you do next!!
hugs to you!
Dear Lois,
Loved your post!
I just got home and I am finding it hard to adjust, but immensely grateful for the amazing experience that I feel has changed me already. Congratulations you for your excellent story telling abilities and above all for that huge heart that transpires in everything you do.
Looking forward to hearing more of your digested insights and seeing your pictures.
Many hugs to you and Michael. Talk to you soon.
Transformative indeed, Lois! This sounds amazing, and I’m looking forward to more pictures!
Great pic with the elephant. I know very little about Africa. Well, I went to Egypt for a few days, and I’ve read Achebe and a few novels written by Anglos/Americans/Europeans who have lived there. But I consider myself very uninformed. What a wonderful opportunity you had to travel. Thanks for sharing a bit of your experience.
Though I haven’t traveled much, going on safari is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. What a fabulous experience for you – and i can’t wait to see what comes next!
the universe has bigger dreams for you than you can ever imagine. So, whatever you’re dreaming, go for it.
Inspiring trip and inspiring quote. Thank you.
In 1986 I was able to send my mom and her sister on a month-long trip to Africa (I worked for a tour operator). She said it was the most amazing trip she’d ever taken, mainly due to the animal sightings.
“My trip may be over but my journey has just begun….” That pretty much says it all! And such a great summary for life in general!
Thanks for sharing! -LLC
What a fabulous experience!! I’m also dreaming big these days!
You are a very lucky woman. This sounds almost too good to be true. Thank you for sharing.
b+
Ahhh Lois, how utterly magical it must have been. This trip is on my bucket list, too. I hope someday it happens.
This is inspiring, Lois. I want to go to Africa for sure. Thanks for reminding me to dream big (thanks to O, too). Can’t wait to see where your journey goes forth.
Jessica
Africa is definitely on my list of places to travel. And you are right – dreaming big is really the only way to do it!
Looking forward to hearing more about the trip – my husband has an African journey at the top of his list and I hope we can carve out the time to go sooner rather than later.
You had me at Oprah and Martha Beck. Oh I’m green with envy. Having said that my husband and I took our girls on a South African safari in February and it had to be one of the best trips of my entire life.
Africa is on my bucket list. Your trip sounds amazing.
An African safari sounds positively exciting! How wonderful that you were able to cross it off your bucket list.
You are my hero Lois. I’ve wanted to go on safari but it hasn’t been in the cards yet. But, whenever I hear about someone who has done it, I realize that it’s really within my grasp. I just need to reach out and grab it.Thanks for the wonderful post! Virginia- FirstClassWoman
So exciting and adventurous!!!
What am amazing experience! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story. Africa is both tantalizing and intimidating to me. And as always love your positive energy. You are such an amazing asset to our tribe.
I ALWAYS dream big! 🙂