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Life's a Journey Essays

    

Keeping the Peace, One Zone at a Time

Sometimes in a marriage, it pays to know your place — and that's why there's an armadillo in the living room

by Tracy Schorn

   

A Heartfelt ‘Howdy, Y’All!’ From the Australian Outback

How a travel writer learned to embrace her accent and truly speak her mind

by Heide Brandes

The Practicalities and Perks of Traveling With a Pup

How Daisy the dog became a widow’s wanderlust companion

by Sophia Dembling

Keeping Afloat by Going Under

A scuba diver learns to breathe through the depths of life's challenges

by Melanie Haiken

   

For the Love of Canada

A childhood trip ignited a lifelong passion for our northern neighbor

by Crai S. Bower

A New Year’s Eve to Remember

A surprise visit and the kindness of a stranger make for a memorable night

by Ann Hood

Christmas Cookies for the Ages

Some family holiday baking traditions are not for the faint of heart

by Tracy Schorn

Conquering One's Fear in Fiji

A traveler seeks to repair his relationship with water and rekindle the joy of aquatic activities

by Tim Johnson

   

A Story of Hiking and Healing in the Grand Canyon

Traversing a gorge salvages a friendship that had hit the rocks years before

by Pam LeBlanc

Facing the Naked Truth on a Trip to Japan

Learning to bare it all after a lifetime of covering up

by David Hochman

Two 50-Somethings Tackle a 1780 Fixer-Upper

For a couple of empty nesters, embarking on a new project means loving all that’s old about it

by Tracy Schorn

    

How Losing My Luggage in Brazil Gave Me Strength

After navigating the Amazon with only one pair of underwear, life doesn’t seem so scary anymore

by Heide Brandes

Making Lasting Memories With a Glamorous Mom

A mother and daughter take a bittersweet trip to Italy, which proves to be a hard lesson in life's limitations

by Ann Hood

When Were You Most Afraid? What Are You Grateful For?

Asking deep questions of yourself and of others can lead to big connections, and even some surprises

by Kathleen McCleary

Taking an Unexpected Road Trip With Mom and Dad

Rescued by her parents after a canceled flight, she came to realize the significance of family adventures

by Terri Marshall

    

Tackling the Challenges of Finding Love Later in Life

A divorced, independent woman discovers that the right approach — and mentality — is necessary

by Diane Covington-Carter

A Golfing Novice Finds Some Serenity in Letting Go

Scotland’s magnificent natural setting brings a newfound inner calm to a perfectionist

by Jen Murphy

The Joys of Traveling With a Grandchild Across New Mexico

An adventure out west provides precious memories and lots of time for intergenerational bonding

by Terri Marshall

Searching for Answers to Life’s Questions on Spanish Path

Something mystical about the trail to Santiago de Compostela lures pilgrims from around the world

by Becca Hensley

   

A Writer's Lesson: How to Craft a Condolence Note

Sometimes the most poignant condolence notes are imperfect expressions of what's in your heart

by Kathleen McCleary

Long Road Trip Opens Door on Serious Relationship Qualms

How a getaway to Key West helped one couple resolve some long-standing differences

By Cheryl Rodewig

Escaping COVID-19 Fatigue in Yosemite National Park

A return visit to this natural treasure lifts the spirits of a park lover struggling to cope with the pandemic

By Peter Fish

Mom Views Her Son Through New Eyes in Martinique

Seeing your kids as adults means sometimes stepping back and letting them lead the way

by Tracey Minkin

   

A Lighter Agenda for Injured Traveler in Paris Proved Best

Surgery almost upended the trip, but a more planned course correction delighted just the same

By Hilary Nangle

Hard-Core Climber Makes a Hard Call

An accomplished summit-seeker learned to let go of one goal and pursue something more satisfying

by Dina Mishev

Ancestry Travel Makes Global History Feel More Real

Finding her family roots in other parts of the world sheds light on a travel writer's American life

By Elaine Glusac

When Control Freaks Age

If your mother is detail-obsessed but too old to garden any longer, it might be time to intervene

by Tracy Schorn

   

What You Can Learn By Stepping Back

Tracing a great grandfather’s roots in rural Kentucky towns, including Big Bone and Rabbit Hash

by Gayle Keck

Heeding the Call of the Wild West

For a fashion-obsessed city girl, "all decked out" takes on new meaning amidst Wyoming's natural beauty

by Tracy Achor Hayes

Stranded in Switzerland

After a blunder, it was time to take a swim, forge friendships and makes the most of this vacation

by Ryan Krogh

Hiking Away Self-Doubt on the Trail

A young grandma's pandemic pastime becomes an inspiration — for herself and for others

by Terri Marshall

   

Romance After Divorce

Suddenly single in his late 50s, he wasn't looking for love on the slopes, but he just may have found it

by Crai S. Bower

Joni Mitchell’s Genius Brings a Mom and Daughter Together

A mother reflects on how the poetic songwriter bridges generations

by Nancy Schnog

Skydiving in Queensland

Sometimes you’ve got to let go to conquer your fears — even if it means putting your trust in a parachute

by Tim Johnson

Teaching Immigrants English

Through her students, a writer finds different perspectives and genuine connections

by Kathleen McCleary