After 17-18 visits (tbh I’ve lost track) I’m still navigating Jamaica. Every trip is so different. A land of overwhelmingly amazing people, reggae, dancehall, overproof rum, and ridiculously good jerk chicken. Beneath its vibrant surface lies a unique rhythm, a chaos so captivating to me that I find it; addictively exhilarating, unbelievably adventurous as well as downright bewildering!
Why do we love our travel adventures there so much?
It affords us a bond and closeness that is unmatched! In life those moments of challenge, and the way couples respond together, rather than just as individuals, is essential. This togetherness is central for both our wellbeing's, health and security within our relationship because working as a unit to manage stress, provide emotional support, and solve problems … well isn't this what relationships are all about? Combined with our digital detox, our closeness and connectivity was incomparable!
On this trip, after a severe fainting spell, I had the added fun of a highly visible bruised face (🦝). Understand the Dog, Goat, Pothole title isn't about animal welfare (though that's important too of course). It's about togetherness and accepting the unexpected. Jamaica just isn’t like anywhere else in the world! 🇯🇲
Dog, Goat, Pothole is really my way of saying to expect the unexpected - honestly, what could be more romantic? A sudden downpour, a random round of applause when the plane touches down that is so touching you shed tears, surviving a stray pack of dogs chasing your car, endless rivers, getting utterly lost, a burst of impromptu car screen washing, unsubscribing to any ideas of queuing, sipping on some overproof drinks, and soaking up the memories of laid-back island vibes, the mountains, beautiful ocean, an insanely nauseating uber ride, befriending the local police, unfathomable trumpeting at a concert, making new friends and seeing old friends who will assist you in a heartbeat - expecting nothing in return. Embrace the spontaneity. It will not just affirm your love for each other but for the human race!
Do you have travel plans in 2025 - here's my top tips for having fun?
- hold your own
- join the rhythm
- surrender
Let go of your rigid ideas, notions and allow yourself to be swept away. Let the experiences be the souvenirs you bring home. Because, travel is more than just a vacation - it's a potentially life changing experience that profoundly impacts our brains if we let it. It can boost creativity and introspection, make our brains more cognitively flexible, forge new neural connections, enhance innovation in our thinking, calm our bodies, disconnect us from worries, lower stress cortisol levels, encourage mindfulness, and hone our appreciation of the beauty around us and within each other. Pair it with intentionally learning something new like, a cooking, language or karma sutra class for extra spice and strengthening! Ah sweet memories!
Happy 2025 friends!
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