The Great Expedition
A light toned photo with a dandelion knit colored blanket behind a letter board with a quote from Helen Keller that reads, “Alone we can so do little. Together we can do so much.”
Welcome, open hearts and reflective souls. Today, I am inviting you into a memory that holds more than meets the eye. A day filled with chrome, color, and quiet connection. It was the Chicago Auto Show of 2014, but what made it special was not just the rows of polished cars. It was the experience itself, the feeling of stepping into something new and letting myself enjoy the moment without needing it to be perfect.
Editor’s note: This post was originally written on February 13th, 2014. It is being shared here now [May 31st, 2025] in honor of that memory and the moments that still hold meaning today. In addition to that, this post continues to evolve as I do. It’s updated to reflect growth, gratitude, and perspective gained since then.
Growing up, my dad used to take my brother and me to RV and boat shows in Chicago. Those outings were something I looked forward to, the kind of adventure that felt special but wasn’t too far or too expensive. It was like a nice treat. But as I got older, the invitations stopped coming as often, and eventually halted altogether. Before this auto show, I had been asking for years to go again, hoping to share another experience like those early days.
Looking back, those moments were with my dad felt needed. I spent a good majority of my time growing up with my mom, so any chance to have time with my dad felt important because there was a period where we didn’t spend much time together. To me, it felt like we were making up lost time. That’s why these outings stood out. He always loved car shows, though I didn’t care much for the smaller ones. I’d glance around quickly and be ready to leave. But the bigger shows in Chicago were different. There was more to see, more to do, and the whole day felt like a real trip. This day, in particular, turned into something special, a rare daddy-daughter day that I’m still grateful for.
Funny enough, that childhood love of RVs stayed longer with me than I expected. I always thought they seemed so perfect. They were like a little home on wheels, full of freedom and adventure. But as I learned more recently, actually traveling in one is a completely different story.
The design of RVs always looked cool and perfect to me. But after traveling in one, I learned it’s not quite as ideal as it seems. There were things I hadn’t considered before, such as how limited the water usage has to be. Showers longer than five minutes? Not really possible on the road. I also found out that some RVs don’t have separate rooms, which means you’re together all the time in a small space. For someone like me, who grew up mostly as an only child, those close quarters took some adjusting. Then, there is the reality of the bathroom situation. The holding tank needs to be emptied regularly, or things start to get unpleasant fast. It’s not exactly the glamorous road trip I used to imagine. And despite thinking I could walk around while the RV was moving because of my small bladder, that’s actually unsafe and probably illegal. It reminded me that some things look perfect from the outside but feel very different once you’re inside living them.
Looking back, I realize that “expeditions” don’t have to be grand adventures or cross-country travels. They can be as simple as saying yes to something new, stepping outside your usual routine, or letting curiosity guide you. What makes them great is not the size of the journey but the way they change you, even in small ways.
If you find yourself in the middle of your own “expedition” whether it’s a road trip, a new job, or just trying something different, pause to notice the little details. The laughter that catches you off guard. The scenery you wouldn't have noticed otherwise. The lessons that only come when things don’t go as planned.
Here are a few gentle suggestions I want to leave with you:
Say yes to more detours. Sometimes the unplanned stops hold the best memories.
Carry gratitude with you. It makes every adventure, big or small, feel fuller.
Don’t worry if things don’t unfold perfectly. Often, it’s the imperfect parts that shape the story you’ll remember.
So, tell me, what’s your latest “expedition,” big or small? And what did it teach you about yourself?
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
