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 will continue 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 the annual auto, 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 a treat. But as I got older, times got busier, and eventually it 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, I cherished those times with my dad. It was far and few between that we got to spend much time together. And he is someone who loved car shows, of any kind. I, on the other hand, preferred the bigger ones as there were more activities to do rather than just observe the car. I wanted to drive the car, to see the RV layout, to get the full experience, and feel the vibes. So, you can imagine my excitement when we were able to do just that. Like the good ole days!
This day, in particular, turned into something special, a rare daddy-daughter day that I’m still grateful for. We walked around, we checked out the tables of businesses, got our own first hand view of the cars, road on a test drive car on a track, tried the food, and took in the atmosphere. It was an experience that meant the world to me and definitely helped me feel like we made up lost time together.
***While I’d rather keep the exact memories and photos private, it’s a day I forever want to remember.
Also, I got the experience of a lifetime when I had the opportunity to travel in an RV. A dream of mine since I first attended the annual RV show. RV’s appeared seemed perfect. They’re 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.
I learned it’s not quite as ideal as it seems. There were things I hadn’t considered before, such as limited water usage. I only had a few minutes to enjoy a shower. I also found out that some RVs don’t have separate rooms, which means everyone is together all the time in a tight space. While I managed on the road, it took some time to adjust. Then, there is also 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, that’s both unsafe and probably illegal. It reminded me that some times things may 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 adventure 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.***
