From late August to the end of September, I found myself in constant motion, traversing continents and time zones. My journey took me from the bustling streets of New York to the sun-soaked shores of San Diego, with a brief stopover in the San Francisco Bay Area. Then, after a week at home, I was back on the move – to Aerocity, New Delhi, for MPS. While I’ve always embraced the thrill of travel, I must admit that after this whirlwind month, the comfort of home was a welcome respite.
Throughout my life, travel has been more than just a pastime; it’s been an integral part of my personal and professional growth. The anticipation of an international trip still excites me, even after all these years. There’s something magical about those long flights that seem to suspend time, offering a rare opportunity for uninterrupted reflection. The immersion in new environments, with their unique sights, sounds, and energy, never fails to stimulate my mind and spark fresh ideas.
Escaping the confines of my office cabin and the predictable rhythm of the home-office-home routine feels liberating. It’s in these moments of geographical and mental displacement that I find myself pondering more deeply about business strategies and life philosophies. The change of scenery acts as a catalyst, helping me approach challenges from new angles and envision possibilities that might have remained hidden in the familiar surroundings of home. Invariably, I return from these trips feeling reinvigorated and brimming with excitement about implementing new concepts.
However, travel is not without its concerns, particularly when it comes to health. During this recent month-long expedition, I battled an irritatingly persistent dry cough that overstayed its welcome. Moreover, for the second time in recent years, I suffered a minor injury during a US trip – this time, a stubbed toe. These incidents serve as reminders of the importance of self-care, even amidst the exhilaration of travel.
While the adventures of travel are numerous, there are aspects of home life that I sorely miss when I’m away. As someone who follows a Jain diet, finding suitable hot meals can be challenging, especially outside of hubs like New York. While I’m not a very fussy eater, I do prefer one hot meal a day, but adhering to this principle can be particularly tricky when navigating international cuisines and limited options, especially at business dinners.
Perhaps what I miss most are my weekend morning writing sessions. Saturday and Sunday mornings have long been sacred times for crafting essays for my blog. Despite my best efforts, I’ve yet to recreate the perfect writing environment I have at home – the comfort of my familiar chair, the efficiency of my table and desktop setup, and the serene quiet of early mornings. (I do my writing from 5-8 am.) These elements combine to create a flow state that’s hard to replicate in hotel rooms or flights, with my laptop.
In the end, it’s always good to be back home – not just for the physical space, but for the sanctuary of routines that ground and nurture me (and, of course, the food).
