My husband is great at maps.
I get lost coming out of the bathroom at the airport.
We often travel for the holidays, and we went to Switzerland this year. Jeremy studied the public transportation apps. He learned about the various trains and trams we’d use to travel around. There were different stations, languages, lines, and departure times to navigate, and he joyfully regaled me with information about various options for traveling around Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, and Bern.
I smiled and nodded.
Before we left, I told a friend about Jeremy’s love of travel logistics, and she said, “Oh! So you get to be the Passenger Princess!”
My entire body cringed.
I’ve never been a princess kind of girl. I never had that phase, even when I was little. There were no pink twirly dresses or tiaras in my house, no mention of some Prince Charming who was on his way. That always felt so…floofy and entitled. So fragile and passive.
Aside: it occurs to me that maybe I wasn’t into princesses at home because I often played princesses at work. But even as a princess, I always had a book in my hand. Except for when Fran Drescher was in the way.
On the way to the airport, I told Jeremy about the term I had learned, and he brightened. “Yes! You can be the Passenger Princess!”
Ugh. I didn’t intend for this label to stick. I wanted him to be equally horrified.
“Doesn’t that make you feel resentful?” I asked him. “You’re doing all this planning, and I’m just…there? Princessing?”
“No. I like the planning.”
I still wasn’t sure.
We crossed an ocean and found ourselves in Switzerland on trains and trams, which he navigated skillfully.
And I just followed the red jacket.
I trotted down the platform, hopping on the train just as the doors slid shut, following along like a small child. But while Jeremy was focused on an app, I was looking around — also like a small child.
I pointed out the gorgeous vistas and artistic graffiti along the way. I got us snacks for the journey and noticed a Jack Russel Terrier, who had also boarded the train. I spotted the great slabs of dark chocolate in the shop window, and the cafe surprisingly called The Ass Bar. At one point, I actually had to tap Jeremy on the arm and get him to look up and see the Alps.
Without the responsibility of logistics, was present. I was a Present Princess.
It made me think about the ways it might benefit me to be a little more of the Passenger Princess in the rest of life. Sometimes, I get too hung up on productivity and accomplishing. When we focus on the HOW and lose track of the WHY — we can forget to look at the motherfucking ALPS, which are right in front of us.
Maybe there are times I can just be along for the ride (and the snacks) and not fall under the illusion that I am the master of my universe all the time. Because, let’s face it, I have shockingly little control over much of the world. Maybe there are important things to be gained by letting go a little bit.
I know it’s an unusual way to start out the year. Your inbox is likely full of New Year's emails telling you about all the ways you should take charge of your life, health, career, and everything else.
While here I am, extolling the virtues of taking the passenger seat and just looking around sometimes.
After a week of cheese and Christmas markets - we flew home and started the two-hour drive from the airport to our house. It had been a long day of international travel. Jet lag was wreaking havoc on my body, but I get car sick easily, so I drove - even though I was a little tired.
Jeremy sat in the passenger seat and asked me questions about the trip. What was my favorite city? Favorite meal? We broke down the details of the trip, day by day, and shared the things we loved, the things that were unexpected, and the things that reminded us of other things. He noted the small moments that he’d remember. He suggested an intention for our travel in the upcoming year.
I pulled into our driveway and then leaned over to hug him.
“Thank you for talking to me so much and keeping me engaged on the drive home.”
He grinned at me and said, “Of course. I was the Passenger Princess. It’s an important role.”
Here’s what else has been going on:
What I read
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
It's not my usual genre, but I had heard so much about this book—especially after reading Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, which I still think about years later. The writing was a little too simplistic for me, but I found the concepts interesting.
What I listened to
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
I’m listening to this audiobook, and it has so many great stories of how we can better communicate, negotiate, and examine our own opinions. The ability to rethink and be curious is a powerful thing.
What I’m looking forward to
Workshops in 2025! I will team up with other leaders to offer a week of inspiration, connection, and business mentoring designed exclusively for yoga teachers ready to expand their careers and make a lasting impact. I will speak specifically about leading diverse populations who are usually underrepresented in the yoga community. We will engage in meaningful conversations, insightful lectures, and collaborative group work.
Thank you for reading, friends. I wish you all the good things for 2025.
Much love,
~Lisa