By: Nicole Troy
About halfway through our journey around Scotland, we pass by a small idyllic cottage situated within the mountainscape of the Scottish Highlands. At this point we are in the Glencoe area, it is picturesque, majestic and truly has the power to make you feel a deep sense of peace. It was one of those sights in passing, that we were immediately drawn to. We decided to park the car and explore the area further.
The brisk morning air made me feel alive. Sheep frolicking in the pasture in the near distance and one little cottage sits amongst the stunningly beautiful landscape.
As I sat there listening intently to the babbling brook beside me, I began reminiscing about what brought me back to Scotland. The question Fran and I had been asking ourselves throughout the trip so far was, “how did we get here?.” We were initially drawn to Scotland when we took a day trip to Edinburgh from the United Kingdom the year prior. There was something so special about the history, the people, the land, and we almost immediately started planning how we could make a return trip a reality. It felt almost surreal to be back so soon.
There are certainly very real and intrinsic connections to places that one can feel almost instantly. For me Scotland felt a little bit like coming home. I of course have ancestors from this region, so I felt a deep sense of gratitude in walking the same path as my lineage. However, I think the connection went deeper based on the plethora of emotions that I felt during this journey around the country. There was a sense that my body and spirit were experiencing and feeling exactly what needed to happen at the right time.
This was the first long distance trip I had taken since losing my father in April. He was truly my confident and guiding light. Traveling after loss offers an interesting perspective because you can bring their spirit with you wherever you go. I kept one of my favorite pictures of my dad neatly tucked in a book, so he would be close and with me on my travels. Throughout the trip I thought of him often and let myself feel and experience what felt right in my heart, my mind and body. If I needed to cry, I let it out. If I wanted to laugh I did so wholeheartedly. If I wanted to meditate and reflect I did so as often as I could.
It was as if the universe had brought me to a land that would make me feel comforted by the kinship of her people, the groundedness of her history, the liveliness of her music, and the beauty of her land. There is something special about Scotland, specifically the highlands where nature takes center stage. The land, nature and people in this country are healing. For me a deep connection was made, and if I had to guess I think this will experience will be imprinted on my heart for a lifetime.
With inspiration in sustainability,
Nicole Troy
WEGSS Founder & Team Member
Tell Your Global Sustainability Story
Contribute to our community led platform. Anyone at any time is welcome to share their stories. See submitted Global Sustainability Stories on our GSS Community Blog & social media
West to East Global Sustainability Stories 