7 things I learned in Portland, Oregon

Feb 15

Feb 15 7 things I learned in Portland, Oregon

Last September of 2016, me and my family took a trip up the California coast to Portland, Oregon.

There was so many things going on during this trip. So many personal things, family things, and even things around us that seemed to want to take away the experience.

One thing is for sure, there was quite a lot of bickering, grumpy attitudes, and so many mornings on the coast, that were drowned in coffee and blurred together with fog.

But despite that, it was such a wonderful trip. We had a wonderful time, and it's a trip that I'd like to remember.

Family trips tend to bring out the worst, best, and all of the unsolved issues in families. Thinking back now, It might have been the views that kept all of us sane.

You're put to the test in a way. My patience was definitely tested. But when all's said and done, and you look back on the time that was spent, you see the growth in yourselves, and in others too.

One of my favorite pictures. I took this picture, right before we left this city in Santa Cruz.

Personally, I feel like I was at my worst. We all have times in our lives, when you feel like you're going through something hard; or things are not as perfect as you'd like them to be. Then you look back on it, and realize the simpleness of your problems. Or the severity of them.

In Fort Bragg, at Glass Beach. The sun was getting ready to set, and there was such a peace in the air. I think we all just stood on the cliff's edge, and stared. — In Fort Bragg, at Glass Beach. The sun was getting ready to set, and there was such a peace in the air. I think we all just stood on the cliff's edge, and stared.

First day in Portland. First stop, Powell's Books.

People, and experiences cause growth to happen in your life. Sometimes, I don't think people realize or give credit, to the individuals in one's life that help cause that necessary growth.

Walking around Portland, oh that lovely city.

Like this person.

I love you Dad. I toast to you. *cheers

Helping me take refuge in a hole-in-the-wall bar, after a near meltdown. Wine kinda solves everything.

I learned some little life lessons on this trip. Lessons, that I'm still learning and reminding myself everyday.

1. Everyone has a direct impact on others. Everyone has something to give. Everyone has the ability to help people, or to hurt them.

Bottom of the Columbia River in Nothern, Oregon

2. We need to learn to help those we love. And to love them more, in general. It's so simple, but we don't choose to do that enough.

Nothern, Oregon. Hiking up to Wakkenna Falls.

3. Sometimes, the solution to our problems is helping others fix thiers.

4. It's okay to let it go. Most of the time, it can be a very, very good thing.

The little gift shop and pub right below the waterfall. Everything around this building smelled like sugar, and cinnamon, quite like Disneyland. You know what I'm talking about..

5. Forgiveness, and sacrifice are real things.

Overlooking the Columbia river, Northern Oregon.

More of Powell's books. (Our third time) We couldn't resist.

6. If you learned something, it was worth it. (most of the time)

7. And to be kind, really is a great deal of importance.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters. You can't beat natural light and a strong coffee. . . the comforts!

When I look back, most of those fears, and insecurities, and worries, and guilt, has diminished to a smaller piece of me. They are no longer at the front of who I am.

The last stop, Multnomah Whiskey Library. It was as cool as it sounds.

Regardless of everything that was going on, everything that was being battled, dealt with, and let go of, we had the best of times. We really did. Grumpiness, growth and all.

The views alone could pull at someone's heart, and activate change, or reflection.

Growth can sometimes come unexpectedly, and sometimes doesn't give you a choice for it to take place or not.

And when that happens, you don't really notice you're growing until after that process is over.

And by then, you're just grateful.