Originally, I thought this was just going to be a travel blog. That was the simplest way to explain it — places, roads, stories from wherever I happened to be. Travel gave me a starting point without requiring a full explanation of how I got here.
But it didn’t take long to realize I had more than travel stories.
People were suggesting I start a blog long before I reclaimed Running Rita, and long before RoadRunning Rita had a name. At the time, I didn’t see the bigger picture. What I’m realizing now — and what continues to reveal itself — is that this has been a natural evolution, unfolding over years, miles, and unplanned moments.
Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve been Rita. Then I became known as Running Rita. Then RoadRunning Rita. And somewhere along the way, I started taking on the persona of RightTurn Rita. So naturally, the name for this blog revealed itself — RightTurns with RoadRunning Rita.
Running was never about running away. It was always how I connected then reconnected with myself — reclaiming the parts of me that existed before pain, trauma, and life experiences dulled my enthusiasm and dimmed my sense of possibility. Running was how I found my way back to the “little person” I was before life hardened the edges.
RightTurns are what happen when things don’t go according to our plan. When life doesn’t follow our script. When something unplanned appears, asking us to shift, to pause, or to step into a new possibility we hadn’t imagined.
This journey is still unfolding, full of surprises, discoveries, and moments that push me to be present and open to whatever comes next.
When I look ahead, there are no finish lines , no checkered flags — just winding open road. A journey in motion.
After meeting you on the beach at the very start of your wandering, It’s a continuing joy and wonder to be following you along, Rita. Thanks for sharing your journey. And, throw a few left turns in just for fun, too! Namaste.🙏
I certainly did enjoy our conversations and especially that beautiful gift you gave me. I certainly have enjoyed it and treasured it.
Learning to “pivot” is an essential skill for traveling and for life. I always disliked that song “Jesus Take the Wheel”. Probably because I’m such a control freak. But the more I let go and let God, the better things are.
In recovery, I’ve discovered the true meaning of the road will rise up to meet you. It has happened for me over and over … so I think I’ll keep going … glad to be on this road with you 💗