Well, my fellow travelers and readers, the time has come to wrap up a blog that has become a huge part of my life over the last week and a half. Those of you who have been faithful to the blog already know everything that I did and encountered and honestly, there is not more adventure to share. In fact, I don’t think I even have a photo to add to this entry. However, with plenty of time in the airport on the way back, I had a lot of time to reflect. This was not just a journey of adventure but somewhat of self discovery.
Starting with my packing, I noticed that I ended up only needing about half of what I brought with me. You know, I began to think about how some people tend to pack everything they can think of, just in case. I believe a lot of people do that because they want to make sure they are prepared for any eventuality. That led me to a realization about myself. Preparing for any eventuality does not interest me. Making sure that I am prepared to handle a situation where I don’t have what I need, or think I need, is more important and exciting to me. Will I be ready in the moment of shortage to make the adjustments necessary to still achieve my goal? Yes, I will and I am.
So, I took this trip after much consideration with a small dose of fear present. Could I afford it financially? Do I want to miss this much work? Do I want to do this alone? Is there something I am trying to find out there? Do I need to know me better?
Financially, it was a bit of a stretch as I don’t have much disposable income these days. I asked myself, am I going to remember the money or the experience. Historically, I have found that memories are priceless and I never remember the cost. In fact, a large part of the reason for this blog is so that I can go back to it from time to time to reminisce.
Missing work? Most people would probably opt to miss as much work as they are allowed. However, since I love my work family, I enjoy being at work. I also love what I do for work, the owners I work with, and even helping the guests make the most of their time on our island.
As for doing this alone, I think that was the right call. At the end of the day, I trust in me. I also like to push my limits to see how I respond. Travelling with another person means I need to be responsible for them, to some point, but I also need to be responsible enough so that I don’t put them in a position of having to rescue me. I make the decisions, the mistakes, and the adaptations. I take full responsibility for my actions and decisions. Travelling alone also forces you into a position of reflection. Rather than walking eight miles each way along the railroad tracks, talking and laughing, with another individual, I am alone with my thoughts and can cultivate opinions and uncover solutions to existing life situations. I ask myself the tough questions and answer honestly. Why do I do the things I do and how does doing those things affect those around me, for example.
So, I came out here joking about finding myself or soul searching. I can’t say that I found anything I was looking for, but since I wasn’t really looking for anything I guess I can’t be disappointed or unfulfilled. Instead, I found myself thinking about why people don’t take more chances or more adventures. I think if you are sincerely content with your station in life and everything is working the way you want it to, and that is all you want, then keep it up and I wish the best for you. However, if you are restless and dissatisfied with your station, then step up and do something about it. Make a change. Either to your current situation or, if that isn’t working, make a more radical change. You know, if you are unhappy then you are likely negative and you are not just affecting your days on this planet, but also the lives of those around you. Sometimes the toughest decisions are those that are the most necessary. What can you do today to make your life meaningful? Purposeful? Enjoyable? Responsible? You may not know the answer but if you step out or step up, and try something, successful or not, maybe it leads you to another path and another where you start to gain traction, crest the hill, victorious, and all is clear for miles. You can see all of your options in front of you. Endless possibilities. I crested a lot of hills over the course of this trip and I found clarity and saw my options and possibilities. I encourage you to do the same.
I enjoyed the journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity and now that I am home, grateful that I survived. I learned a lot and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Only one question remains. Where to next?
Thank you.
Mark
Journey Man 