20,404 miles (32,837 kilometers), 20 countries, 201 nights, 73 different beds.
A journey can be as simple as a traditional rite of passage, and as monumental as a life changing, soul empowering path. For me, my European trip of 2013 changed me, tremendously. It took me, and left me alone, with only myself, as I am, without barrier or judgement, nor ego. Once raw and unsheltered, I realized so many beautiful harmonies and jives of this world, as well as the meaning of life, and I knew exactly what I wanted out of my time here. There were points of agony, and tinges of grief, because when all began to clear, I could perceive who I was – my short fallings and potentials were evident to me. And even though moments like that of a soft trauma, came and went, a new day always prevailed. My travels refined me, softening my angers, tearing away my judgements, and dictating away my confusions and my complexities – little was unclear about my life, my past traumas and defining moments were relived, slowly and with pain, but there always was victory, through hope and compassion. As compassion came and went, understanding was left in the wake.
A journey can be as simple as a traditional rite of passage, and as monumental as a life changing, soul empowering path. For me, my European trip of 2013 changed me, tremendously. It took me, and left me alone, with only myself, as I am, without barrier or judgement, nor ego. Once raw and unsheltered, I realized so many beautiful harmonies and jives of this world, as well as the meaning of life, and I knew exactly what I wanted out of my time here. There were points of agony, and tinges of grief, because when all began to clear, I could perceive who I was – my short fallings and potentials were evident to me. And even though moments like that of a soft trauma, came and went, a new day always prevailed. My travels refined me, softening my angers, tearing away my judgements, and dictating away my confusions and my complexities – little was unclear about my life, my past traumas and defining moments were relived, slowly and with pain, but there always was victory, through hope and compassion. As compassion came and went, understanding was left in the wake.
Before my trip, I had issues with family, problems with a short temper, and chronic fears of poverty and failure. I wasn’t sure who I was, what I wanted, or even what sort of writer I was to be, but with plenty of alone time, abroad, with ample time to walk and roam, to sit and watch, and to analyze and understand, I was able to slowly work on myself, at my own pace. One of the most defining moments of my adventure was my time in Morocco, where I was met with both culture shock upon arrival and complete respect and adoration upon departure. Another key experience was when I hiked at the height of the mountains in the Alps of Grindelwald, Switzerland, where I had my second enlightening experience. You can read more about my favorite moments of last year here, and all of my past trips, happenings and shenanigans on the blog here. I will never remember every moment and every face, but I will always remember the journey.
If life feels barren and without wonder, I can’t advocate more that one’s own personal journey abroad, as well as within will leave you an entirely different person. Know that it’s never too late for you to plan your own journey – and there’s no finer moment than to start right now. I wish you luck – don’t forget to share your stories with me!
If life feels barren and without wonder, I can’t advocate more that one’s own personal journey abroad, as well as within will leave you an entirely different person. Know that it’s never too late for you to plan your own journey – and there’s no finer moment than to start right now. I wish you luck – don’t forget to share your stories with me!
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