What does it mean when we say, this journey will be life changing?
Do we expect to be uplifted as a person, to emerge rejuvenated, almost in an instant, automatic process? Do we feel that, out of the mundane everyday set, here is where we can finally direct our life's masterwork? As simple as swiping out a credit card for that ready made package of vivid sights and cityscapes, interesting people and tales.
Yet life experiences can never be bought or negotiated with. Nor will it respond to your expectations, no matter how wild. There can be no trip that promises you anything beyond the itinerary. Look in the fine print.
You see what you see.
But oh, how one's vision differs from the next! Values. Intentions. Prejudices. They reshape the world around you like a spinning kaleidoscope, twisting to your perspective, your inner self.
In that sense, do we ever really change? Or are we simply reliving in a different time and place, the same actors on a different set?
Yet after all these years, I still bear this same foolish hope. The hope that, despite who I am, in spite of who I am, I will be changed. I will be happy, fulfilled. Free. Released in a final catharsis, the proverbial butterfly from the cocoon.
I never believed, only hoped. Who could?
Then I met her.
And I felt something then. Besides the usual fluttering, I mean. I felt a distinct click. Like a puzzle with a missing piece. The most marvelous feeling in the world.
...
What does it mean when we say, this will be a life changing journey?
Why do we travel?
Because we are open. Because we are passionate for life. Because we dream, and we hope.
And because we never know where that missing piece may lie.
Do we expect to be uplifted as a person, to emerge rejuvenated, almost in an instant, automatic process? Do we feel that, out of the mundane everyday set, here is where we can finally direct our life's masterwork? As simple as swiping out a credit card for that ready made package of vivid sights and cityscapes, interesting people and tales.
Yet life experiences can never be bought or negotiated with. Nor will it respond to your expectations, no matter how wild. There can be no trip that promises you anything beyond the itinerary. Look in the fine print.
You see what you see.
But oh, how one's vision differs from the next! Values. Intentions. Prejudices. They reshape the world around you like a spinning kaleidoscope, twisting to your perspective, your inner self.
In that sense, do we ever really change? Or are we simply reliving in a different time and place, the same actors on a different set?
Yet after all these years, I still bear this same foolish hope. The hope that, despite who I am, in spite of who I am, I will be changed. I will be happy, fulfilled. Free. Released in a final catharsis, the proverbial butterfly from the cocoon.
I never believed, only hoped. Who could?
Then I met her.
And I felt something then. Besides the usual fluttering, I mean. I felt a distinct click. Like a puzzle with a missing piece. The most marvelous feeling in the world.
...
What does it mean when we say, this will be a life changing journey?
Why do we travel?
Because we are open. Because we are passionate for life. Because we dream, and we hope.
And because we never know where that missing piece may lie.
