An inquiry from a new friend made me think about my current lifestyle, designed around adventure. The urge to explore is the restless baggage I carry, churning like a propeller within my soul. Internal turbulence is sometimes a curse, because I desire contentment in the present; my present. When life feels stagnant, as if in a ground stop, I feel like a duct taped box soaked in Caribbean rum, circling an empty carousel.
My personal mission statement could read; “Explore the earth, play often, and share your smile around the world.” With three flexible gigs, and a few buffer hours for the occasional hiccup, I create vacations often. Working in the airline industry, I can book any standby flight I wish. Simply thinking of the possibilities builds anticipatory excitement in my heart, expanding like an air hose, waiting to lift into an International sky.
In transit, I view terminal monitors and book desired segments on my cell, as I walk to the next gate taking in a slice of local flavor. I touch down in new cities for fun, the sky is the limit on various carriers, an open seat hopefully a jet-way away. I see license plates and interpret letters as city codes. I research flight routes, carriers and connecting cities. I enjoy road-trips and train rides. I check the work PC for dots of opportunity on open seat maps. I price International taxes and check flight loads, often. I slumber in terminals, my Burton sleeper hoodie provides naps, when a seat shy. I love naps and I love maps. I study topography, flight distance, world clocks and currency converters. I respect weather, and notice seasonal comparisons across the globe. I experience life, over fretting about retirement. Soaring at 37, I feel at peace with my decision to not have children, or follow a “normal” journey. I lay societal and selfish guilt upon the tarmac, and accept my unique flight path.
Traveling, I coordinate seeing friends or family within the same vicinity, connecting visits like adhesive on a bag tag. I feel blessed life affords such opportunity to stay connected, tangibly, face to face, with those in my life. I scoop precious moments into jars, and save them for tricky days.
I appreciate languages and study cultural tips. I read Link TV, online, for unbiased worldly news, watch travel documentaries and dream, a lot. I utilize directional skills over a GPS, and prepare for adventure, not corporate presentations. I extend travel boundaries beyond my comfort zone. I sample seasonal fare, and drink local bevvies. I have rested my head in hostels, and showered in the rain. My adventure spark acts like a tow bar tugging me toward exploration. My Grams words echo in my heart, to take advantage of every opportunity.
Traveling is priceless.
My substantial 401(k) is my sister, but she has yet to sign. I don’t worry about my future, or the what ifs. I strive to live mindfully, appreciating each day. I have seen people lose their life’s work, or earnings overnight from failed stocks, or broken relationships. Tomorrow is completely uncertain. So is 2 p.m. today, so I follow my dreams. I treasure experiences, which is my investment.
My apartment fits my skis and oars, and is not a mortgage hovering overhead, extending landing gear on fun, or brakes on flexibility. Nothing with a root or pulse relies on me. My passport, journal, camera, and bathing suit are always ready. I do not care what others think anymore. Everyday is varied, allowing room for treasures and surprise.
This is my life.
When traveling solo, I hold conversations with locals I just wouldn’t, if shopping with tourists. I learn as I explore, and smile, leaving the unlimited gift I can give. I look into diversified cultures, and souls for a clearer understanding of our differences. It blows my mind how different, yet similar we all truly are.
I love writing, even if just a blog myself and my mom reads. My soul ignites like jet-fuel when I blog, emitting a creative spark until wee hours of the morning. It’s magnificent. It’s the journey, the process, the random sentences that come to mind, halting me in a grocery line, to type, two fingers at a time, on my portable mobile. Creative ideas don’t have to wait for the quill pen to cooperate. My fingers plunk with adrenaline, as my soul seeps out upon this medium, in moments of expression.
I have endured a few turbulent flights in this life, but can proudly say I am happy with my choices, and my journey. Life should be about being true to our souls, while treating others respectfully. I hope to inspire others to follow dreams, without ballast holding you down, without worry what others think, for this is your life, your time, your passion, your one road trip, no matter the direction.
You got this!
We each get a life story of unknown length. It is the life in our pages, and the memories attached to our ticket stubs that matter most…
Bean's Dream 