Three insightful, thought provoking, invigorating words.
Only recently, I was fortunate enough to live the dream and take a 6 week road trip. My 4WD and I crossed the Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania and hit the road.
My friends would ask “where are you going when you land in Melbourne?” They were astounded with my reply “where ever the wind takes me!” I had no plans. I was free. You have no idea how enticing this was to me, how exhilarating to follow my nose and see where I land.
The 6 week journey saw me travel 12,000 kilometres and cross 3 state borders. With the travel came enormous freedom. I felt such an overwhelming sense of tranquillity at being able to switch off, slow down and calm my mind. It was an incredibly insightful experience that I could get used to. It definitely reverberated with me - a life on the road, camping, reunions with friends. It made me happy.
Life should be happy. I choose to LIVE happy. There are lots of things that make me happy, but right up there is TRAVEL. Travel helps me rejuvenate. It brings wonder, enlightenment, growth, stimulation, respect, appreciation, and it is seriously addictive. With it comes bucket-loads of ADVENTURE! Adventure makes me feel alive. It excites me, surprises, gives me perspective, floods me with gratitude, and makes me smile like you wouldn’t believe.
At times in life I felt like I was just existing. Don’t we all at some stage in our lives? The humdrum routine of work and paying a mortgage. I want more than that. Don’t get me wrong, I want my mortgage paid off, but not at the sacrifice of just existing. Life is so much more than that.
We’re all guilty of at times falling into the trap of monotony – the lack of variety and interest in our lives. That’s not how I want to live. That’s not who I am.
I need stimulation. Whether it be by meeting new people, experiencing new places, being challenged or learning new things. I relish new life experiences and love hearing of other’s life experiences.
My adventure in reality is the search for my true north, my purpose in life. Living and travelling the journey is as much a lesson in learning about oneself and acceptance. Acceptance of what was, what is, and what is to come. The experience so far has shown me strengths I hadn’t before knew existed inside of me, let alone appreciated. I’ve learnt that I’m kinda awesome! I actually like myself. And this is reflected in the awesome friends who surround me.
Heads up, people - LIVE your life while you have it. Travel, if you desire to. Seek adventure. After all, life is one big adventure, and it is flippin’ awesome. Enjoy the ride!