“The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
We dream of meeting people, going places and doing things that help us build the kind of self we wish to embody. We plan for it. We set dates and deadlines. We talk about our ambitions out of childlike excitement and in hopes of laying out a ‘welcome’ mat for its arrival. And as we do this, we create a more definitive picture of what it is we want.
We often don’t get what we want. But I have learned to look deeper and chosen to see how I did get what I asked for, and you can too…
One year ago I had my mind set on embarking on a North American backpacking adventure to explore my soul through unpredictable interactions with fresh people and places whilst facing character building challenges. The landscape chosen purely for its link to my identity and the forever inspiring figure of Christopher Johnson McCandless (Alexander Supertramp). I had made a small venture in his name six months prior in the land of Oz. Backpacking from summer to fall of 2009 in Australia I felt the raw beauty of this sort of self discovery. It is addictive.
So as I waited tables in effort to save some coin for the road, I met someone. My plans for this voyage blended with the backdrop of this unexpected, untimely love that had enticed my appetite warmly and I followed without need of more information. I entered a new world with interesting faces and alluring spaces. I even signed some papers and got my own. I made myself a place that had never before existed for me. There I was owning a shower curtain, coffee table, shoe rack and plates. This closet hippie painted walls around her new closet, thrilled with her brave leap into sage coloured domestication.
Things started to change again. The little house stacked on top of a stranger’s felt the pang of discontent. And the motive for the move left with him. She dangled her feet from her young bed, feeling tricked into these dimensions. One year older and one year spent for no purpose?
That is where I saw it wrong. In truth, that was the year I was looking to spend. The risk I took with him modelled my approach to travel; I soak up the rarity of the experience. I don’t test the waters, I cannonball right in!
There are numerous unforgettable people I came to meet, places I had trodden and exhilarating things I had done because of this relationship’s pursuit. In retrospect, the challenges it brought forced me to rise to an entirely new demand; undoubtedly I grew. It led me to create a self that was self-analytical, and reflective. This journey alone would have only allowed me to ignore the work due within as I could gallivant onwards through escapism. Though between us, each complication and frustration was a moment when I was forced to know myself a little better. Each day, another chance to give her voice. And by the day’s end, she realized she is right where she is supposed to be; on her map too. Now breathing in a greater breathe of conviction from the travels she made with her heart, body and mind.
His name is the adventure. The name I just now learned.
You can find this peace and appreciation for your ‘detours’ from a track too narrow to see clear. Your emotions lead you into situations where they can be expressed. ‘Things’ don’t define where you are, it is your heart and your mind. So if ever you have felt regret, I dare you to look deeper.
giselleandbeyond 
It is so refreshing to see you write….and I must say, IT’S DAMN GOOD!
I don’t have anything specific to add to the piece above as seem to be in control of what lies behind you and you are willing to accept the unpredictable and mysterious adventures to come.
Keep it up – Mike
Thanks so much Mike,
You were among the first people to suggest I start doing this. Thanks for all the support and encouragement! You’re a real good friend 🙂