Thoughts, 2 years down the line.

Travelling is supposed to widen the soul, open the eyes and tire your feet; however, after a year of travelling around two continents (South-East Asia and Europe) I felt I was still lacking the knowledge of myself. Most people travel to find themselves as in the mix of the madness of general life it seems an impossible feat. For example,  Henry David Thoreau stated that “it is not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves”.

However, it was not until I returned home did I really begin to understand my self fully. What triggered this epiphany however, was something that I did not expect. I traveled to Worlds End, taught in Sri Lankan schools, I found solace in Buddhist temples, I city hopped throughout Europe and visited the haunted site of Auschwitz; but yet it was another person who helped me explore the person I really am and he doesn’t even know it.

I’ll pull the story back to the beginning of the year, I’ve just finished University and the idea of a ‘real job’ seemed too a) scary and b) out of my reach with no experience. I started working in a bar to fund my big adventure and seemed to loose sight of my intelligence – who I really am; choosing alcohol over books, swearing over politeness and morals that are less than to be desired. However, in my first 3 month trip I learnt a lot about those less fortunate than ourselves and how the simple life seems to make them ten times happier than we are in the Western world. It truly opened my eyes not to myself but to those around me.

I returned to the bar, another 3 months passed and in this time more than 80 people have passed through employment. I’ve met a lot of people, some that have made a lasting impression and others that have not at all. But one thing is common between them, most have little job aspirations. They live in the moment rather than for the future. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that, but without a career goal or travelling dreams what is the point in living in the moment. I say live for the moment and aim towards the future. After all it’s all about the journey not necessarily the goal.

In these three months I met somebody who has become crucial in my search for myself. I couldn’t give him more credit if I tried – but I will. He is a gentleman, polite, has an amazing personality, a good sense of humor and has very strong morals as to what is right and wrong. He is training to become a marine, going through the process of signing up (hard as you may think) he has strong focus and an even stronger will. It was only once I returned did I realize how much he resembles a personality of mine and has qualities that I can only dream of having.

I know what you’re thinking, this is some kind of romance short story but truly it isn’t. I have no romantic feelings towards the guy whatsoever. It is so hard to explain without sounding selfish, but one day I will tell him how much of a influence he’s had on my life I don’t think he will ever truly know.

Involving myself in conversation with him has meant that I remember how it feels to talk about the meaning of life and to discuss world events. He has reminded me often of my pig-headedness as he reminds me that gossiping is pointless and bitchy. He has helped me remember how much respect I have for the armed forces (despite the fact he hates all else apart from the marines) and has encouraged me to follow my dreams, rather than those that other people tell me I should do.

In fact last night his quote to me was one by Will Smith:

“You might have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier than me, you might be all of those things you got it on me in nine categories. But if we get on the treadmill together, there’s two things: You’re getting off first, or I’m going to die. It’s really that simple, right?” – Will Smith

To me it just seems a little ironic. I have caught the wanderlust bug that’s for sure and all my travels have not been wasted in any respects. It’s just such a simple thing, that finding myself was not in a national park in Sri Lanka or on a beach in tranquil Thailand. It was at home, with a friend, somebody whose morals equal mine – I just slipped off the path I was headed in the way for a bar and University lifestyle.

So I’d like to thank you friend and remind all those readers out there that you do not need to travel or to “get out” of your lifestyle, sometimes you just need to open your eyes and ears to those who are standing right beside you.