Bon Voyage
Waking up at home, after a near restless night of short sleep, to a slight drizzle and slight breeze, my hopes for a nice sunny departure were dashed . . . but those hopes were trivial in comparison to what is soon to become a great adventure. After the final hours of packing, re-packing, checking paperwork, and finishing work, I’m finally leaving. Finally! After so much anticipation and anxiety I am starting the first leg of my journey. I know it shows my departure as Sunday from New York, but I realized this journey starts the moment I leave home with my pack over my shoulder. I left home in classic American style, road-tripping to New York City. With the help of my parents, and friends in Cleveland I covered 735 miles from Ekhart, IN to New York City with a farewell to my family in Cleveland. I’ve become so accustomed to the trip between home and Cleveland that the fields of corn and soybeans . . . and corn and soybeans provoke thoughts instead of providing scenery. I recollected on the advice I’ve been given not just in the past couple of weeks, but throughout my life. I find a couple things that stand out:
1) “Be prepared” There is no way I can bring every item I need with me, but the preparedness is something I carry from personal experience and the ability to use what I have at hand in the moment
2) “Everyday is a great day” It may not be a great day for me everyday, but every single day is great, you can’t get too downtrodden, and must think of better thoughts.
3) “Remember to Smile” It seems to be a good indication of you having fun, and at the very least helpful in easing tense situations.
For those who were wondering, my pack weighs 39 lbs without food or water. I’m hoping that will be light enough to keep up with me!
I want to thank all of you for your support over the past months, and hope you stay in touch!
Cheers!
My family!
