It's My Life

When I was in my early 20s, I had some pretty amazing friends and moments in Chicago. After all the fancy VIP experiences, Las Vegas trips, the boats, the hot spots to be-the beauty truly lies in some of the simplest moments at a local bowling alley where our music came from the juke box. 

Often our friend would play a specific song because his name was in it and it was tradition to play this song at least once a night.

These specific moments with that juke box and that one song I hope to always remember. What stands out is our connection and passion with one song.  When this song came on we joined close together-locking our arms together and standing in a circle. We would sing like we knew this was true.  This was how we were suppose to live.  The chorus was something we shouted out in each other's faces and we meant it... We meant it.

It's my Life

It's now or never

I'm not gonna live forever

I just want to live while I'm alive

Cuz It's...my...life

-Bon Jovi-

In Roatan, this song was played by a local who just happens to love Bon Jovi. 

Let's Talk About Life

When it comes to my new found American friend, she stayed in the hostel a few years back and it was under different ownership, which usually can change everything.  It was not her fault for the lack of cleanliness. After all, it did have a beautiful rooftop with nice hammocks to escape to and stare at the stars.We had some good laughs about it and I had some good cries about taking a shower;)

When it came to meeting her, it was interesting how she was placed in my life at the beginning of my trip to set the tone.  She set the tone for confirmation. A confirmation that is okay to not live the socially constructed life rather to think and be beyond what you are supposed to do.  You can live and take any path you choose and the outcome of that path should be happiness and living off your gifts.  

While D did not hold any strong religious beliefs.  We seemed to have a good amount in common with our beliefs in life.  I discussed my belief with her in exploring your true self and finding your passion or calling and going with it. Even if this passion does not produce materialism, it does not mean you should abandon it or make yourself suffer with something you don't enjoy.  D was a Special Needs teacher for many years until she finally retired and decided to live in Guatemala. She bought a 3 bedroom house on Lake Atitlan for $250 a month-very possible when living abroad.

While she did work a full-time job until her retirement, her outlook was never the same as others. She believed in living simply and happily by making sure her basic needs of food, shelter, and basic needs were met. While her daughter was all of big real estate living and designers-she was more interested in saving up some extra money to visit a new place.  It truly is special when you meet people traveling who give you a sense of hope, determination, and content. What truly resonated with me was when she said, “It’s about how far you can afford to fall.” You can take risks in life, but you measure how fall you can afford to fall. You are not careless and reckless rather you know what you need and what you want.  You are not prioritizing superficial things over what is ultimately important. 

It is truly special when you meet these people traveling who give you an extra rev to your travel engine.  It was already ready to go, but they just made the sound of the engine a bit louder.  It's ready to race off into the travel world.  How far will it run til it runs out of gas? Do passionate travelers like D and myself ever run out of gas? Even if we're tired, we do have a reserve tank that we can rely on.  

We love traveling, but we also love living a life that does not rely on materialism rather it involves real communication and everyday learning from others in the pursuit of ultimate happiness. PRIS  

“For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ASV