“I lived on an island last year. “
I find myself saying that a lot when I meet new people. Funny thing is, while I was living in that island and even now, it doesn’t seem that huge. I almost say it nonchalantly. Like, oh yeah, last year I lived on an island. And traveled the world. And rode an elephant. I am not bragging. Honestly, anyone could do it. Sometimes though, when I am talking about it, I step back and realize, “I LIVED ON AN ISLAND LAST YEAR!!” And swam with a shark. And made some amazing friends. And fell in love with Asian food. And cultures. And trying new things. Sometimes I step back and wonder why in the world I ever left my island. As the weather starts to turn cold, I increasingly wonder why I left my little piece of paradise. I don’t always have an answer. Which sometimes scares me. Like maybe I shouldn’t have left. Maybe I should have stayed. Surely I could have toughed it out and taught a second year. Other times, I realize that change is woven into who I am. I am always looking for a new adventure, a new challenge, and a new path. Hence why I could fill 8 pages of a resume with jobs I haven’t held longer then a year. (Perhaps I should work on that..) And why perhaps a year on my island was enough. It was enough to give me the ability to believe in myself. To be confident in who I am. To tackle challenges bigger then myself and to realize that at the end, you cherish the experience more than anything. The journey is more important than the destination.
But as I sit at my desk in southern Indiana, staring at the traffic outside my office window, I realize that sometimes I talk about my island because its more exciting than what I am doing today. I talk it about and live vicariously through what I did last year. Because let’s be honest, living on an island is a little more exciting than answering the phone. However, I don’t live on an island. I moved home in search of a new adventure and while to some my current adventure may not sound as exciting as living on an island, it is a new adventure. And I am determined to live every day of it as such. An adventure. Because most people may tell you southern Indiana is boring. I would argue. I would say location does not determine boredom factor. People determine boredom factor.
I finally read Joel Runyon’s Impossible Manifesto. You should stop reading my post and go read that..but then come back!! See, thing is, life is an adventure and it doesn’t matter where you are. It simply matters if you are going to take today and create adventure. Tackle a fear. Accomplish a goal. Make a new friend. I started swimming. Fear of water kept me out of it for most of my life. Then I decided I wanted to do a triathlon. Which meant I had to get in the water. I took swimming lessons..as a 24-year-old. And once I did one, I didn’t want to stop. So I am swimming. Because I am not going to let a fear of water determine whether or not I ever do a tri again. I also starting saving my money. And supporting causes I care about. And took on a volunteer position at an organization I love. Oh, and did I mention I am starting a master’s degree. I may not be on my little island anymore, but I am not going to let my location determine how adventurous my life is. Nor am I going to let status quo, what other people think, or the fact that I don’t fit into the mold determine the outcome.
Thus, I am starting an Impossible List for 2012.. watch for it as the new year gets closer. Because I may not live on island, but I am not using that as an excuse to live a boring life!
