WANDERLUST

No person is aware of who we are deep down, or the reason that we are there in the first place. However, we find comfort in knowing that we will discover joy by simply existing in that very moment. We are given the opportunity to experience novelty in an environment exhibiting the true essence of a long-lived culture. And those who have resided there, perhaps even for generations, find delight in sharing the beauty of their lifestyle to cultivate a sense of connection with one another.

New environments provide us a fresh perspective in which we are able to perceive ourselves, independent of where we are from or even the people and things that we choose to associate ourselves with. It shows us who we are deep down to our core—the beliefs that we hold and act in line with, the thoughts we have when we are observing our environment, and even the interactions that we have with others that provide us a glimpse of their story altogether.

When we become aware that we are living in such moments, time feels as though it is slowing down. In these moments, we realize where we place the most importance, whether it be the experiences that helped shape us to become who we are today, the values we follow that align with our hearts, or even the people who helped show us a perspective that makes our life worth living. It shows us how much we have grown, and to find awareness in such times helps us reflect on what we could do to further improve the life that we have.

It gives us hope in a chapter that awaits us, and the first steps we take must lie outside of the comfort zone that we have grown accustomed to.

What each place has in common is that it shows how simple we are as humans. We come to realize that every person has their own story, encompassing their own strengths, vulnerabilities, as well as dreams. And each one of us makes our way through this world, despite the circumstances we were placed in. It places a unique importance on a community that comes together to share the joys of what comes in each day, knowing that there will be more to conquer henceforth.

When we travel to a new place, we underestimate the impact that it will place on us. Because when we finally return to where we came from, everything feels different.

It changes us—and suddenly, life feels more real than it had before.

We find ourselves overjoyed to share the collection of experiences we endured while we were away with our loved ones. The daily routine we found ourselves acquainted with develops a shift in which we follow with more intention than we had before. And in moments of solitude with ourselves, we are given the opportunity to reflect more thoughtfully on the person that we have become.

I think no matter how far you go, you still find pieces of yourself in every little thing around you. No matter how far you go, you come to realize that it is yourself that makes such places so captivating to explore. Because at the end of the day, it is the perspective we offer that helps us experience this world more authentically.

And how beautiful is it to leave behind a piece of your heart in a place where you once walked through and will cherish in the years to come.