My skin shed the role of predictable, common essence of morality, and I became an energy of spontaneity. I stood, feet planted firmly in the redstone creation beneath me, I closed my eyes and was awoken. My conscious beat on heavily with every gaze swept across my new plane of unfamiliar territory. Traveling is a blessing they say, and it really is. You’re in a completely unknown environment, speculating change, developing senses, you as a whole, are personally growing. As humans, we search for the stories we haven’t yet experienced in places we haven’t yet seen. Growing up, I experienced the city and suburban life in Chicago.
My daily routines masked my eyes to a virtually unknown world. Day by day we go to the same job, same school, have the same workout routine, have that one friday night bar we “love” going to just because its all we know. I’ve been waiting all my life for an opportunity, an opportunity to embellish this world I live in, to leave my mark and be remembered for it. I always wanted to make my life a work of art.
When I was fifteen years old I found myself in the heart of Los Angeles for a conventional business meeting my parents dragged me to. Being the curious child I was- and still am today- I wandered off in the vast city of unusual faces and sunshine. Oh the sunshine, it peaked through every sliver of space, waiting to be seen through the cold metal buildings. I found the slight crescents of light so magical, they lit up my soul. They empowered me.
With every step I took on the crowded streets I noticed change. I noticed beauty. I noticed beauty in the slightest observances of not only nature but people. There were performers, business women and men, young resonating teenagers, the homeless, and me. I looked not through these people, but within them; I found a precious jewel of life hidden beneath the radical appearances and stereotypes. I was empowered. I remember being in a complete trance of mysticism. Towards the end of my city prowl, I journeyed my way to the sandy shore and felt a mist of cool and renewing salty air.
The sun was a half fading moon adjusting its subtle glow by the minute. I stood, feet planted firmly in the redstone creation beneath me, I closed my eyes and was awoken. I felt my body overlooking a spectacle much greater than a vast body of water, I was overlooking what I hoped would be an invincible future. I was brave, and I was strong. I knew I wanted to travel the world from the minute I stepped foot from the reach of authority. I knew I wanted to explore the community strengths and weaknesses of every individual. I wanted to be enlightened. Yes, my parents did almost have a heart attack when being informed of my wanderings, but I don’t think I ever came back the same from that trip. I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone.
I encourage everyone to be brave and simply take another look. We are young, and we are alive. Reveal yourself to a world that is waiting to open itself up to you. I find beauty in every aspect of life, I am one in the world of millions to offer. I am empowered, spontaneous, and free to experience everything this life has to offer. Take that leap of faith, I promise its worth it.
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