“Today, almost everyone I know is gathering with loved ones to celebrate being surrounded by one another and ‘give thanks’.
Meanwhile, I am across an ocean, celebrating two full months of traveling ~alone.~
Thankful for a million and one people + things today (and every day), but right now, I would like to acknowledge two MVPs who have been with me throughout this entire journey so far:
1) My body, which has carried me (and the two backpacks that currently make up my entire life) between 13 hostels, in 10 different cities, across 5 countries. Legs that have enabled me to walk an average of 12k+ steps each day; eyes that have allowed me to take in some of the most spectacular sunsets, architecture, and fall foliage that I’ve ever experienced; and ears that have captured such interesting and heartwarming stories, laughter, and music.
In the past 2 months, I’ve unintentionally overworked and undernourished my body, catching more than one “hostel cough” (😬) and utterly burning myself out… but my body never stops working to keep me alive, and to heal. ❤️
2) My mind, which has endured immense frustration, confusion, loneliness, anxiety, disappointment, and basically every other emotion I can think of. It’s weird to talk about my own ‘mind’ as a separate entity — especially in a positive light. I frequently get mad at my mind for entertaining negative thoughts, and I sometimes resent my mind when it wastes energy on those emotions listed above. But when it comes down to it, my mind is also the place where I get to experience all of the good — the breathtaking sunsets and the delightful violin music and the heart-fluttering moments of joy — and it’s what holds my courage, motivation, persistence, creativity, memories, and my entire personality. (It’s where I came up with this passage that I’m writing, after all!)
So, even though we’ve put each other through hell, thank you to my body and my mind for being present with me on this journey, and for doing their best to be strong and resilient, always.”
Written November 25th, 2021
