Ever have one of those moments where you realize you are at a crossroads and if you take another step further your whole life will never be the same? Those are scary times.
First, a little background as to how I came to this particular moment. After college I followed suit with my fellow graduates and sought employment in my field; only to find the doors slammed shut in my face. After months of failed attempts, I decided to swallow my pride and graciously accepted a position at my previous place of employment.
That job and I had a love/hate relationship for several years. It was a high stress and demanding environment that often times made me feel like pulling out all my hair and run through the streets screaming. However, in the roughly ten-year period I was employed there I gained a wealth of knowledge related to the field, a great work ethic, met and helped some wonderful people and built lasting friendships with many of my coworkers. I am grateful to have had that job and I know that the things I learned will come in handy in the future.
Now to explain how I came to the moment I spoke of. Over the past few years I have often thought about the things that I wished I could do or places I could go. Every time two of my enemies, fear and doubt, crept up and vanquished any ideas that achieving those dreams is possible.
Around my 25th birthday the usual "Oh crap, I'm halfway to 30" and "where did my youth go?" thoughts frequently entered my brain. I know neither of those are the truth, but I am grateful I went through that period because that is exactly what brought me to that moment.
I realized that no matter how many excuses I made, if my life wasn't what I wanted for myself, I was the only one to blame. Next thing I knew I had gave notice at my job and booked a ticket overseas.
My moment was at the airport handing my boarding pass to the airline worker. I knew that no matter what happens, there is no turning back. It is time to take responsibility for my life and start living my dreams. As someone with a history of depression, I have learned the hard way that life is what you make of it.
I sit now watching the sunset over the beautiful city of Tel Aviv. For the first time in my life I have no plans or particular goals save to find out what makes me happy and learn to really live.
This blog will chronicle the ups and downs of my journey and my findings along the way. It will include stories, photos, videos, recommendations for books and restaurants or recipes. My own little guide to bliss; which is why I have entitled it expedition paradise.
Though each person must find what makes him/her happy, it is my hope that this blog will inspire someone else to live their life to the fullest.
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