Wondering and Wandering I graduated. Now what? Do I live the life I never wanted to live? The one where I move to the city, get a job in a corporate cubicle, and slave away 60 hours a week for $40,000 a year? No thanks. How about 5 years down the road when I settle on a girl I don't truly love, buy the car I don't need, have the marriage that won't last, buy the home I can't afford? No thanks. I want to see things, I want to experience life in every way. This is the only life I've got, I might as well make the most of it and do something I won't foget. So here I am, travelling the world one step at a time. Where I'm going is yet to be decided, how long I'm there is up in the air, but one thing's for sure. Whatever I do, where ever I go, I'm going to be living. You can count on that.

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GERMANY | Saturday, 7 July 2007 | Views [1198] | Comments [7]

So it seems that things are constantly changing, I guess that's life. I'm having difficulty at the moment (again) deciding which direction my life is going to go (again). I've realized that there are two very distinct halves of me. One half says "Go home, get a job, then travel, live where youve always wanted to live; Colorado, Seattle, Oregon, Canada. Find a job where you will be happy, find a nice woman who will love you and take care of you, live easy". The other half says "Live life to it's fullest, experience everything you can, roll with the punches, let life happen and be free, make life difficult so you an truly enjoy the times when its easy". The first part, the easy road part of me says go to South Korea, make some money and then travel. The adventerous side of me says that I've got one life, one chance to make a difference in this world and that I should join Colby and Jen in South Africa. At this very moment, I want to go home after India, work my ass off for 7 months and go to Africa in September. To me this is what life is about, freedom to make crazy decisions, and then change them when ever you want. I say that's what life's about, but life's really about being happy and doing what makes you happy, as long as it doesn't interfere with the happiness of others. You don't have to make them happy, but let them live their lives. I am still struggling with who I am, what I want out of life, were I want to end up, what I'm good at, what I'm passionate about. I am starting to get an idea but it sure is taking it's time to develop. I want to thank everyone who reads this for their continued support, if it wasn't for your comments, advice, words of wisdom, and wisecracks, I don't think I would have the strength to keep on keepin on. Love you all.

Tags: Philosophy of travel

Comments

1

i like option b.. as thats what i want to do once i get my masters (that way after my whirlwind tour of the world and making a difference) i can come back and still be able to land a job with relative ease.. i think youre living a great dream.. and i definitely envy you and wish i had the balls to do it like you are

JC Jul 8, 2007 4:00 AM

2

Ummm, let me see, you are 23, so I guess you have a few years yet. If you feel that going to Africa is the right thing to do, let your heart be your guide. It seldom fails. No, it is not the most responsible thing if you are thinking in terms of a career path. However this is your time to do what you feel is right for you. You are not committed to anyone or anything so if you can do it know that this may well be your only chance.
I really want to see you every day, you realize that right? What I am saying is, it is not my or anyone else's place to say"hey kid" it time to settle down and get a REAL job. Alex, do what you feel is right.Love.GM

Grandmother Jul 8, 2007 4:13 AM

3

Hey Son,
Do what is best for you and do what makes you happy in your career choice. But take it from someone who knows (not me of course), you can always change that too. Have fun and hope to see you sometimes in the NEAR future.
Love and Prayers,
Dad

Dad Jul 9, 2007 3:00 AM

4

I know you could make a real difference in Africa, in South Korea as well, and Hey, as a matter of fact, in Colorado, Seattle, Oregon, AND Canada. Weigh your options carefully, but remember that you can really only plan something to a certain point. Don't overdo your thinking, actions will always speak louder. Live.
Love you.

Jessica Jul 9, 2007 3:46 AM

5

Be effective no matter where you are.
“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” Buddha
XO,
Mom

Diana Jul 9, 2007 10:12 AM

6

Sashenika!!!! (It's a Russian way of saying your name Alex in a very sweet way), hihi!

Come home and I’ll come for a visit! Man, i need a guide in Texas and i know you'll be the best one :-))

It's a funny thing. I started to plan my "way back to Europe" and I’m suddenly falling in love all over again with San Francisco. I look at the view of the city and i have this sad feeling of me leaving a place that I can now call home :-) Never thought this would happen…

If only I could find a way to work for 6 month and to travel for another...so far it's sounds perfect, no? :-)))

Be good and safe! As always, baci and abbracci, bello!

-Katja

Katja Smirnov Jul 13, 2007 3:30 AM

7

i will try to give you advice and not be bias. of course, i want you to come to africa - but take it from me..it is more important to follow your heart. go for a walk - strip away all preconceived notions about all the places you mentioned...don't think about why you should do something or why not....simply have a scrolling marquee in your head of locations you could possibly see yourself going to...and which one lights up the brightest. that may sound completely ridiculous - but humor me, and you will have your answer. love ya.

msjensmith12 Jul 22, 2007 3:21 PM