Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Times are a changin'...


Over the past several years, just the idea of settling seemed odd to me. Often, people would ask me if traveling ever got ‘old’ and if I ever desired a permanent residency. My response was always the same… ‘No way! Traveling is far too much fun!’ Yet, I am approaching a crossroad in my life... do I continue down the path I am on or take a break for a while? (Just stay put, in other words).

Nevertheless, I am flying to Guatemala early next week, my itinerary is quite full, but I am very excited to visit the following places: Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal (Flores), and then continuing North to Mexico. I hope to visit: Chichen Itza, Palenque, Cristobal de Las Casas, Oaxaca, Mazunte (Agama Yoga) and Toluca. I am going to fly to Texas from Mexico on the 17th of October, then spend a few days in Austin, then Houston, then New Orleans and lastly, Jackson, MS. And then this is it for a while. This is my final journey for the year.
I am ready to be settled. And what better place to do that then Boulder, Colorado. My hopes are to be all moved in by my 27th birthday. I never thought I would say this, but I am ready to have my own apartment with my own kitchen that I can paint teal green and prepare meals in. I am ready to have my own bathroom and living room filled with potted plants and lots of natural light. I am ready to collect kitchen appliances, furniture and make new friends in a new location. I am ready to dedicate myself to a job, my art and music and to really be part of a community. I am ready for my own address and more responsibility.

Numerous other things have been coming to the front of my mind, things I have been questioning for a while. [My apologizes in advance for the sporadic nature of the list below with brief description. But it helps to formulate lists in order to get my head straight]. On the forefront:

1) Career choices: I love being a barista, I love teaching yoga, I like making art, that is what I will continue doing till further notice. 2) The United States is not that bad. 3) I never want to own a car-- I love riding my bike. (for multiple reasons) 4) It is ok to have an alcoholic beverage with friends occasionally (it’s all about moderation). 5) Just because I am settling doesn’t mean I will never travel again—I still have a list of countries/places I want to visit before I die. 6) Continue to boycott corporations. 7) Although I like big, baggy boy clothing—I also really love being girlie. I love dressing up, wearing accessories, painting my nails, wearing makeup, and glitter—I love glitter. And all of that is ok. 8) I don’t like shaving, so why do I shave? CONDITIONING. Break the chains. 9) Don’t obsess about meditation & spirituality, don’t be overly hard on yourself, just continue to stay mindful, present and positive. 10) Continue to learn something new daily—for instance, teach yourself the banjo (since you have wanted to learn for years and years). Yah, it’s time!

There is something special about turning age twenty-seven that just triggered a new desire to be settled. Hmm, this is going to be just as much an adventure as all my other journeys have been. I am looking forward to the next several months of life.

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