It has officially been a week in Africa, marking my fourth time on this beautiful continent. I am overjoyed to be here right now. A few years ago, I spent months backpacking East Africa and now I get to venture down West Africa over the next two months. Since my arrival, I have once again immediately been able to immerse myself in the rich quilt of culture and vibrant experiences this incredible continent offers. I flew into the bustling city of Casablanca, where I reconnected with an old childhood friend, Jake Bell.
A couple months back, I had to make the unfortunate call to Jake telling him I couldn’t make his wedding later in the year because I will be on this trip. Fortunately, Jake is a crazy enough guy and good enough friend to be like, “Why not spend a weekend in Africa?” And ending up booking a flight to Morocco for the same day I was arriving here.
Our enduring friendship serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of nurturing connections that transcend time and distance. Friends like Jake remind us to cherish the people who have always been there for us and will continue to support us, no matter how much time has passed between conversations or reunions.
Leaving the city behind, I ventured to the spellbinding city of Fes in Morocco, just a four-hour train ride from Casablanca. Fes welcomed me with open arms, introducing me to a diverse group of individuals from Morocco, Spain, Germany, Mexico, and the United States. My encounters included conversations with locals, hostel workers, fellow backpackers, and even Peace Corps volunteers on a weekend break. Solo travel has an unparalleled ability to break down barriers, creating opportunities for deep, profound conversations with people we might not have connected with otherwise. Through these interactions, I have realized the transformative power of solo travel as a form of therapy and a gateway to broader horizons.
In the coming weeks, I will share more about my enriching experiences in Fes as well as the other Moroccan cities I will be traveling through – offering tips, advice, and insights on the city’s must-see attractions, history, and culture. For now, however, I would like to present the four themes that have not only shaped my travels but also influenced my daily life: Awareness, Adaptability, Appreciation, and Enjoyment. These themes play a significant role in how we approach our passions, careers, hobbies, and goal-setting, ultimately cultivating a more profound and enlightened perspective on life.
Currently, I am writing this blog in the enchanting city of Chefchaouen, a true gem nestled in the heart of Morocco’s Rif Mountains. The city’s maze-like cobblestone streets are awash in a symphony of azure hues, with local vendors lining the alleys, offering a captivating array of traditional wares, from handwoven textiles and vivid ceramics to fragrant spices and delectable street food. Chefchaouen’s warm and friendly locals are quick to share a smile, adding to the town’s magical charm. Every corner of this dreamy destination seems painted in a different shade of blue, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that transports travelers to a world of serenity and wonder.
During my time here, I have had the pleasure of meeting remote workers and travelers from all walks of life, sharing stories and learning about their diverse professions and backgrounds.
Despite spending only a few days in Chefchaouen, it already occupies a special place in my heart. I can easily envision myself spending the next month or even longer, basking in the city’s magical atmosphere and embracing its unique charm.
As menitoned earlier, the main intent of this blog post is to illuminate four foundational concepts that have profoundly shaped my existence: Awareness, Adaptability, Appreciation, and Enjoyment. These principles, which gradually unveiled themselves throughout various chapters and journeys of my life, have become the bedrock upon which I construct my daily experiences. I ardently urge you to incorporate these powerful ideas into the tapestry of your own life, fostering a renewed sense of wonder, gratitude, and joy in your every endeavor. By embracing these ways of thinking, you can cultivate a deeply enriching and fulfilling existence for both yourself and those who share in your story.
I am steadfast in my belief that these themes possess universal applicability, capable of transforming any aspect of your life to which you dedicate your energy and focus. Be it relocating to an unfamiliar city, traversing the globe, embarking on a new career, shifting professional paths, exploring novel hobbies, or daring to take risks – these principles hold the key to unlocking untold potential. These core values have been instrumental in shaping my life’s trajectory, and I wholeheartedly intend to uphold them in perpetuity.
Awareness:
Our world is a magnificent kaleidoscope of people, cultures, languages, and experiences, each contributing to the intricate beauty that defines our shared existence. However, we often find ourselves confined within the narrow boundaries of our own upbringing and immediate environment. Venturing beyond this limited scope and embracing a global perspective can be a daunting endeavor, but doing so allows us to appreciate the diversity of life that stretches across the corners of the Earth, enriching our souls and nurturing our capacity for empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
My journey towards adopting a broader worldview began at the age of 18 when I embarked on an awe-inspiring three-month backpacking trip through the mesmerizing landscapes of South America. As a first-time traveler, the experience of living with families in Bolivia, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, taught me a great deal about the harsh realities of the world. The drastic differences in culture, lifestyle, and financial means compared to my home country made me realize the importance of adopting a more open and aware mindset.
Immersing myself in the rich cultural of Bolivia and Peru, I connected with the local people on a deeper level, learning their language, sharing their homes, and witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity. The contrast between the material poverty and the wealth of love, community, and tradition that I encountered redefined my understanding of happiness and fulfillment, igniting within me a lifelong passion for expanding my global awareness and fostering a deeper connection to the world around me. The warmth and hospitality of the Bolivians and Peruvians, who welcomed me with open arms, cooked for me, and took care of me when I was sick,I mean really sick; within my first month there, I had contracted typhoid fever, Giardia, and had a root canal that took five weeks to finish without any anesthesia. And their care allowed me to appreciate humanity in a whole new light.
Breaking free from the confines of our immediate environment and embracing a global perspective is an invaluable endeavor that not only enriches our lives but also cultivates empathy, understanding, and acceptance. My backpacking adventure through South America was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity and the interconnectedness of our shared human experience. It reinforced the importance of awareness, both of the world around us and of our own thoughts and actions, enabling personal growth and fostering a deeper connection with others. As we venture beyond our familiar surroundings and immerse ourselves in the diverse tapestry of life that spans the globe, we unlock our potential to become more compassionate, enlightened, and engaged in this incredibly diverse world.
Adaptability:
Life is a perpetual dance of change and uncertainty. Our capacity to adapt to its myriad transformations is the quintessential skill required to sail the stormy seas of our existence. I refined this skill during a pivotal chapter in my life, when I traded the bustling metropolis of Chicago for the idyllic tranquility of Wangnamyen, Thailand, near the Cambodian border. There, I taught English, Science, Math, and Art, embracing a world that was as foreign to me as the distant stars in the night sky.
My new home was a far cry from everything I had known, with its distinct culture, traditions, religion, and landscapes. Initially, I felt like a fish out of water, pondering, “What have I gotten myself into?” Yet, as I immersed myself in the community, I came to appreciate that the people had thrived in this environment long before I arrived. I realized that neither my lifestyle nor theirs was inherently superior; we had each adapted to the world that cradled us. Embracing our innate adaptability is essential to our growth and evolution. My sojourn in Thailand transformed me into a more resilient, inventive, and inspired individual, capable of finding comfort in the discomfort and cultivating patience and understanding.
Thrust into a rural town, surrounded by strangers, unfamiliar language, and exotic cuisine, I was compelled to explore the unfamiliar and embrace other ways of life through curiosity and empathy. Although my role was to educate, my time in Thailand taught me the art of adaptability.
In the gentle embrace of Wangnamyen, I unearthed the true essence of adaptability, learning to cherish the unique experiences it offered – from resourceful bathing methods and safeguarding my shoes against scorpions to relishing the rich local flavors. This priceless lesson in adaptability has imbued my life with courage, enabling me to seize new opportunities, forge meaningful connections, and gracefully surmount challenges. And so, I stand tall, an ever-adapting individual, ready to embrace the boundless possibilities that life has to offer.
Appreciation:
Appreciation and gratitude, inextricably intertwined, serve as a beacon that guides us to focus on the abundant blessings that fill our lives, rather than dwelling on life’s trivialities. By taking a step back and reflecting on the fundamental aspects of our existence that we often take for granted – our health, our senses, our basic needs, and our support systems – we can cultivate a profound sense of appreciation and gratitude for the gift of life itself. This mindset, nurtured by awe-inspiring experiences such as my journey through Nepal and India, can empower us to lead richer, more fulfilling lives, and ultimately inspire us to share this gratitude with others, creating a ripple effect of love and appreciation across the world.
A moment of profound appreciation, forever etched in my memory, occurred in rickshaw as it meandered through the captivating mountain valley of Pushkar, India. Sharing a cigarette with a local friend from the hostel, I was struck by the awe-inspiring panorama unfolding before me and the sheer wonder of the present moment. This seemingly simple interlude served as a vivid reminder of the transformative power of appreciation and gratitude in our lives, inspiring a deeper connection to the world around us.
Following my visit to India, I embarked on a 21-day trekking odyssey through the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. My companion on this journey was a 19-year-old local Nepali with only a basic grasp of English. As a result, I found myself immersed in solitude, left to contemplate the world around me. As I metaphorically paused and took a step back, while literally traversing the rugged terrain, I began to truly appreciate the beauty and resilience of our planet. The majestic mountains of the Himalayas, the piercing blue sky, and the unwavering spirit of the local Nepalese people etched themselves into my heart and mind.
I marveled at the resilience of the Sherpas, who carried out their grueling tasks with unwavering determination, despite the devastating earthquake that had ravaged their homeland just a few years prior. This deepened my gratitude for the boundless beauty of nature, the strength of the human spirit, and the blessings of a healthy body and mind.
Enjoyment:
The invigorating leap into a year-long working holiday in Australia stands as a shining testament to the transformative power of embracing enjoyment in one’s life. At the age of 25, armed with nothing more than a backpack, an insatiable sense of wanderlust, and a year-long visa, I ventured into the unknown, determined to seize this rare and precious opportunity, and moved to Melbourne, Australia.
I lived in a hostel for the first 6 months, making lifelong friends with people from all around the world who had also made that fearless jump. I found work and fortunately found success in the challenging world of door-to-door sales of gas and electricity. Concurrently, I marveled at the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes, forged unbreakable bonds with coworkers, locals, and other travelers from around the globe. I journeyed to Bali three times, traveled to Egypt, and created countless memories within Australia itself—filled with big nights out, happy hours, Australian hikes, and a treasure trove of good times.
Throughout that year, I consciously committed to savoring every moment, acutely aware of the fleeting nature of my time in this wondrous land. I eagerly seized each opportunity for adventure, growth, and connection, placing joy at the forefront of my priorities and cherishing every experience, no matter how seemingly trivial or inconsequential.
I believe those days of genuine enjoyment and open-mindedness set me on a path of unyielding fulfillment in all of my pursuits. Without that year, I doubt I would have launched my sales career, which demands resilience in the face of daily rejection at the doorstep. Trust me, trying to sell gas and electricity in rural Victoria outside of Melbourne was a challenge like no other—one that acquainted me with every Australian curse word in the books. After my visa ended, I was able to go to Nepal, which ignited my passion for trekking and led me to conquer the most ambitious hike I had ever attempted at that point.
Although at 25, my income paled in comparison to my peers back in the United States, I hold no regrets about my decision to embark on this life-altering journey. With meager material wealth, I uncovered the truth that a life devoid of joy is a life scarcely worth living. To this day, reminiscing about those unforgettable experiences brings a beaming smile to my face.
As I reflect on that remarkable chapter of my life, I am filled with immense gratitude for the indelible memories, the invaluable personal growth, and the extraordinary friendships that have woven themselves into the fabric of my soul. While visas may expire, the lessons I learned about the paramount importance of joy continue to inspire me in my pursuit of a life overflowing with passion, adventure, and and thirst for new and exhilarating experiences.
With that said, Africa has treated my kindly and with open arms so far, filled with a differing cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and heartwarming connections. As I reflect on my time spent on this enchanting continent, I realize the immense impact of – Awareness, Adaptability, Appreciation, and Enjoyment.
I encourage you to delve deeper into these themes and apply them to every aspect of your life. By doing so, you will unlock a treasure trove of rich experiences, deeper connections, and a heightened understanding of our diverse world. By cultivating Awareness, you will expand your horizons and become an empathetic, informed global citizen. Embracing Adaptability empowers you to navigate life’s ever-changing landscapes with resilience and poise. Fostering Appreciation instills gratitude and allows you to cherish life’s precious moments. And, finally, prioritizing Enjoyment emboldens you to fully embrace life’s adventures, creating lasting memories that will resonate within your soul.
By opening your heart and mind to new experiences, you will connect with others on a deeper level, forging bonds that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
So, dare to take that leap, step outside your comfort zone, and let the world be your playground as you paint the masterpiece of your own incredible journey. Embrace the unknown with open arms, knowing that the riches of life lie in the interconnection of our shared experiences. In the end, you will find that the pursuit of a more profound, enlightened perspective on life is an adventure in itself – one that brings unparalleled rewards and indelible memories that will forever shape your personal story.
