Mexico, Day 1
Day 1 of my adventure.
Today March 1st, 2023 is the first day of my life I am spending in a different country without my people around me. It is the first time I am away from home for an extended period of time, and the first time I am going off on my own adventure, looking to see what I can learn and looking to see where I can contribute in the world. Living in one state for all of my life, I can only learn so much. While I believe there is a ton to learn in one place, sometimes putting yourself in a new location is very important to continue growing. It is important developmentally because it gives you a chance to see how a different part of the world operates. There are new, unique perspectives which can help shape your own, that can change your experience throughout life in various ways.
As the date of my departure came closer and closer, it became more real to me that I would be leaving, and the people around me began to ask more questions about the experience as well. People wanted to know where I was going, what sort of plans I had, and why I was doing it. I liked to explain pretty much that I was going to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, for a few months to experience a bit of the world on my own. Many people asked about crime and mentioned danger or that they would never be able to do something like that on their own. Mostly people were also very positive and encouraging so I don't want to paint the image skewed. But for a short while, I wondered about these peoples worries, and considered if there was more risk than I had previously thought about. But as I considered this, I decided that there really is danger everywhere, and there really are great experiences most places. I could always have come up with a reason for not following through with my trip, and that would have been okay.
Bottom line, I did not cancel, and I am extremely thankful for that. I already feel that I have gained a lot from this trip and would be content to fly home tomorrow if I truly had to. Leaving all of the people I loved for an extended period of time, I got to see just how many people I love, and how many people love me. I spent a fairly busy final week, meeting up with various friends as well as family, and appreciating my last chunk of time with them for a good while. It gave me a new appreciation for all of the people who I have interacted with in my life, and encouraged me to continue to treat people how I have. I feel that the people around me truly care about me and appreciate me, and enjoy being in my presence. This feeling is beautiful and I am just so thankful for the people I have surrounded myself with over the years. I can’t help but feel very excited to continue to make new connections and have meaningful interactions with them, and help others where I am able. If you are one of those people reading this, I appreciate you beyond words, and hope that you all genuinely know that.
I land at my final destination in around 4 hours, and it will be time for me to explore the world as my playground, and as my equal, to care for and appreciate and love. Thank you. :)