Photo by © Brandon Elijah Scott This journal entry was originally published as "A glorious rant about the meaning of life, happiness (and travel)" in February 2013 and March 2012 on my old travel site, Eye & Pen. I've touched this up a bit – I hope you enjoy.
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Life's purpose for humanity wasn't to be bound by the soul-crushing shackles of the corporate world and the 9 to 5 circus of continual dead-end jobs. The vast majority of the population simply chooses to embrace mediocrity, and I can’t seem to fathom why. From my viewpoint, people appear to be engulfed in fear, too frightened to make the alterations to their life that would lead to true contentment and adventure. Either that, or they're too comfortable or complacent or indifferent, or (even) disenchanted to venture off the often-traveled, asphalt-paved highway to the commercially-sponsored dream (AKA the “American Dream”) and to take the time to create their own path.
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Life's purpose for humanity wasn't to be bound by the soul-crushing shackles of the corporate world and the 9 to 5 circus of continual dead-end jobs. The vast majority of the population simply chooses to embrace mediocrity, and I can’t seem to fathom why. From my viewpoint, people appear to be engulfed in fear, too frightened to make the alterations to their life that would lead to true contentment and adventure. Either that, or they're too comfortable or complacent or indifferent, or (even) disenchanted to venture off the often-traveled, asphalt-paved highway to the commercially-sponsored dream (AKA the “American Dream”) and to take the time to create their own path.
For six out of the past ten years, before traveling, I had managed a high-end portrait photography studio, which while blessed and thriving, was also coincidentally absorbing every inch of my vitality. Following my first few years at the studio, I began feeling aged well beyond my years, though I was still young. My happiness evaporated and my feelings began to continuously spiral downward. I felt like I was strapped into a roller-coaster with constant stomach wrenching free falls. I descended to emotional lows that mirrored my insides - parched, disheveled and screaming to be quenched. I yearned for refreshment; for excitement. At one point, I felt only numbness. To a barren desert without sign of oasis, I was one; a desolate land accepting defeat, where happiness was sucked from me and my creativity had gone cold. I was locked into an internal war, feeling as though I was dying and withering away, perhaps violently lashed in a North Korean cell; near Death’s embrace. Okay, maybe that’s too dramatic, but I'm sure you’ve caught on by now.
I worked endless hours; I single-handedly maintained the marketing, photography, sales and management of the accounts of more than 200 clients. Running a new business and mentoring upwards of twenty interns a year took a violent toll on my happiness, as well as my art. A couple years into this despair, I finally began to feel some semblance of direction, following plenty of soul-searching. Fueled by my frantic urge to run away and inspired by my lifelong fascination with traveling the world, I decisively closed up shop and over time, I took the necessary steps to lead my life into a more positive direction.
A myriad of ‘rebels’ like me have cashed in their chips and thrown in the towel, and ran as far and as fast as they could from the ravenous machine of the every day grind. They’ve abruptly stuck it to the Man, left their jobs and pawned every possession in hopes of pursuing a real life with real happiness. It begins when you make the imperative changes needed, to live again and to improve quality of life. If you’ve ever felt purposeless, bleak and stagnant and you want more in your life, you don't need self-help ‘bibles’ or ‘life coach gurus’ to show you the way. The resolution is ultimately right in front of you, and it always has been, and with concise exploration and meditation, you’re the only source of help that you’ll ever need.
This may sound proverbial – the first step to solving your problem is admitting you have one. The good news, however, is the solution can be quite simple from there. Personally, my objective for a life makeover stemmed from a driving need to rediscover my feelings of self-worth and appreciation and belonging. My path had me puzzled until I identified my needs and understood where my longing was coming from for me to gain the courage to escape from the clutches of the predictable, conditioned (boxed-in) world around me. While I knew travel wasn't the only way to reclaim my life, I had a premonition that, deep down, it would single-handedly restore my happiness and perspective. Looking back, I was right and I was wrong. Running away is fine, and necessary for many, but there comes a point in time where you need family and a support group around you, people who bring you happiness.
Traveling abroad to faraway lands where nobody speaks your language and everything seems to be twisted upside down can tremendously alter (and effectively kill) your ego. This is a necessary obstacle to overcome, because it forces your eyes and heart to open to a new understanding of yourself and the world around you. Change can be painful and uncomfortable at times, and although travel isn't always a walk in the park, it can become an enjoyable and life-changing journey, instead of an unknown adventure to fear. Additionally, it is not only the outward travel that rights our path and aids one in the conquering of one’s self; it is the inward, the internal, the act of introspection and the exploration of consciousness.
It blows my mind, and deeply saddens me when I see so many people accept unhappiness for years, decades, by letting themselves go, by settling or choking down the force-fed pill that conditions westerners to accept the shackles of society. If I must beg, then I must beg – please don't settle for soulless jobs, the debt, or let unplanned children and destructive relationships defeat the remaining vestiges of your life. Wherever something's amiss, don't simply accept and tolerate it by letting it bring you down, find a solution and strive to move forward. It will be difficult and others will not agree, but maybe they do not see. Do not hate them, for happiness is impossible without others, and precious intimacy goes blindly by without appreciation and gratitude, so count your blessings; even in the worst of situations.
The primary reason to quest for change through traveling the world is to experience the beauty that comes with expanding your mind, ditching stereotypes and judgmental behaviors and pursuing your own form of perfect imperfection. As the French say, aller au fil de l'eau, meaning 'to drift with the stream,' so just go with the flow. True traveling tears away the precomposed psyche, intrusively humbles the core and instills wisdom. And if you’re lucky, you gain new perspectives and gain worth by virtue of vital experiences in different cultures as well (if you let it happen). Note – When I say 'travel' I don't mean a cruise through the Bahamas or a penthouse vacation on the French riviera - I'm talking about nearly-stranded on a shoestring budget, living and learning the authentic culture while meeting the locals and immersing yourself in their realities, even if just for a moment. And I am referring to opening yourself up by tearing down the walls, the insecurities, so you can meet people and learn new ways, new perspectives, and so you must escape your comfort zone and approach someone, or you might find sitting still and silent while taking in the culture to be a favorite. It’s all good, there’s no right or wrong, or perfect way to expand one’s self.
Like what I have to say? Great. Hate what I have to say? Even better! (Go tell everyone on social media how you feel – be sure to link this post to them!) Because either way, it made you think. Life isn’t about predictable, expected realities. It’s about how you grow; how you change in those moments of true discomfort. Who you are is nurtured by your experiences, the good and the bad, and the choices you make from each and every situation no matter how minuscule or momentous. Last, I want you to ask yourself, “How do I feel about my life? Am I happy? Do I want to work ‘till I’m old and grey? I’m stuck in a standstill, aren’t I? Do I feel like I’m spinning my tires? If so, what do I do? Am I willing to embark on the next adventure that comes my way?”
If not, it’s okay not to want to travel, so long as you’re working to get to the bottom of what keeps you from living a life you’re happy with. Whether you’re experiencing a full-on nervous breakdown, teetering on the edge of a mid-life crisis or having those first twinges of discomfort, let me assure you of something: It’ll all be okay! Take some time to meditate and think – I find meditation to be a great help, especially in a float/sensory deprivation tank, because it offers you a chance to step back, from emotion and from your ego if you let it. With some deep realization, experience and planning, I promise you can begin living your life, the way you want to. Never live a life unlived!
I worked endless hours; I single-handedly maintained the marketing, photography, sales and management of the accounts of more than 200 clients. Running a new business and mentoring upwards of twenty interns a year took a violent toll on my happiness, as well as my art. A couple years into this despair, I finally began to feel some semblance of direction, following plenty of soul-searching. Fueled by my frantic urge to run away and inspired by my lifelong fascination with traveling the world, I decisively closed up shop and over time, I took the necessary steps to lead my life into a more positive direction.
A myriad of ‘rebels’ like me have cashed in their chips and thrown in the towel, and ran as far and as fast as they could from the ravenous machine of the every day grind. They’ve abruptly stuck it to the Man, left their jobs and pawned every possession in hopes of pursuing a real life with real happiness. It begins when you make the imperative changes needed, to live again and to improve quality of life. If you’ve ever felt purposeless, bleak and stagnant and you want more in your life, you don't need self-help ‘bibles’ or ‘life coach gurus’ to show you the way. The resolution is ultimately right in front of you, and it always has been, and with concise exploration and meditation, you’re the only source of help that you’ll ever need.
This may sound proverbial – the first step to solving your problem is admitting you have one. The good news, however, is the solution can be quite simple from there. Personally, my objective for a life makeover stemmed from a driving need to rediscover my feelings of self-worth and appreciation and belonging. My path had me puzzled until I identified my needs and understood where my longing was coming from for me to gain the courage to escape from the clutches of the predictable, conditioned (boxed-in) world around me. While I knew travel wasn't the only way to reclaim my life, I had a premonition that, deep down, it would single-handedly restore my happiness and perspective. Looking back, I was right and I was wrong. Running away is fine, and necessary for many, but there comes a point in time where you need family and a support group around you, people who bring you happiness.
Traveling abroad to faraway lands where nobody speaks your language and everything seems to be twisted upside down can tremendously alter (and effectively kill) your ego. This is a necessary obstacle to overcome, because it forces your eyes and heart to open to a new understanding of yourself and the world around you. Change can be painful and uncomfortable at times, and although travel isn't always a walk in the park, it can become an enjoyable and life-changing journey, instead of an unknown adventure to fear. Additionally, it is not only the outward travel that rights our path and aids one in the conquering of one’s self; it is the inward, the internal, the act of introspection and the exploration of consciousness.
It blows my mind, and deeply saddens me when I see so many people accept unhappiness for years, decades, by letting themselves go, by settling or choking down the force-fed pill that conditions westerners to accept the shackles of society. If I must beg, then I must beg – please don't settle for soulless jobs, the debt, or let unplanned children and destructive relationships defeat the remaining vestiges of your life. Wherever something's amiss, don't simply accept and tolerate it by letting it bring you down, find a solution and strive to move forward. It will be difficult and others will not agree, but maybe they do not see. Do not hate them, for happiness is impossible without others, and precious intimacy goes blindly by without appreciation and gratitude, so count your blessings; even in the worst of situations.
The primary reason to quest for change through traveling the world is to experience the beauty that comes with expanding your mind, ditching stereotypes and judgmental behaviors and pursuing your own form of perfect imperfection. As the French say, aller au fil de l'eau, meaning 'to drift with the stream,' so just go with the flow. True traveling tears away the precomposed psyche, intrusively humbles the core and instills wisdom. And if you’re lucky, you gain new perspectives and gain worth by virtue of vital experiences in different cultures as well (if you let it happen). Note – When I say 'travel' I don't mean a cruise through the Bahamas or a penthouse vacation on the French riviera - I'm talking about nearly-stranded on a shoestring budget, living and learning the authentic culture while meeting the locals and immersing yourself in their realities, even if just for a moment. And I am referring to opening yourself up by tearing down the walls, the insecurities, so you can meet people and learn new ways, new perspectives, and so you must escape your comfort zone and approach someone, or you might find sitting still and silent while taking in the culture to be a favorite. It’s all good, there’s no right or wrong, or perfect way to expand one’s self.
Like what I have to say? Great. Hate what I have to say? Even better! (Go tell everyone on social media how you feel – be sure to link this post to them!) Because either way, it made you think. Life isn’t about predictable, expected realities. It’s about how you grow; how you change in those moments of true discomfort. Who you are is nurtured by your experiences, the good and the bad, and the choices you make from each and every situation no matter how minuscule or momentous. Last, I want you to ask yourself, “How do I feel about my life? Am I happy? Do I want to work ‘till I’m old and grey? I’m stuck in a standstill, aren’t I? Do I feel like I’m spinning my tires? If so, what do I do? Am I willing to embark on the next adventure that comes my way?”
If not, it’s okay not to want to travel, so long as you’re working to get to the bottom of what keeps you from living a life you’re happy with. Whether you’re experiencing a full-on nervous breakdown, teetering on the edge of a mid-life crisis or having those first twinges of discomfort, let me assure you of something: It’ll all be okay! Take some time to meditate and think – I find meditation to be a great help, especially in a float/sensory deprivation tank, because it offers you a chance to step back, from emotion and from your ego if you let it. With some deep realization, experience and planning, I promise you can begin living your life, the way you want to. Never live a life unlived!
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This is the second blog posting I have read of yours, the first one being how you began writing at age 4. I am deeply moved. So much, in fact, that I found myself re-reading sentences because they were so passionately written and appealed so personally to me. I do travel, but do not find the escapism aspect that you did need so much at the time in your life- but I UNDERSTAND. This resonates so deeply in my soul.
I love it. Thank you.
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